And God Said What? (Revised Edition): An Introduction to Biblical Literary Forms

I first saw Margaret Nutting Ralph's AND GOD SAID WHAT? when I was teaching at a Catholic school in the early 1990's. The catchy title caught my attention, which happens all the time, perhaps too often when I look at all the books I own but will probably never read.. I figured it would be an easy to use reference tool when students asked me questions about the Bible, most of which I was unable to answer, but often asked myself. What I found was something was more than a reference tool. I found a book that explained in easy terms the different types of literature found in the Bible. Ralph discusses many of the literary forms that are part of sacred scripture such as myth, legend, allegory, gospel, letters, parables, and explains them in a way that enhances the understanding of scripture. She is an educator by profession, and her teaching abilities come across in her writing, which is factual but written in an inviting manner. It can easily be used by someone who has little or know knowledge of scripture and wants to come to a better understanding or the more experienced reader who needs something top enliven scripture study. This book is perfect for a person preparing scripture lessons. Ralph's explanations of the literary forms used in scripture makes it a handy resource. It would also be a good text book for people whoa re studying scripture and would be enjoyable for any Bible Study group or reading group. I know I have used it with Bible study groups and many adult education classes have used the book successfully as a text. Since the original version has been revised, it shows that I'm not the only one who enjoyed this book and found it useful and it will probably be available of many years to come, introducing people to the wide variety of literature in the Bible and making it a little less confusing and overwhelming.

I have been a discussion leader in Lay Bible Study and discussion groups for 5 years. This book is one of the best I have ever read on helping people come to an understanding of the intent of the author's of Biblical writings. The Author Dr Ralph, has a gift for putting her thoughts down in clear and concice manner. I have recommended it to each member of my classes this spring. I think it is a must have and study for anyone studying the Bible.

I have heard several people say that they felt great conflict in their religious lives and that learning about the bible from Dr. Ralph turned them around. Dr. Ralph helped them come to terms with the misinformation or mis-interpretation they've been suffering from. Dr. Ralph's views are not her own. This approach to scripture is not something new. In fact, it is the contextualist approach to scripture that the Catholic Church teaches and has been teaching for years.

An excellent read for recovering ex-athiests like myself. If your an athiest or agnostic who is considering Christanity, I highly recommend it and Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong. Addresses all the important questions about the Bible in a calm, rational, erudite, and non-condescending manner. A must read for Christian apologists as well.

Ms. Ralph gives an excellent exposition of the genres in the Bible. Her discussions lead to a deeper understanding about what the Bible is trying to teach about the relationship between God and Man. It is a text type book so that it is at times a hard read. It is not for casual reading, you'll fall asleep while reading it if you are looking for a light read. However, if you are after the knowledge, it is a very worthwhile effort.