Customer Reviews

The Bible for Dummies

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First off, I'm not a devout Christian - I have "gone through the motions" of Communion/Confirmation/etc, but I don't really have a strong faith and belief in Christianity. That being said, I thought this book was an excellent introduction to the Bible as a scholarly text. All of their interpretations of biblical passages are clearly explained (they are often illustrated by humorous examples) and the prose itself is eminently readable (I read through this book in 3-4 days but have yet to proceed past Exodus in "the real thing").

Here's a prime example of this book's style: "People usually think that the Bible is condoning/encouraging revenge with 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' In fact, it is really *limiting* revenge. For example, if Moe pokes Curly in the eye, then 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' only allows Curly to poke Moe in the eye, not poke him in the eye, grab his nose, and give him a 'nyuck, nyuck'."

If you are offended by such examples, bas***dizing the "Holy Bible," then perhaps this book is not for you. However, its [American] culturally relevant examples clearly convey what the author is trying to say.

The one feature in this text that I found somewhat annoying is that there are regular "for more information, see chapter XX." They are useful if you want to read topically, or don't want to read this book all the way through (in fact the authors encourage "skipping around"), but since I did read it all the way through, it got a little frustrating. This is definitely a five-star book though!

The Bible for Dummies is the best book about the Bible on the market-by far!!! I teach university courses on the Bible and Biblical Studies, and to the joy of my students, I assign this book as one of the texts. So what works so well in The Bible for Dummies? First, the two authors, Geoghegan and Homan, are very solid Bible scholars. They know the ancient languages, texts, archaeology, current issues, and the material record. They really know what they are talking about.
Second, they are incredibly gifted in simplifying very complicated ideas. They write very clear in an entertaining and engaging prose. Finally, they have a real gift for uderstanding the Bible's influence on civilization, from Madonna to films like the Matrix. Do yourself a favor, and read this book.

Unlike the reviewer below who seems to think that levity and the world of theology doesn't mix, I beg to differ. I don't agree that this book deserves that kind of criticism. Who has a better sense of humor than God? If He had made our lives devoid of laughter, where would we be today? I have not devoted time to Bible study since I was young. I picked this book for it's obvious simplicity. I am so glad that I did. I was surprised to find that it can turn those Bible stories we love to hear and read about into a book that I consider to be a real page-turner. I have shared my opinion with friends and family members alike. Many of whom are looking forward to getting it and reigniting their interest in the Bible as well. Read it and enjoy it for what it is!

I have tried to read the bible straight thru and never suceeded--life came at me in many directions. After 3 years of trying, i gave up and bought the bible for dummies. This book helped me UNDERSTAND the bible, not only read the words, both equally important in my opinion. Once i started reading this book, time opened up for me and i read it in a matter of 2 weeks! I couldn't put it down--the more i learned, the more i wanted to know and keep learning. I intend to reread it because for the first time in the 4 years i have been a christian, i truly understand the religion. I would recommend this book for everybody no matter where you are in your spiritual journey. Good luck and God Bless

Geoghegan and Homan have managed to provide a valuable resource for those who want to know more about the Bible that is not overly shallow or too complex. Their humerous style makes for a fun read! It's not just about the Bible. It also shows how the Bible has influenced culture and art.

I have read the bible before and like many, have been confused by some of the meanings trying to be said. The bible for dummies guides you through the bible explaning everything without a bias explanation and even giving interesting facts such as, Hebrew word meanings translated in english, The Apcrypha, The dead sea scrolls, and many more. Most importantly, this book points out parts in the bible that have been misunderstood in history and gives a new light on the subject. It is also done in an easy format, where anyone could understand. I recommend this to everyone. Experts or non-experts. You might see a interesting new view on things or learn something new. I know I did.

I read most of this book that was assigned in an Old Testament course that was sponsored by my church (an Episcopal church in VA). The book summarizes a lot of information compactly. The negatives are that the authors try too hard to inject humor, using allusions that may seem dated in a few years. Nevertheless, it is a very "user-friendly" way to learn what scholars & historians have concluded about how the Bible was compiled.

This book was terrific. Its also a good reference book if you forget something and want to look it up real quick. This book starts at the beginning and explains the timeline which I found very helpful. It explains the main characters and what they did and how it was important. I recommend this book to anyone who really has no idea where to begin with the bible and wants a basic understanding of its story.

This is an excellent, non-judgemental statement of "Just the facts, Ma'am." It quickly and clearly tells you what is in each book and puts it into a perspective when required. It does not interpret or preach and does not pretend to substitute for reading the Bible, but rather gives a clear guide. Its explanation of the differences between the Jewish, Catholic and Protestant Bibles is particularly helpful. In an attempt to be light, it can be a bit precious at times, but this is a minor distraction to an otherwise excellent read.

The Bible for Dummies is an excellent book. I'm not a genius, but I'm well educated and fairly well read. I've tried on several occasions to read the Bible, but had a very hard time understanding it, as the 2,000 years separating its authors from me were a hard gap to bridge. But now I feel I really understand the Bible, and believe I've acquired what the authors refer to as basic Biblical literacy. I loved the book so much I even bought copies for my friends. So I would like to thank the authors of Bible for Dummies, and strongly recomment this book for anyone trying to understand the Bible.