Review by Collo -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Collo
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Review by Collo -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
4 out of 4 stars
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The fall of man has always puzzled me. Questions such as how the sin of one man makes the entire humanity suffer the consequences and how all men are born in sin owing to the fact that they are born as infants with no understanding of good or evil or even sin itself have always lingered in my mind. This book has completely answered these questions and made me better understand the magnitude of Adam and Eve's sin in light of God's initial plan for man.
I love how the author begins with a clear elucidation of how Eden must have been like. It immediately throws one into fantasy of how much of a utopia Eden must have been. I also love how in chapter 3 the author expounds on how sin develops from knocking at the door to actually being the master of man where Apostle Paul talks about being wretched because of being subject to the law of sin and death in Romans 7: 14-25. It's unfortunate though that a couple of questions I've always had are still unanswered and I was hoping this book would tackle them as its title suggests. Why did God reject Cain's offering? Was it the offering itself or the heart that gave the offering? I ask this because I imagine if I was a tiller of the ground there is only so much I could offer that is actually pleasing as an offering but for Abel, he already had a head start owing to the fact that he was a herdsman and meat is definitely more pleasing an offering as compared to any of the earth's produce.
I like to commend the author for seamlessly blending imagination and scripture especially in Chapter five when elaborating on the topic of faith. I particularly loved the explanation of Abram's faith being imputed to him for righteousness and that faith leading him to act it out. During the course of my reading the Bible I've noted that Paul stressed more on faith whereas James on actions. From Chapter 5, I now see that these two authors are not opposed to each other but rather each complements the other for it is only after faith in Jesus Christ that one will be able to live(act) according to his teachings.
Those personal experiences of the author about God's direct communication with him in Chapter 7 are fascinating especially the one where God informs him of his sister having Celiac disease therefore to remove gluten from her diet and it turns out to be exactly as the second physician recommends. I also think that the title of the book is relevant to the content of the book. The story develops well from the beginnings of man in the garden of eden to his fall and the redemption from that fall through Jesus Christ. I now better understand the role of Jesus in saving man after the latter disobeyed God. I have never quite grasped the severity of Adam's sin until the reading of this book.
Another thing that clearly strikes me when reading this book is that the author has thoroughly researched on the subject covered. Multiple references from the Bible, commentaries and other authors' work firmly and authoritatively cements the arguments in the book and enhances overall understanding of the content of the book. As opposed to many other christian authors, the author actually quotes the scripture instead of just providing references. The study questions at the end of each chapter are very thought-provoking and a revelation of how little knowledge I have of this faith though I read the Bible daily. Indeed, the words of Apostle Paul echo in these study questions, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! " (Romans 11:33).
I rate this book 4 out of 4 as I find it expertly written and edited. I also find it a mind-changing, well-researched and fascinating read. I recommend it to anyone who has never quite understood the topic of the beginning of man, his fall, God's initial plan for man, the importance of faith in Christianity and lastly the divine role that Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son, played in redeeming man or buying him back from his fallen state, from the slavery of sin and the shackles of the enemy, the devil.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Collo's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
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The fall of man has always puzzled me. Questions such as how the sin of one man makes the entire humanity suffer the consequences and how all men are born in sin owing to the fact that they are born as infants with no understanding of good or evil or even sin itself have always lingered in my mind. This book has completely answered these questions and made me better understand the magnitude of Adam and Eve's sin in light of God's initial plan for man.
I love how the author begins with a clear elucidation of how Eden must have been like. It immediately throws one into fantasy of how much of a utopia Eden must have been. I also love how in chapter 3 the author expounds on how sin develops from knocking at the door to actually being the master of man where Apostle Paul talks about being wretched because of being subject to the law of sin and death in Romans 7: 14-25. It's unfortunate though that a couple of questions I've always had are still unanswered and I was hoping this book would tackle them as its title suggests. Why did God reject Cain's offering? Was it the offering itself or the heart that gave the offering? I ask this because I imagine if I was a tiller of the ground there is only so much I could offer that is actually pleasing as an offering but for Abel, he already had a head start owing to the fact that he was a herdsman and meat is definitely more pleasing an offering as compared to any of the earth's produce.
I like to commend the author for seamlessly blending imagination and scripture especially in Chapter five when elaborating on the topic of faith. I particularly loved the explanation of Abram's faith being imputed to him for righteousness and that faith leading him to act it out. During the course of my reading the Bible I've noted that Paul stressed more on faith whereas James on actions. From Chapter 5, I now see that these two authors are not opposed to each other but rather each complements the other for it is only after faith in Jesus Christ that one will be able to live(act) according to his teachings.
Those personal experiences of the author about God's direct communication with him in Chapter 7 are fascinating especially the one where God informs him of his sister having Celiac disease therefore to remove gluten from her diet and it turns out to be exactly as the second physician recommends. I also think that the title of the book is relevant to the content of the book. The story develops well from the beginnings of man in the garden of eden to his fall and the redemption from that fall through Jesus Christ. I now better understand the role of Jesus in saving man after the latter disobeyed God. I have never quite grasped the severity of Adam's sin until the reading of this book.
Another thing that clearly strikes me when reading this book is that the author has thoroughly researched on the subject covered. Multiple references from the Bible, commentaries and other authors' work firmly and authoritatively cements the arguments in the book and enhances overall understanding of the content of the book. As opposed to many other christian authors, the author actually quotes the scripture instead of just providing references. The study questions at the end of each chapter are very thought-provoking and a revelation of how little knowledge I have of this faith though I read the Bible daily. Indeed, the words of Apostle Paul echo in these study questions, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! " (Romans 11:33).
I rate this book 4 out of 4 as I find it expertly written and edited. I also find it a mind-changing, well-researched and fascinating read. I recommend it to anyone who has never quite understood the topic of the beginning of man, his fall, God's initial plan for man, the importance of faith in Christianity and lastly the divine role that Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son, played in redeeming man or buying him back from his fallen state, from the slavery of sin and the shackles of the enemy, the devil.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Collo's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "From Drift to SHIFT" by Jody B. Miller
