Customer Reviews

The Book of God: The Bible as a Novel

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

There is absolutely no way to ever tell the story of the Bible in a concise, perfectly edited, all encompassing manner. What I love about Walter Wangerin's work with The Book of God is that he doesn't try to get everything into the story. This is a marvelously edited, fictionalized version of the major points of the Bible, presented in a manner which engages the reader and educates at the same time. I have read this book three times, and each time it has been a blessing to me. THIS IS NOT A NEW BIBLE! Those who are looking for a readable version of the Bible itself should try the Living Bible or another similar translation. Wangerin's work here tells the story; it is not a translation, nor is it canonical in any sense of the word. It is, however, inspired by the story of God acting in and through Creation, and in this understanding, I highly recommend The Book of God to Christians and non-believers alike who wish to get into the story of the Bible.

Growing up Catholic, the Bible scriptures were usually read to us and in a random fashion. For years I gave up on tackling the task of figuring out the Bible. This book provided the chronological context for the Bible in such a wonderful way, that it's caused me to want to read the Bible differently and more consistently. I also read this book while visiting the Holy Land. Interestingly, Mr. Wangerin's story brings the places and events to life just like our tour guide did. It was awesome! That's why I'm now searching for more of his books to buy. I finally understand why so many people refer to the Bible as the "greatest book ever written." As far as I'm concerned, anyone who has the talent to get Bible neophytes like me interested and eager to read the Bible should continue to take risks and do more of it! Thanks Mr. Wangerin!

I greatly enjoyed reading this book, though I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. Some of the reservations about it are well represented in the other reviews on this site. While I was reading this book I was asked about it, and I thought hard about my answer. Some Christians who would consider themselves literalists with regard to the Bible may not be fond of this book. Wangerin takes literary liberties and is very creative with the Biblical narratives and his arrangement of them. This may put some readers off. But as for me, I loved a lot of it. Taken for what it is: a literary exploration of the Bible, I think that Wangerin and his work show great respect for God and his story in the Bible. But some do not agree.

The book is labeled as a novel; maybe the genre of historical novel would best describe it. The book covers thousands of years and many human generations and cultures. So in some ways the book is like an anthology. And like an anthology, some pieces were better than others. My personal favorites included the stories of Joseph, Solomon, Jeremiah, and Andrew. This book was moving to read. Having read the Bible itself cover to cover several times, I had grown used to the stories. Reading Wangerin's take on them helped me recover the vibrant human interest these stories deserve. I feel like I walked through the Biblical narratives in a more vital and personal way than I ever have before. And I am sure that my approach to the Bible itself is now enriched.

I read the book because I enjoy comparing different translations of the Bible, but way too many liberties are taken with the Bible narrative to qualify for the sub-title THE BIBLE AS A NOVEL. It has some good points - it flows well, and reads easily. Certain Bible stories are brought to life and fleshed out, with a good feel for the climate, topography and geography of the Bible lands. But when you read it, have a literal translation of the Bible handy, along with a comprehensive concordance, and a good Bible encyclopedia.

Inexplicably, the book skips some of the great Bible stories altogether. The "sons of God" who fathered the Nephilim, precipitating the flood - not mentioned. The account of Esther - nope. Nor Naaman. Nor Job. Nor Jonah. Shadrach, Meschach and Abedndgo are on leave. Daniel in the lion's den - a no show. The handwriting on Belshazzar's wall - erased. The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram was apparently devoured by the editor's fire. Dinah's unfortunate incident with Shechem - not there. Nabal's rude rebuke and Abigail's averting of disaster are not mentioned. Gone is the account of a handful of David's mighty men risking their lives to boldly enter a Philistine stronghold just to get David a drink of water, and him refusing it, so angry was he at their cavalier disregard for the sanctity of human life - their own!

Of course, to put the story in novel format, there would necessarily have to be some interpolation. But the author's creativity leaves a lot of the accounts sounding very different from the Bible version. Esau's relinquishing of his birthright isn't caused by a lack of appreciation for spiritual things, its just that Jacob is a fast-talker, like a used-car salesman, bilking him as he hovers near death-by-starvation. In the account of Uzzah's irreverent handling of the ark of the covenant, which cost him his life, now we find the whole affair resulting from a mis-step in some ox doo-doo. You won't find that detail in any Bible I'm aware of.

After Tamar is raped by Amnon, she falls in romantic love with another half-brother, Solomon! Again, what Bible is that in? In fact, Wangerin has Tamar uttering words of the Shulemite maiden (of the Song of Solomon) - but she's pining, unrequited, for King Solomon's love! His Jews are prescient, viewing the divine name as "ineffable", following a tradition a thousand years before it's development. They speak to God in antiquated language, an affected formalism not present in any of the original Bible accounts.

In the account of Jesus' conception, Joseph is a widower before he weds the virgin Mary, and old enough to be her father. When Mary takes off to visit her relative Elizabeth for some 3 months, her parents at first assume she's shacking up with Joseph, who is remodeling their house. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, makes nails for a living, works on the Sabbath, and dutifully fulfills an order for some crucifixion spikes for Herod to hang his sons with!

Here is a Jesus who, like the pagan Romans, shaves his beard! (Wouldn't this be unlikely for any Jewish man in the first century, other than in times of mourning?). When he heals a man, he yells at him angrily not to tell anyone. This Jesus doesn't base his teachings on the Bible, but makes up his own teachings! A disciple (Andrew) weeps in sorrow when chosen to be an apostle, viewing the privilege as a death sentence! Most egregious is the lack of the dynamic Kingdom message - Wangerin's Good News is just about repentence and forgiveness, the Kingdom of God, such a dominant theme in Jesus' teachings, is only barely mentioned in passing.

Judas is a good guy - his betrayal of Jesus is motivated by an altruistic urge to force Jesus' hand to accept his messianic political calling! Herod's role in the trial of Jesus is completely left out. The night-time kangaroo court at Caiphas' house, rife with perjury, and the ensuing hearing before Pilate, where threats of mob violence and slander are used to extort an illegitimate and unwarranted judgement - all of this is declared perfectly legal. The account of Ananias and Saphira didn't make it in, apparently dying at the editor's transom.

There were portions of the narrative I enjoyed very much. And if it stimulates interest in the Bible, I think that's great. But be forewarned - proceed with caution: the Bible it isn't.

If you're wondering whether you should pick this book up, just do it. It's fabulous.I heard Walter Wangerin speak at a conference and was spellbound by his intoxicating story-telling. Still,the book intimidated me, so I waited two weeks to buy it. When I did, I started it and could not put it down. I've read the Bible all my life--now I understand it with a depth I never knew existed, thanks to Wangerin's brilliant,inspirational story-telling. The chapters on Christ's crucifixion alone make this a wise purchase. Get it! I think you'll be amazed at how clear the message of the Bible really is.

I read this in hardcover when it first came out, because after reading just two chapters, I knew this large book would be likeable and easy to get through. I was wanting to learn about the bible, but other books about it seemed to be very serious and/or daunting, and since it is, obviously a lot of information, I was put off by something which promised to be a chore instead of a pleasure-filled learning experience. The bible is obviously a very important book, and I really wanted to read it, but until this "novel", I was faced with publications that seemed to be alot of work to get through. This one, however, proved to be extremely accessible, and for its length, a very quick read, due to the fact that Mr. Wangerin takes admittedly interesting material to begin with, and weaves it into a very approachable "novel". Although I have to admit that it wasn't overly literate, it was very readable and was a great place to get a very absorbing large picture of the bible. I was very thankful for this book, as I now know what is being discussed when people talk about certain stories of the bible, and can add to the discussion.

I am no stranger to the Bible, the original, actual Book of God!
Having read the Bible through and through, I'm familiar with the message, the stories, the principles and God's surpassing love for us. In spite of this familiarity, the impact of Wangerin's "The Book of God" has been lasting, leaving me with a desire to go back to it time and again. The beauty and strength of this lyrical work which reflects the many facets of God echoes in my soul long after I've closed the cover. I stand with Abraham under the star filled sky and my faith in God's promises is renewed. As the Biblical history unfolds, the heart of God is revealed in full color, stretching across the expanse of Wangerin's pages, even as the stars filled that sky above Abraham's tent . I have made the choice to read this work once a year, that my God may stand bigger, my Lord more real.

Some stories are left out (they'd have to be or the "novel" would be huge) but it is overall a great book. Easily understood and in the novel format it is easily understandable. Great work!

Christianity and the Bible itself have had a profound impact on Western society - on our language, on our values and on our approach to life. Unfortunately, the empurpled and twisted prose of the bible often renders it impregnable to the intelligent agnostic, preventing us from focusing on its core messages and stories. Wangerin's real achievement is to turn the bible into a novel, and it rates as a rollicking good story which educates the reader along the way. I know far more about the bible's teachings than ever before, and I really enjoyed the journey.

One of the more common problems for Christians is that they learn the Bible stories but don't really learn how each of the stories are related to one another in terms of time and sequence. For example the book of Second Samuel covers roughly the same time period as First Chronicles, Second Chronicles covers pretty much the same period as First and Second Kings. How were all of these people and events related on a consistent time scale across the various books?

"The Book of God" is very effective in resolving this problem by taking all the Bible stories and putting them in chronological order. The author then rewrites them in the style of a contemporary novel. While this may not be appropriate for exegetical Biblical study it is extremely valuable if you want to truly understand the Bible as a whole. The author takes many liberties in writing but they are well-researched and based on historical knowledge. For example, he starts with Abraham with the words "An old man entered his tent, dropping the door flap behind him. In the darkness he knelt slowly before a clay firepot, very tired...... The man's face was lean and wounded and streaked with the dust of recent travel. He began to unroll a straw mat for sleeping but paused halfway, lost in thought." Obviously we don't know that Abraham ever did this or looked like this, but it is all consistent with the normal lifestyle of nomadic travelers of the time.

Again, it is not for determining doctrinal positions but an enjoyable novel that is not only a pleasurable read but also brings the various stories of the Bible together into a complete picture. It is a very highly recommended read.