Revelations: Personal Responses to the Books of the Bible

This book doesn't look like much with its somber colors and its main title that makes it sound like a cross between a mystery novel and "Left Behind." But inside its pages you'll find one of the great modern achievements of artistic reflection on scriptures -- like a collection of priceless stained glass created in some historic center of the faith in Europe or perhaps a music festival assembling works by an array of classical composers on spiritual themes. Yes, this collection of prefaces to the books of the Bible is uneven. You'll connect with some writers more than others. But the effort was noble and the essays, even if you care for some more than others, all are drawn from deep within the hearts and minds of these artists/writers/musicians. I'm drawn most of all to Bono's preface to the Psalms, which I've re-read often over the years to remind me that the Psalms are a model of prayer in which we can feel free to cry out to God from all of life's many situations -- even the most dire. In this case, don't judge this book by its somber cover. It's full of colorful light that glows from the texts inside.