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The book consists of over 200 passages from the Old Testament from the story of creation, Abraham, Jacob and Joseph, to David and Solomon and even King Ahab. The author used a unique interpretation to expand on these passages. Did it affect how you understand the Old Testament?
What passage affected your understanding?

As someone who has always struggled reading the Old Testament stories, I found Greenwood's writing to be a welcome reprieve. The story of Abel and Cain provided me with a better understanding regarding the negativity surrounding envy. I look forward to reading all of the passages!

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 09:59 As someone who has always struggled reading the Old Testament stories, I found Greenwood's writing to be a welcome reprieve. The story of Abel and Cain provided me with a better understanding regarding the negativity surrounding envy. I look forward to reading all of the passages!

I was drawn into this book as I read the story of creation. The explanation that the days of creation have no definable limit made me understand Genesis much better.

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 09:59 As someone who has always struggled reading the Old Testament stories, I found Greenwood's writing to be a welcome reprieve. The story of Abel and Cain provided me with a better understanding regarding the negativity surrounding envy. I look forward to reading all of the passages!

I fully agree with you. Only scholars can understand some passages. We do need books like this to reinforce God's teachings.

I didn't have a religious upbringing, but I've always enjoyed reading religious literature as a way for me to understand certain people's beliefs. Since I've never read the Old Testament, I can't compare the two, but I did enjoy reading the author's take on the traditional passages.

LinaMueller wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 10:34

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 09:59 As someone who has always struggled reading the Old Testament stories, I found Greenwood's writing to be a welcome reprieve. The story of Abel and Cain provided me with a better understanding regarding the negativity surrounding envy. I look forward to reading all of the passages!

I fully agree with you. Only scholars can understand some passages. We do need books like this to reinforce God's teachings.

I agree that some passages are hard to interpret and that book like these go a long way in helping interpret certain parts of the Old Testament for present readers.

eastandalchemy wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 11:14 I didn't have a religious upbringing, but I've always enjoyed reading religious literature as a way for me to understand certain people's beliefs. Since I've never read the Old Testament, I can't compare the two, but I did enjoy reading the author's take on the traditional passages.

The author's take on what time during creation looked like was very understanding and eye-opening. I had not considered that prior to the crearion of night and day how time might be interpreted, or how long those first days of creation might have been.

I must admit I have never read the Old Testament in its entirety. Still, based purely on what I have read, I must admit that the book is much simpler and made understanding the Bible much easier than just reading, especially for newer Christians like me. I especially enjoyed the retellings of Cain and Abel because it was one of my favorite stories from the original collection, and it was much easier to understand.

The book as much as it caries its origin from the old testament,i dont believe it has the ability of changing ones believe in the bible though it might happen just depending on how strong ones knowledge and biblical foundation is.

It definitely elevates my understanding of the Bible. I have read other books that explain the Bible in detail, I just love reading other people's thoughts on the Bible and their interpretation of the verses.

I studied both the Old and New Testaments in college. I already have a strong background in the Biblical stories. This book didn't change or challenge any of the beliefs I hold.

I don't think it necessarily changes my understand, it perhaps adds a new perspective but this doesn't take anything away from my understanding if anything it enforces it further.

The book does not really change my understanding of the Bible. I have learned the doctrine with all of my heart, and the topics that the author discussed (at least the ones I agreed with) were ones that I were aware of. It was basically a summary of the Old Testament with some opinions mixed in. It was an ok read, but not an overly original one.

leiabutler wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 17:01 I don't think it necessarily changes my understand, it perhaps adds a new perspective but this doesn't take anything away from my understanding if anything it enforces it further.

I agree. There were a few things that I could see a new side on, but nothing too monumentally changing in my understanding of the scriptures. Like I said in a different post, it wasn’t the most original book about the Bible that I have read.

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑01 Aug 2019, 09:59 As someone who has always struggled reading the Old Testament stories, I found Greenwood's writing to be a welcome reprieve. The story of Abel and Cain provided me with a better understanding regarding the negativity surrounding envy. I look forward to reading all of the passages!

I agree with you wholeheartedly. I've always avoided reading the Old Testament for two reasons. 1) It was never really ingrained in me or my family life. We don't identify as terribly religious, but my family does believe in God. 2) It always took such effort to wrap my head around His words written in such a 16th century manner.

I was also impressed with the story of Cain and Abel. As a child, what only stood out to me was: don't murder people! Don't murder your family! Now, I understand envy as well as perseverance as being factors in their story.