Althea M. (althea) reviewed The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible on + 774 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Since I had just finished reading a fictional retelling of the story of the Biblical Dinah, I thought I'd move on to this book, which had been sitting on my shelf for a while. This book briefly retells a few of the more "scandalous" stories from the Bible (those involving rape, incest, murder, & such). The retellings are printed alongside the actual text of the original stories. Then, the author talks (at length) about the different possible translations and interpretations of these events, taking into account what various scholars throughout history have said regarding the stories, and how the events related were likely viewed by contemporary listeners, in the context of ancient middle-eastern culture and society. Kirsch is, overall, positive in his message, but is not afraid to relate the stories to present day politics, or to be critical.
It's a very interesting book - I think the "harlot" and "forbidden" stuff is mainly to reel in readers - hey, it worked on me - I don't read a whole lot of religious scholarship! But I found this to be a very interesting and illuminating book, and one that many many people would benefit from reading....
It's a very interesting book - I think the "harlot" and "forbidden" stuff is mainly to reel in readers - hey, it worked on me - I don't read a whole lot of religious scholarship! But I found this to be a very interesting and illuminating book, and one that many many people would benefit from reading....
Joyce R. (joyceromoff) reviewed The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Pretty interesting. It's not quite as racy as the title would make it sound
Helpful Score: 2
An excellent, thought-provoking book on the subject of women, sex, and the significant role they play in the Bible.
Hilda S. (Risingangel1961) reviewed The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible on + 63 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this book very much. I always knew that the bible stories have been changed with each new addition of the bible in small ways, but I had no idea that complete stories were left out.
It was very interesting to read the banned stories and I also found the timelines to be very interesting as well.
It was very interesting to read the banned stories and I also found the timelines to be very interesting as well.
Stefanie M. (GIR) reviewed The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting... whatever your religious views (or no), this is an eye-opener... highly recommend!!!
mzlady30 -
Great untold secrets of the misfits and whores of the old testamentin the bible, a must read!!
Joan G. (despinne) reviewed The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible on + 59 more book reviews
Forbidden? I did not know that! This book, however attempts to explain the reasons these stories were included in the Bible, giving us insight into the human condition as well as how "all things work together for good to those that love God"... God can turn the worst situations into lessons for us today.
Terry C. reviewed The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible on + 10 more book reviews
"Sex. Violence. Scandal. These are words we rarely associate with the sacred text of the Bible. Yet in this brilliant book, Jonathan Kirsch recounts shocking tales that have been suppressed by religious authorities throughout history. He places each story within the political and social context of it's time,... explains why each one was originally censored, and shows how these ancient narratives hold valuable lessons for all of us."
