Synopses & Reviews
Why are so many intelligent and compassionate people embarrassed to say they find wisdom and comfort in the Bible? Why do so many seekers turn to New Age religionsinstead of the Bible? And how as a society did we come to cede biblical interpretation to those who would use the Bible as a tool for division and exclusion?
In this groundbreaking book, Peter Gomes shows how to read the Bibleand what it says about the topics that concern us all, including joy suffering, evil, and goodness. He also explains what the Bible really says about women, gays and lesbians, and people of color. With compassion, humor, and insight, he gives readers the tools and understanding they need to make the ancient wisdom of the Bible a dynamic part of their modern lives.
Review
"Easily the best contemporary book on the Bible for thoughtful people." The Right Reverend Lord Runcie, 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury
Review
"This is a reading not from the right or the left but from the living, loving heart of scripture." Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature
Review
“...Reflects Gomess great intelligence, open mind, humanity, wisdom, and struggle to understand the meaning of life and Gods word.” Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children's Defense Fund
Review
"...One of America's most compelling preachers ... a writer with flair and eloquence." Harvey Cox, author of Fire from Heaven
Review
"A riveting tour of this holy book with the guide both witty and wise ... great work of scholarship and imagination." Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Review
"Lively...offers a crash course in biblical literacy in a nuanced but easy-to-understand style." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p.[354]-375) and index.
About the Author
Peter J. Gomes has been minister of Harvard University's Memorial Church since 1974, when he was appointed Pusey Minister of the church, and serves as Plummer Professor of Christian Morals. An American Baptist minister, he was named one of America's top preachers by Time magazine. He is the recipient of thirty-three honorary degrees and an Honorary Fellow of Emmanuel College, the University of Cambridge, England, where the Gomes Lectureship is established in his name.