This is one of those books that will not please everyone; but taken as an introduction for Bible newbies, this is interesting reading. What I found to be wonderful is the way the author put the Bible into a historical context. This made much of the Bible more understandable, particularly the New Testament.
Each page of this book demonstrated terrific scholarship and study. Davis tells the real stories behind some of the Bible stories with which we are familiar. He also does a great job of explaining many mistranslations according to the latest research.
One thing I wasnt expecting was Davis explanation of biblical tenants that are no longer used; these were used by ancient tribes: (1) prohibition in Leviticus against planting fields with two different kinds of seeds, and (2) a father showing stained linens of his daughter (proving that she was now a woman).
The comparison of the 4 Gospels was thought-provoking; and when they were placed in the historical environment, I found this book fascinating. All-in-all, Davis book synthesizes the latest research (as of 1998) into the Bible.
Each page of this book demonstrated terrific scholarship and study. Davis tells the real stories behind some of the Bible stories with which we are familiar. He also does a great job of explaining many mistranslations according to the latest research.
One thing I wasnt expecting was Davis explanation of biblical tenants that are no longer used; these were used by ancient tribes: (1) prohibition in Leviticus against planting fields with two different kinds of seeds, and (2) a father showing stained linens of his daughter (proving that she was now a woman).
The comparison of the 4 Gospels was thought-provoking; and when they were placed in the historical environment, I found this book fascinating. All-in-all, Davis book synthesizes the latest research (as of 1998) into the Bible.
