Review by Liberty Ruby -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Liberty Ruby
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- Latest Review: "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs
Review by Liberty Ruby -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
2 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? By William E. Combs
Review by Liberty B.
This is a theological book that examines the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the effect of sin, and what it means for people today. I wanted to read it because I am a Christian who has studied the Bible extensively.
I was hoping to be refreshed as I read, but was disappointed. I’m afraid that much of what I have to say is in the negative critical sense. I give this book 2 out of 4 stars, largely because what stood out to me in the entire book was in Chapter 2 where the author tries to “unrelate” guilt and nakedness. The author tries to remove guilt completely. He tries to make all the consequences of Adam’s and Eve’s choice to sin against God’s command—into good things. I think this is a serious error. The author does this again on p. 65 (of the PDF), where he says that sin is not associated with a disobedient act. I am appalled at this.
The title of this book is enticing—but I felt that several chapters in the middle of the book swerved away from the topic. On the other hand, at least twice in the book the phrase “they felt naked” was applied and assumed (the disciples and Paul) where it didn’t belong; and I completely disagree with these interpretations.
Three more times I see serious theological errors by the author. P. 111 (of the PDF) he states that “The feelings of nakedness…resulted in….death.” WHAT?! No!! Adam’s disobedience resulted in death. Scripture is exceedingly clear about this in other passages. On p. 151 (of the PDF) (also see p. 235 #3) personal experiences are given of “the word of the Lord.” There are people who claim the Lord told them things contrary to what the Scriptures say. Be careful!! I disagree that God communicates now just as He did in Bible times. [In Bible times they did not have the completed Scriptures. Now we do.] And then on p. 169 (of the PDF) there are some outrageous examples given. My question to the author would be this, “If we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, then why were these examples physical?”
The author does what many other people have done, and several times throughout the book declares that when Eve talked to the serpent she added to God’s command by saying that God said “neither shall ye touch it.” Many times throughout the Bible, additional details are given in a retelling of the same story. I think people should consider that perhaps not touching the fruit was part of God’s original command to Adam along with “Don’t eat that particular fruit.” The author should not assume that Adam added that detail and that Eve repeated it. There is no evidence that it couldn’t have been part of God’s original command.
Chapter 6 was my favorite part of the book. It is here that a good, clear description of how to obtain eternal salvation is given.
This book ended with the consideration that the “knowledge of good and evil” may not apply to specific acts, but to a person’s general outlook on life as a whole. I wish this idea had been expounded on more. This book showed me how people can interpret this Bible passage in different ways. It was good exercise for my Spiritual muscles to think about what I believe, and why.
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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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2 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? By William E. Combs
Review by Liberty B.
This is a theological book that examines the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the effect of sin, and what it means for people today. I wanted to read it because I am a Christian who has studied the Bible extensively.
I was hoping to be refreshed as I read, but was disappointed. I’m afraid that much of what I have to say is in the negative critical sense. I give this book 2 out of 4 stars, largely because what stood out to me in the entire book was in Chapter 2 where the author tries to “unrelate” guilt and nakedness. The author tries to remove guilt completely. He tries to make all the consequences of Adam’s and Eve’s choice to sin against God’s command—into good things. I think this is a serious error. The author does this again on p. 65 (of the PDF), where he says that sin is not associated with a disobedient act. I am appalled at this.
The title of this book is enticing—but I felt that several chapters in the middle of the book swerved away from the topic. On the other hand, at least twice in the book the phrase “they felt naked” was applied and assumed (the disciples and Paul) where it didn’t belong; and I completely disagree with these interpretations.
Three more times I see serious theological errors by the author. P. 111 (of the PDF) he states that “The feelings of nakedness…resulted in….death.” WHAT?! No!! Adam’s disobedience resulted in death. Scripture is exceedingly clear about this in other passages. On p. 151 (of the PDF) (also see p. 235 #3) personal experiences are given of “the word of the Lord.” There are people who claim the Lord told them things contrary to what the Scriptures say. Be careful!! I disagree that God communicates now just as He did in Bible times. [In Bible times they did not have the completed Scriptures. Now we do.] And then on p. 169 (of the PDF) there are some outrageous examples given. My question to the author would be this, “If we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, then why were these examples physical?”
The author does what many other people have done, and several times throughout the book declares that when Eve talked to the serpent she added to God’s command by saying that God said “neither shall ye touch it.” Many times throughout the Bible, additional details are given in a retelling of the same story. I think people should consider that perhaps not touching the fruit was part of God’s original command to Adam along with “Don’t eat that particular fruit.” The author should not assume that Adam added that detail and that Eve repeated it. There is no evidence that it couldn’t have been part of God’s original command.
Chapter 6 was my favorite part of the book. It is here that a good, clear description of how to obtain eternal salvation is given.
This book ended with the consideration that the “knowledge of good and evil” may not apply to specific acts, but to a person’s general outlook on life as a whole. I wish this idea had been expounded on more. This book showed me how people can interpret this Bible passage in different ways. It was good exercise for my Spiritual muscles to think about what I believe, and why.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Liberty Ruby's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs
