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I loved the way the author filled in the gaps that weren't fully covered (or were simply glossed over) in the Bible. Granted, I do think of this book as partly fiction because of it. However, I also believe it could help people understand passages and stories of the Old Testament that have posed difficulties in comprehension for, dare I say, millions of people since the Old Testament was written. What do you think? Is it too fictionized for your taste? What parts made you feel that way?

I don't think this book is too fictionalized. I appreciate that the author has tried to make the Old Testament stories more understandable using modern wording.

I mean, to be very frank, I regard religious texts as fiction, or at least mostly fiction, to begin with. It's interesting to see how others view biblical stories and events, and how they make sense of the stories by filling in the gaps or setting out to create explanations for things. It can be fun to see what others believe or how they perceive the old "canon" texts.

Jsovermyer wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 19:58 I don't think this book is too fictionalized. I appreciate that the author has tried to make the Old Testament stories more understandable using modern wording.

I appreciate that as well. It has (kind of) been done before, putting it in modern language that is. One of the Bibles I had as an undergrad had been 'translated' into modern language. I used it for years because it made it so much easier to understand. This author went the extra step of inserting content to cover the 'holes' in the stories. I can't help but think of those parts as fiction. I appreciate you stopping in and sharing your thoughts!

SavannaEGoth wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 22:36 I mean, to be very frank, I regard religious texts as fiction, or at least mostly fiction, to begin with. It's interesting to see how others view biblical stories and events, and how they make sense of the stories by filling in the gaps or setting out to create explanations for things. It can be fun to see what others believe or how they perceive the old "canon" texts.

I can see your point there, but then, does that make all history texts that we weren't there in person to see the events unfold for fiction? One point I've always made with my kids is that though the events (more than likely) did happen, history is written by the victors. Therefore the perspective it is written from isn't necessarily the way things actually happened. As for this book, I greatly enjoyed seeing how the author chose to 'fill in the blanks' in the Bible stories addressed. I also like exploring different beliefs and how 'canon' texts are interpreted not just by those who believe in them but by those outside the religion as well. I always enjoy your posts. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Kelyn wrote: ↑09 Aug 2019, 01:05

Jsovermyer wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 19:58 I don't think this book is too fictionalized. I appreciate that the author has tried to make the Old Testament stories more understandable using modern wording.

I appreciate that as well. It has (kind of) been done before, putting it in modern language that is. One of the Bibles I had as an undergrad had been 'translated' into modern language. I used it for years because it made it so much easier to understand. This author went the extra step of inserting content to cover the 'holes' in the stories. I can't help but think of those parts as fiction. I appreciate you stopping in and sharing your thoughts!

There are many versions of the Bible. Even the King James version that so many use is just a translation from the original languages that the scrolls were written in. King James decided what to put in and what to leave out. The Catholic Bible has a different number of books from the Protestant one. Who's to say if the translators in his time didn't add their own spin on the stories.

Jsovermyer wrote: ↑09 Aug 2019, 06:18

There are many versions of the Bible. Even the King James version that so many use is just a translation from the original languages that the scrolls were written in. King James decided what to put in and what to leave out. The Catholic Bible has a different number of books from the Protestant one. Who's to say if the translators in his time didn't add their own spin on the stories.

True! It was actually in one of these forums that I first heard about the differences in the Catholic Bible and others as far as how many books there are. As far as translations, you have no idea how many times I've either asked that very question (or a very similar version) or had a discussion about it with my husband and kids. Sounds like we think very much alike! Thanks for stopping back by!

I wouldn't say the book is at any rate fictionalized. It doesn't contradict the old testament at any point.

I actually searched for the parts and interpretation of Old testament while reading the book and nothing was too far from the reality so I believe it wasn't too fictionized.

Kelyn wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 10:09 I loved the way the author filled in the gaps that weren't fully covered (or were simply glossed over) in the Bible. Granted, I do think of this book as partly fiction because of it. However, I also believe it could help people understand passages and stories of the Old Testament that have posed difficulties in comprehension for, dare I say, millions of people since the Old Testament was written. What do you think? Is it too fictionized for your taste? What parts made you feel that way?

I think that the book was partly fiction due to the information the author uses to feel in the chronological gaps in the passages, but I do not think the book is too fictionized.

Burnaard+42 wrote: ↑10 Aug 2019, 02:59 I wouldn't say the book is at any rate fictionalized. It doesn't contradict the old testament at any point.

Areej Tahir wrote: ↑10 Aug 2019, 08:42 I actually searched for the parts and interpretation of Old testament while reading the book and nothing was too far from the reality so I believe it wasn't too fictionized.

I completely agree that it doesn't contradict the Old Testament and kudos, Areej, for looking that up as you read!. The author does an excellent job filling in the blanks to make things a solid story. I'm glad you found his (her? Val could be either!) efforts successful! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

I do not think this book is too fictionized. I agree with you that the author's style helps to understand difficult passages better. It is my opinion that he achieved his goal, so fiction is a positive aspect of the book, not something negative.

I dont think the book is too fictionalized . It is a great book full of hope and understating. It gives us inspiration

fmd1821 wrote: ↑11 Aug 2019, 02:47 I do not think this book is too fictionized. I agree with you that the author's style helps to understand difficult passages better. It is my opinion that he achieved his goal, so fiction is a positive aspect of the book, not something negative.

I love that you look at it that way! I didn't mean to imply that it would be an entirely negative thing. I just wondered if anyone felt the author had gone overboard in supplementing what we are told in the Bible.

essyallan7475 wrote: ↑11 Aug 2019, 22:46 I dont think the book is too fictionalized . It is a great book full of hope and understating. It gives us inspiration

It is definitely done in such a way that it provides the opportunity for greater understanding. In that way, it could be inspirational to some.

Thanks to you both for stopping in and commenting!

I must say, this topic is really interesting since I didn't think to look at it that way. I suppose I was taught in school to think of the bible as historic, but while I was reading the book I only saw the parts the author added as just a way to understand everything better. Having seen this thread however, I will reconsider everything the author wrote as I can see how it would be considered fiction.