How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth

The title says it all. If you want to read the Bible for all its worth, you, not only read the book, but have to have your own copy. I borrowed the book from the library and started digging into it. There were many valuable Bible verses provided to illustrate and support the important points of the author's view. In order to gain the most from the book, I would need to go through all of these references. Since I did not have the time to do this at one time, I would like to keep a copy on my book shelf. In this case, I would be able to refer to it whenever I need to. So, I decided to purchase my own copy. If you are serious about understanding the Bible, I highly recommend this book to you.

I recommend this book without reservation. I have used it as a university instructor for years. Fee and Stuart, two of the world's foremost biblical scholars, guide the reader into understanding how to appropriately interpret scripture. They do this through many examples of misinterpretion from the original languages of Hebrew and Greek, as well as cultural misunderstandings of the ancient world. Fee and Stuart also guide the reader to understand the various genres of literature represented in scripture and how to read them appropriately. A companion text to "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" they should be tandom resources in every Bible student's personal library.

I want to keep this short. I have a serious problem with this book because of their chapter on differing Bible translations on the market. These authors make no bones about their strong support for and their adoption of (they use this version all throughout their book) the most controversial bible out there: the TNIV which is a bible translation heavily influenced by feminism. They are also fiercely opposed to newer alternative versions that will not cater to cultural feminism such as the ESV, a version in which one can strongly sense their extreme hostility to it in their book. A vastly superior (and unbiased) book is "Grasping God's Word" by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays. I hope this helps you. Again buy the book I mentioned, Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible

I debated for weeks about writing a review for this book. I recognize the need for good scholarship and I do think this book has some. Also with so many sold am I just off base for not giving this book at least 4 stars? Well, I am finally taking the plunge and writing a review.

First, some good. I am reading this book as one of many for a class Bible College. So I do respect scholarship, and this book demonstrates solid methods for understanding the Holy Bible that God gave to us. And they do acknowledge the scriptures as Holy. (Otherwise I would give this book a 1 star). As part of a group of books, this one has value. It adds insight.

Now for the "bad". It adds insight, but at times I have found it an example of what not to do. In fact my lectures point to this book a few times for that very purpose. Why?

Within their chapter on how bible translations are made and the different types, they can't help but defend their favorite type (Dynamic Equivalence) and version (the TNIV) to the point of reminding me how KJV only people defend the "Authorized version". If you read this book only, you will likely become biased also and not get a chance to understand the strengths and reasons for highly regarding other translations. Yes, it is true, I prefer the more formal equivalent type of translation. I would rather see the original and use commentaries or a second bible to help me understand difficult passages instead of an interpretation of the original, trusting they got it right. However, it doesn't bother me if someone else prefers Dynamic Equivalent translations. My point is this - Let me decide based on a description of pro's and con's. Don't treat me like someone that doesn't have enough years of school to be able to understand enough to choose my preference. And that's how I felt treated after reading Fee & Stuart.

The other 3 star review with the highest rating made a good point about how Fee & Stuart couldn't stop promoting their view on cessation. No reason for me to repeat it, read theirs.

Basically, my reaction to this book is this. Reading a book about the Bible is a lot like watching someone else play a video game. You can learn some things but you can't have the experience until you do it yourself. And you can't get good at it until you just dive in. You can't really understand the Bible until you read it - a few times. Fee & Stuart seem to promote the scholarship of how to read the Bible ahead of the ability of the Bible to speak to readers of all abilities. I felt like they were saying until I read their book and maybe even a few others that I should not start reading the Bible for fear I might get something wrong.

That scholarship focus can set up a dangerous mindset that knowledge is the point of the Bible. When actually it is to get out and share the saving grace of Jesus with the world.

Yes study the Bible, but don't forget that studying is just a step, a tool. You must let the Bible be your food as well and then after being strengthened, share it's message, or else the point of the great commission is lost in the mind of the scholar.

The book I like the most in my class is by Virkler, title Hermeneutics. The title isn't as catchy, but it taught me more and made me more confident in my ability to read the Bible for myself - and apply it to my and others lives.

Jesus, Please forgive all my sins and be my Lord. Amen.

Got the book for class, but found it a very good and intellectual book to read and glean from.