One of the most important books I have read

jaffacake

Until about 4 years ago I could count on two hands the number of books I had read, I have never been a reader, I got enough of that at work!

I have read a lot since then, but for me personally, the most influential ones (you remember where you were when you first read them, and had to go back to them) were:

The Bible
Brief History of Time (Stephen Hawking)
The Elegant Universe (Bryan Green)
In Search of Christian Freedom (Ray Franz)

I can add to that list today:

What the Bible Really Teaches: a challenge for fundamentalists (Keith Ward)

Not the easiest book to read, but what a fresh and radical look at the facts. Ward argues that if we interpret the Bible using the best Bible Commentaries, and using correct scholarly methods and principles, then we will be surprised (shocked) at what the Bible teaches about itself and so many other things close to all our hearts. He argues that free of religious spin, it often teaches the exact opposite of what people generally believe. I intend to post some articles for discussion on some of the points it makes. It has strengthened my faith, because I now have a better understanding of so many things in the Bible I found hard to accept, everything from subjection of women, to Armageddon and Revelation. For the first time I am fairly sure there is no Biblical reason to believe that we are living in the last days.

tetrapod.sapien

hey jaffa,
that sounds like a cool book. i will have to take a look at it too. thanks for the review! reading is a true blessing, no matter what ones worldview is.

cheerio!

jaredg

does Keith Ward, in his book, teach that the bible is the inspired word of god and the only collection of true holy writings? or does it take the view of the bible as a collection of ancient writings that have no application for today?

jaffacake

Jaredg Well, firstly the book doesnt really teach, as much as try to explain what the Bible teaches. The author is a Christian, but non Christians should not let that put them off, really, this should exclude no one! The common wrong understanding of the Bible is what the author believes leads many people to the conclusion that it is not relevant today. He believes the Bible is inspired by God, but God-breathed rather than God -dictated, this based on the Bibles own teaching. I dont know whether he believes the Bible to be the only collection of holy writings as that question may go beyond the scope of the book. His critique is aimed at many Christian religions, but could well be applied to JWs. Issues include interpreting Biblical teaching about:

the coming of Christ in glory
salvation
evil & divine love
sin & grace
the sacrifice of Jesus
resurrection
judgement, heaven, hell
moral law

It combines the Bible and religion with science, mysticism, cosmology, world religions. It goes one step beyond Ray Franz in exposing all cults and many so called Bible based religions for erroneous biased teaching, enev those that have the basics right. It is far more exciting that I have just made it sound.

M.J.

So in conclusion, if you wish to give it away without admonishing us to "read the book!", does it identify any particular sect or denomination as promoting views which come closest to the correct biblical understanding?

I'm somewhat skeptical at such claims arriving at new and "shocking" conclusions.

Many people have been asserting that their own interpretation was arrived at using a scholarly apporach for centuries. What is different here?