The Bible Makes Sense

Brueggemann has done excellent work here in orienting the reader of the Bible to the "inside" track. I have used his approach in classes with teenagers interested in, but often confused by, the Bible. When you start at the heart of the text and work through the confusing stuff with the heart in mind, the Bible DOES make sense! Good for the thoughtful layperson as well as the formal student of the Word.

For most Christians, the title of this book THE BIBLE MAKES SENSE may seem like an obvious statement until one sits down to actually read the text. Upon reading the Bible, all sorts of questions can come to mind, especially when we read something that sounds either implausible or makes believing in a just and merciful God based solely on scripture somewhat difficult. The truth of the matter is that the Bible is the most important text in the Judeo-Christian tradition, contains some of the most beautiful stories and passages ever put on paper, and has inspired people for centuries and will continue to do so. While it is one of the most challenging texts to understand, understanding the Bible is essential for nurturing faith. Noted scripture scholar Walter Brueggemann makes the understanding of scripture a bit easier in his book THE BIBLE MAKES SENSE. Brueggemann invites readers to become insiders when reading scripture. Becoming an insider involves a number of aspects. First it builds on the person's faith. It also encourages basic knowledge about the test understanding it in its historical context as well as appreciating the form of literature being used in the text. While he does not deny the importance of contemporary scholarship, it only comes into the text when it is helpful in understanding the text. He devotes chapters to current issues necessary for understanding scripture, God's role in the Bible, the role of Jesus Christ, and the ways that the Bible is always living and never becomes static. This book is an excellent introduction for a more serious study of scripture. It is written in an inviting way so that readers who have little or no knowledge of scripture study can understand it but also offers new insight to more experienced readers. It also explains basic concepts about revelation, God, Jesus Christ, and the writing of scripture that will make it a great book to read prior to further study or for the student who may be returning to the study of scripture after some time away. My personal copy is somewhat well worn. I have quoted from this book when I have conducted Bible study lessons and have no doubt turned to it at other times as well either for homily preparation or for understanding passage in prayer.

I have been a `fan' of Walter Brueggemann since discovering his great text `Theology of the Old Testament' a few years prior to going to seminary, and then studying the text in detail with the great Gerry Janzen, guru of the Hebrew Scriptures at my seminary. Naturally, when I saw Brueggemann's name on this text, I had to read it. While not his best work in an academically rigourous sense, it is certainly classic Brueggemann in tone and content.This book, unlike most of his product, is not intended for students and scholars as the primary audience, but rather meant for the general reader of the Bible. I could see this text forming the basis for a discussion series, being designed with reflection pieces and questions at the end of each brief chapter. There are ten chapters in all, organised according to concerns the `typical' reader of the Bible (if such a creature exists) might have. The first chapter sets the contextual stage - what kind of society are we in? How are we likely to read the Bible, given the kind of world that we live in? Brueggemann addresses the different kinds of models that have arisen in scholarship in the past few generations, and proposes a model grounded in the covenantal structure of the Bible.Further chapters take this starting point of covenant and respect for the Bible as a collection of narratives and voices for nurturing an appreciation for imaginative history, looking at the Bible as a work of literature in addition to a covenant document, seeing the character of God and Christ and the grace offered from them through conversion into covenantal relationship, and our role as part of the body of Christ and the family of God. All of these naturally follow from Brueggemann's initial foundation. Bible study never occurs in a vacuum of political, social or other influences. Brueggemann acknowledges that, and in the penultimate chapter discusses the role of the Bible as a document for community and in community, and why this makes a difference for the intention both of the writers and the readers. Drawing on examples both in the Biblical text and the wider history of the church, Brueggemann argues for a community of renewal and reform.Brueggemann's final chapter is one that bears reading first and last in this text. In it, he discusses the issues of the Bible being as much a set of questions as of answers, of being a statement of presuppositions as opposed to conclusions, and the Bible as a living document in community of confessing people who look to it as a resource for faith. The Bible for Brueggemann has both a central direction and a diversity inherent in the text. Finally, perhaps the one line that catches me most is that the Bible exists at `the intersection of sovereignty and graciousness' of God. In simple terms, this is where it's at!A useful text for group study or private reflection, Brueggemann's work is a good guide through a well-known yet little-known text.

This book is an outstanding introduction. It's inspiring and offers a fresh perspective on the core of Christian belief. Its paradigm is the historical covenantal approach to Christian belief. It is a better introduction than any book I've read because it does not delve into the intricacies of exegesis or other complex analysis and yet you are aware that there is more you should know. It gives one an intellectual foundation on what it means to be Christian. Of course it's not an all-encompassing tome - well good, that's not what is needed to start. Its title says most of what it's trying to accomplish. Though the title might seem pedantic, it tersely and unpretentiously expresses its basic thesis, and does not indicate a lack of sophistication on the defense of the thesis.It would be a great read for a 12-14 yr. old. Yet, I read it when I was 20+ and I thought it was brilliant while concise. After reading it you will read on with a great foundation. I still like to go back and read it. It is a model of conciseness.

The author outlines three pervasive world views (eg. scientific/material) and persuasively makes the case that Bible study can transform your world view to one supporting life, freedom and newness. This non-denominational, easily-read book will make you take out your Bible and not have it seem like a chore.