Author Description

"In exploring the various complexities of the Bible, the authors of these essays seek to help readers develop new insights into familiar biblical texts that will lead to a greater appreciation of God's Word. Shedinger, Spink, and their fellow essayists challenge the wave of books that promote the idea that a literal reading of the bible is the only one relevant to today's Christians. The contributors' explorations of Paul in 1 Corinthians, David and Goliath, and the stories of Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman, and others introduce readers to a variety of different strategies for reading the bible in a deeper and more complex way. In tackling some difficult, seemingly contradictory passages of scripture that many prefer to ignore, the authors demonstrate how these different interpretive strategies can influence the messages we receive when we turn to the bible"--Back cover.