What do You think about Don't Know Much About The Bible: Everything You Need To Know About The Good Book But Never Learned (2004)?
I had to stop reading this because it was just too annoying having Kenneth C. Davis belittle the bible and write about how some of the "stories" contained were probably not true and that the Hebrews just stole the ideas from their neighboring nations. It is quite obvious that Kenneth does not think that the bible is the divinely inspired word of God and I figured that if I was going to read a book about the bible I might as well read a book written by a christian, at least they would believe what I believed. Ugh, don't even bother reading this book.*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
—Snorkle
I wish there were a filter I could put this through so I wouldn't have to endure Davis' humor. It just doesn't work for me. The content is here and he has done his research. But he isn't a particularly thoughtful fellow and he doesn't shy from giving his own interpretations of the bible and stating them as fact. Almost what I was looking for but at the same time really off. I've yet to find something better. What is right about it? Gives detailed easy to understand summaries and notes on translation issues. Approachable but sort of like an educated uncle who might go on about how morality is slipping these days.--I've finished the book now and am adding another star for the really excellent timelines of Roman and Egyptian history - and I loved his timeline that compared biblical dates to Homeric events. cool.
—Julie
I bought this book about 12 years ago - but finally got around to reading it cover to cover. I've read two other "Don't Know Much About" books in the past - and this one follows the same formula: brief elementary questions about each topic, and answers delivered with a wry / satiric sense of humor. There are also references to pop culture and current events throughout to keep the books more light-hearted and easy to read. Despite the Bible's challenging depth, I felt like Mr. Davis was mostly successful applying his formula. However, I give it 3 stars because about 2/3 through the book I grew extremely tired of the author's humor, and wished he would just summarize the remainder of the Bible. Thankfully, the book contains an index, good chapter headings, and is easy to thumb through - so I'll probably hang on to it for its basic references. There was also one table that I found particularly interesting - the Gospel cross-reference listing of Jesus's miracles. The best audience for this book is the person who knows very little about the Bible, or hardly remembers their Sunday School lessons. At the very least, you'll come away with a better understanding of Judaism and Christianity's intertwined relationship (Old Testament / Torah) - and a better understanding of these two religions' historical context. Given all the religious conflicts in the world today, and Americans' lack of religious education in school (I mean facts about religion, not faith education!) - a basic book such as this should be required reading for everyone! Unfortunately, we'd need the unwritten companion book - "Don't Know Much About Islam"!
—Scott
