How the Bible actually works In which I explain how an ancient, ambiguous, and diverse book leads us to wisdom rather than answers--and why that's great news

The Bible, that book of antiquity, ambiguity, and diversity, is not, Enns argues, designed to work as a step-by-step instructional manual or owner's manual for faith. It is, rather, an invitation to a sacred quest summed up in the word wisdom. Using wisdom as his touchstone informs and enlivens Enns' exploration of the bible, though he offers a caveat: God is not a helicopter parent, who hovers over us as we seek to bring order to the chaos of our lives, but a wise one, nevertheless. Context matters a great deal to Enns, who suggests that the Bible and its contents, including even God, have, in the interest of timely relevance, necessarily been reimagined over the centuries as the human condition has changed. Throughout, Enns is good company. Though his subject matter is serious, his writing is sprightly and cheerfully enlivened by his occasional snark and sarcasm. Consequently, the book will find a general readership intrigued by the insight and, yes, the wisdom he offers.--Michael Cart Copyright 2019 Booklist

Enns (The Bible Tells Me So), professor of biblical studies at Eastern University, challenges Christians to reconsider the true purpose of the Bible. He begins with three characteristics he asserts make the Bible worth reading: ancientness, ambiguity, and diversity. For Enns, the Bible does not actually tell readers what to do, as Old Testament laws leave much room for interpretation depending on context. Arguing that differences in tone between the various books of the Bible (such as differences between 1 and 2 Chronicles, which was written "perhaps as late as the Greek period," and the other books of the Torah) result from the fact that they were written in different periods and cultures, Enns illustrates the fact that humankind's reimagining of God is an ongoing process. He analyzes passages from the Old Testament and New Testament in terms of historical context to illustrate how the nature of God and the problem of evil changes along the way. Far from diminishing the value of the Bible, these variations make readers reflect on their own situations and reconsider connections between past and present. Enns writes with a conversational, selfeffacing tone that cushions the sections of close textual reading. Approachable and well reasoned, Enns's book will find an audience with Christians seeking a broader understanding of Scripture. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.