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Summary: Insight into the Lift of Jesus Christ
Review: I first heard about this book in a television book review. It intrigued me so I ordered it. I was just beginning Bible study and having trouble understanding. This book opened up the whole story. It is written in such a way that as you read it, you can picture the villages, people, and events in your mind. Granted, many details are the authors supposition, but the basic story is straight from the Bible. It is a totally unique way to know and understand the times of the Old Testament. This began my journey, and I feel it is an excellent foundation.
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Summary: A Moving Experience
Review: I greatly enjoyed reading this book, though I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. Some of the reservations about it are well represented in the other reviews on this site. While I was reading this book I was asked about it, and I thought hard about my answer. Some Christians who would consider themselves literalists with regard to the Bible may not be fond of this book. Wangerin takes literary liberties and is very creative with the Biblical narratives and his arrangement of them. This may put some readers off. But as for me, I loved a lot of it. Taken for what it is: a literary exploration of the Bible, I think that Wangerin and his work show great respect for God and his story in the Bible. But some do not agree.
The book is labeled as a novel; maybe the genre of historical novel would best describe it. The book covers thousands of years and many human generations and cultures. So in some ways the book is like an anthology. And like an anthology, some pieces were better than others. My personal favorites included the stories of Joseph, Solomon, Jeremiah, and Andrew. This book was moving to read. Having read the Bible itself cover to cover several times, I had grown used to the stories. Reading Wangerin's take on them helped me recover the vibrant human interest these stories deserve. I feel like I walked through the Biblical narratives in a more vital and personal way than I ever have before. And I am sure that my approach to the Bible itself is now enriched.
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Summary: just a few chapters into it...and kinda racy
Review: I have never read the Bible, and this was, I thought a way to do it. It is very good, but I had no idea there was so much sleeping around... ...to be continued.
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Summary: My first look at the bible.
Review: I have not read The Bible, and was not raised a church go-er, but I'm finding this book to be very approachable, understandable and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to investigating specific stories and think that my biblical study will grow tremendously from this work.
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Summary: Easy to Read!
Review: I loved the easy-to-read style of this book. For anyone who's fought the frustration of trying to read the Bible chronologically, this is the answer! It's great, broad overview of the opening events. Some people may be offended by the "fictionalized" portions, but it makes the story flow easier and makes it a real story.
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Summary: The Bible as a Novel - NOT
Review: I read the book because I enjoy comparing different translations of the Bible, but way too many liberties are taken with the Bible narrative to qualify for the sub-title THE BIBLE AS A NOVEL. It has some good points - it flows well, and reads easily. Certain Bible stories are brought to life and fleshed out, with a good feel for the climate, topography and geography of the Bible lands. But when you read it, have a literal translation of the Bible handy, along with a comprehensive concordance, and a good Bible encyclopedia. Inexplicably, the book skips some of the great Bible stories altogether. The "sons of God" who fathered the Nephilim, precipitating the flood - not mentioned. The account of Esther - nope. Nor Naaman. Nor Job. Nor Jonah. Shadrach, Meschach and Abedndgo are on leave. Daniel in the lion's den - a no show. The handwriting on Belshazzar's wall - erased. The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram was apparently devoured by the editor's fire. Dinah's unfortunate incident with Shechem - not there. Nabal's rude rebuke and Abigail's averting of disaster are not mentioned. Gone is the account of a handful of David's mighty men risking their lives to boldly enter a Philistine stronghold just to get David a drink of water, and him refusing it, so angry was he at their cavalier disregard for the sanctity of human life - their own! Of course, to put the story in novel format, there would necessarily have to be some interpolation. But the author's creativity leaves a lot of the accounts sounding very different from the Bible version. Esau's relinquishing of his birthright isn't caused by a lack of appreciation for spiritual things, its just that Jacob is a fast-talker, like a used-car salesman, bilking him as he hovers near death-by-starvation. In the account of Uzzah's irreverent handling of the ark of the covenant, which cost him his life, now we find the whole affair resulting from a mis-step in some ox doo-doo. You won't find that detail in any Bible I'm aware of. After Tamar is raped by Amnon, she falls in romantic love with another half-brother, Solomon! Again, what Bible is that in? In fact, Wangerin has Tamar uttering words of the Shulemite maiden (of the Song of Solomon) - but she's pining, unrequited, for King Solomon's love! His Jews are prescient, viewing the divine name as "ineffable", following a tradition a thousand years before it's development. They speak to God in antiquated language, an affected formalism not present in any of the original Bible accounts. In the account of Jesus' conception, Joseph is a widower before he weds the virgin Mary, and old enough to be her father. When Mary takes off to visit her relative Elizabeth for some 3 months, her parents at first assume she's shacking up with Joseph, who is remodeling their house. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, makes nails for a living, works on the Sabbath, and dutifully fulfills an order for some crucifixion spikes for Herod to hang his sons with! Here is a Jesus who, like the pagan Romans, shaves his beard! (Wouldn't this be unlikely for any Jewish man in the first century, other than in times of mourning?). When he heals a man, he yells at him angrily not to tell anyone. This Jesus doesn't base his teachings on the Bible, but makes up his own teachings! A disciple (Andrew) weeps in sorrow when chosen to be an apostle, viewing the privilege as a death sentence! Most egregious is the lack of the dynamic Kingdom message - Wangerin's Good News is just about repentence and forgiveness, the Kingdom of God, such a dominant theme in Jesus' teachings, is only barely mentioned in passing. Judas is a good guy - his betrayal of Jesus is motivated by an altruistic urge to force Jesus' hand to accept his messianic political calling! Herod's role in the trial of Jesus is completely left out. The night-time kangaroo court at Caiphas' house, rife with perjury, and the ensuing hearing before Pilate, where threats of mob violence and slander are used to extort an illegitimate and unwarranted judgement - all of this is declared perfectly legal. The account of Ananias and Saphira didn't make it in, apparently dying at the editor's transom. There were portions of the narrative I enjoyed very much. And if it stimulates interest in the Bible, I think that's great. But be forewarned - proceed with caution: the Bible it isn't.
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Summary: Extremely accessible and a quick read
Review: I read this in hardcover when it first came out, because after reading just two chapters, I knew this large book would be likeable and easy to get through. I was wanting to learn about the bible, but other books about it seemed to be very serious and/or daunting, and since it is, obviously a lot of information, I was put off by something which promised to be a chore instead of a pleasure-filled learning experience. The bible is obviously a very important book, and I really wanted to read it, but until this "novel", I was faced with publications that seemed to be alot of work to get through. This one, however, proved to be extremely accessible, and for its length, a very quick read, due to the fact that Mr. Wangerin takes admittedly interesting material to begin with, and weaves it into a very approachable "novel". Although I have to admit that it wasn't overly literate, it was very readable and was a great place to get a very absorbing large picture of the bible. I was very thankful for this book, as I now know what is being discussed when people talk about certain stories of the bible, and can add to the discussion.
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Summary: Tried to read it 4 times but didn't hold my attention.
Review: I was disappointed with this book because I really wanted to like it. I tried it 4 times. But each time, it lost my attention and I went on to another book. I gues my theory is, why not just read the "real" Bible. Sorry. I can't recommend this one.
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Summary: A Biblical Breath of Life
Review: If you're wondering whether you should pick this book up, just do it. It's fabulous.I heard Walter Wangerin speak at a conference and was spellbound by his intoxicating story-telling. Still,the book intimidated me, so I waited two weeks to buy it. When I did, I started it and could not put it down. I've read the Bible all my life--now I understand it with a depth I never knew existed, thanks to Wangerin's brilliant,inspirational story-telling. The chapters on Christ's crucifixion alone make this a wise purchase. Get it! I think you'll be amazed at how clear the message of the Bible really is.
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Summary: Vibrant portrayal of biblical personalities
Review: Make no mistake, Walter Wangerin is an amazing storyteller. I am referring to the audio version of his "Book of God," which he reads with animation and liveliness. But it should also be perfectly clear that this is historical fiction, or biblical fiction if you prefer. At times it is even a bit of a commentary on the Bible, but it is not the Bible, nor are some of his characterizations consistent with Christian tradition. Personally, I think Wangerin is at his best with the Old Testament portion of his narrative. Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, David and Jonathan (not to mention Bathsheba), come to life in his telling. Wangerin has obviously done his homework, weaving in accurate images based on archeological findings, and adding vibrant personality and powerful emotions to these familiar stories. In the New Testament portion, there were times when I felt his portrayal of the Apostles or the women, such as Mary Magdalene, were not entirely in keeping with traditional Christian understanding of these heroes of the faith. Having said that, Wangerin has done a great service if he can interest individuals into doing their own research in the Scriptures or in early Church history. With minor reservations, I can still recommend this "Book of God," especially in audio format.
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