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What Is the Bible?

What Is the Bible?

How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything
by Rob Bell 2017 336 pages
4.32
8k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. The Bible is a human book with divine inspiration

The Bible did not drop out of the sky; it was written by people.

Human authorship, divine insight. The Bible is a collection of books written by real people in real places at real times, reflecting their cultures, perspectives, and limitations. However, these writers were also grappling with profound truths about human existence, morality, and the divine. Their writings capture both the earthly and the transcendent.

Evolving understanding. As a human document, the Bible shows an evolution of ideas and theology over time. Earlier writings often reflect more primitive understandings of God and morality, while later texts show more sophisticated and nuanced views. This progression demonstrates humanity's growing spiritual and ethical awareness.

Inspiration, not dictation. The concept of divine inspiration doesn't mean God dictated every word, but rather that the authors were moved by their experiences and understanding of the divine to write. This understanding allows readers to engage with the text critically while still finding spiritual value and insight.

2. Reading the Bible requires context and interpretation

If you're bored reading the Bible, then you aren't reading the Bible.

Historical and cultural context. Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context of biblical passages is crucial for proper interpretation. Without this context, readers may misunderstand or misapply the text's meaning.

Layers of meaning. The Bible often contains multiple layers of meaning, including:

  • Literal/historical: What actually happened or was said
  • Symbolic/metaphorical: Deeper truths conveyed through imagery
  • Moral/ethical: Principles for living and behavior
  • Theological: Insights about God and spirituality

Interpretive lenses. Different readers and traditions approach the Bible with various interpretive lenses, such as:

  • Literal interpretation
  • Allegorical interpretation
  • Historical-critical method
  • Liberation theology
  • Feminist interpretation

Understanding these different approaches can enrich one's reading and prevent narrow or dogmatic interpretations.

3. The Bible's narrative arc is about love, redemption, and human progress

According to Paul, this is what brings God pleasure.

Overarching themes. The Bible's grand narrative centers on:

  • God's love for humanity
  • The redemption of individuals and communities
  • The progression of human understanding and ethics

From tribalism to universalism. The Bible shows a movement from narrow, tribal conceptions of God and morality to more universal and inclusive understandings. This progression reflects humanity's spiritual and ethical growth over time.

Redemptive arc. Throughout the biblical narrative, there's a consistent theme of redemption:

  • Personal redemption (individual transformation)
  • Social redemption (justice and equality)
  • Cosmic redemption (renewal of all creation)

This redemptive arc provides hope and purpose, inspiring readers to participate in the ongoing work of personal and societal transformation.

4. Jesus reinterpreted scripture through a lens of radical love and inclusion

Jesus couldn't care less.

Challenging tradition. Jesus consistently challenged narrow, legalistic interpretations of scripture, often shocking his audience by:

  • Associating with outcasts and "sinners"
  • Healing on the Sabbath
  • Challenging religious authorities

Emphasizing love and mercy. Jesus prioritized love, compassion, and mercy over strict adherence to religious law. He summarized the entire law as loving God and loving one's neighbor.

Expanding the circle. Through parables and actions, Jesus consistently expanded the definition of who was included in God's love and care:

  • The Good Samaritan (loving one's enemy)
  • The Prodigal Son (unconditional forgiveness)
  • The Woman at the Well (crossing social and religious boundaries)

This radical reinterpretation of scripture forms the foundation of Christian ethics and theology.

5. The Bible critiques power and champions the oppressed

History is usually told by the strong, who, with great flourish, tell you about all of those they conquered and all the brave acts they did.

Voice of the marginalized. The Bible often tells stories from the perspective of the oppressed, challenging the narratives of the powerful. This includes:

  • Slaves in Egypt
  • Exiles in Babylon
  • The poor and outcast in Jesus' ministry

Prophetic critique. The prophetic books consistently call out:

  • Social injustice
  • Economic exploitation
  • Religious hypocrisy
  • Abuse of power

God's preferential option for the poor. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as being especially concerned with the welfare of:

  • Widows
  • Orphans
  • Foreigners
  • The poor and marginalized

This emphasis challenges readers to consider their own relationship to power and privilege, and to work for justice and equality.

6. Sin is a disturbance of God's intended peace and harmony

Sin is culpable disturbance of shalom.

Shalom defined. Shalom is the Hebrew concept of peace, wholeness, and harmony. It encompasses:

  • Peace with God
  • Peace with oneself
  • Peace with others
  • Peace with creation

Sin as disruption. Rather than merely breaking rules, sin is understood as any action that disrupts this intended harmony. This can include:

  • Personal actions that harm oneself or others
  • Social systems that perpetuate injustice
  • Environmental destruction

Restoration, not punishment. The biblical view of sin focuses more on restoration of shalom than on punishment. This involves:

  • Personal transformation
  • Reconciliation in relationships
  • Working for social justice
  • Care for creation

This understanding of sin and shalom provides a holistic framework for ethics and spirituality.

7. The Bible invites readers to engage, question, and wrestle with its content

When you read the Bible and you don't have those questions, you're probably not reading the Bible.

Active engagement. The Bible is not meant to be passively received, but actively engaged with. This includes:

  • Asking difficult questions
  • Wrestling with contradictions
  • Applying critical thinking

Dialogue and debate. The biblical tradition includes examples of arguing with God (Job, Abraham) and debating interpretations (Rabbinical traditions, Early Church councils).

Personal application. Readers are encouraged to:

  • Consider how the text applies to their own life
  • Engage in communal interpretation and discussion
  • Allow the text to challenge and transform their thinking and behavior

This approach to scripture fosters spiritual growth, intellectual honesty, and a dynamic faith.

8. Biblical authority comes from interpretation and relational trust

Authority is when you give weight, power, and influence to something.

Interpretation is inevitable. Every reading of the Bible involves interpretation, whether conscious or unconscious. Factors influencing interpretation include:

  • Cultural background
  • Personal experiences
  • Theological traditions
  • Academic training

Relational dimension. Biblical authority is not abstract, but relational. It involves trusting:

  • The community that produced and preserved the texts
  • The interpreters and teachers one learns from
  • One's own ability to engage with the text

Responsible interpretation. Recognizing the interpretive nature of biblical authority calls for:

  • Humility in one's own interpretations
  • Openness to other perspectives
  • Ongoing study and reflection

This understanding of authority encourages a more mature and nuanced engagement with scripture.

9. The Bible's contradictions reflect evolving human understanding of God

Over time, people evolved in their thinking about God.

Apparent contradictions. The Bible contains numerous apparent contradictions, including:

  • Different creation accounts
  • Varying genealogies
  • Conflicting moral teachings

Evolving theology. Rather than seeing these as errors, they can be understood as reflecting humanity's evolving understanding of God and ethics. Examples include:

  • Movement from polytheism to monotheism
  • Developing concepts of afterlife and judgment
  • Expanding circle of moral concern

Contextual understanding. Recognizing this evolution encourages readers to:

  • Understand texts in their historical context
  • Appreciate the overall trajectory of biblical thought
  • Apply critical thinking to their own theological development

This approach allows for a more sophisticated and nuanced reading of scripture.

10. The Bible's power lies in embracing its messy, beautiful humanity

To fully appreciate the Bible, you have to let it be what it is.

Embracing complexity. The Bible's power comes not from avoiding its complexities, but from embracing them. This includes:

  • Literary diversity (poetry, history, letters, etc.)
  • Cultural specificities
  • Moral ambiguities

Human and divine. The Bible's unique power lies in its ability to capture both the human and divine aspects of existence. It reflects:

  • Human struggles, doubts, and failings
  • Glimpses of transcendent truth and beauty

Transformative potential. By engaging with the Bible in all its messy humanity, readers can:

  • Find connection with the human experiences portrayed
  • Be challenged and inspired by its vision of divine reality
  • Participate in the ongoing story of human spiritual growth

This approach to scripture allows for a more honest, mature, and potentially transformative engagement with the text.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "What Is the Bible?" about?

  • Exploration of the Bible: The book explores how the Bible, a collection of ancient texts, can transform the way we think and feel about everything.
  • Human and Divine Intersection: It delves into the intersection of the human and divine, showing how the Bible reflects human experiences and divine inspiration.
  • Contextual Understanding: Rob Bell emphasizes understanding the Bible in its historical and cultural context to uncover its deeper meanings.
  • Invitation to Engage: The book invites readers to engage with the Bible in a way that is dynamic, questioning, and open to new insights.

Why should I read "What Is the Bible?" by Rob Bell?

  • New Perspective: It offers a fresh perspective on reading the Bible, encouraging readers to see it as a living, breathing document.
  • Deeper Understanding: The book provides tools to understand the Bible's historical context, enhancing comprehension and appreciation.
  • Engaging Style: Rob Bell's engaging and accessible writing style makes complex theological concepts understandable.
  • Personal Growth: Reading the book can lead to personal growth by challenging preconceived notions and encouraging a deeper spiritual journey.

What are the key takeaways of "What Is the Bible?"?

  • Bible as a Library: The Bible is a collection of diverse texts written over centuries, not a single book with a uniform message.
  • Context Matters: Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical texts is crucial for accurate interpretation.
  • Dynamic Interpretation: The Bible should be read as a dynamic text that invites ongoing interpretation and engagement.
  • Human Experience: The Bible reflects the human experience, capturing the struggles, hopes, and insights of its authors.

How does Rob Bell suggest we read the Bible?

  • Read Literately, Not Literally: Bell encourages reading the Bible according to its literary forms, whether poetry, history, or parable.
  • Ask Questions: Engage with the text by asking questions about its context, purpose, and meaning.
  • Turn the Gem: Approach the Bible like a gem with many facets, allowing different perspectives to reveal new insights.
  • Embrace the Humanity: Recognize the human element in the Bible, understanding it as a record of human encounters with the divine.

What is the significance of the title "What Is the Bible?"?

  • Questioning Approach: The title reflects the book's approach of questioning and exploring the nature and purpose of the Bible.
  • Invitation to Discover: It invites readers to discover the Bible's relevance and transformative power in a modern context.
  • Challenge Assumptions: The title suggests a challenge to traditional assumptions about the Bible, encouraging a fresh look.
  • Exploration of Identity: It hints at exploring the Bible's identity as both a human and divine document.

What are the best quotes from "What Is the Bible?" and what do they mean?

  • "You can take it way farther." This quote encourages readers to explore beyond traditional interpretations and find deeper meanings.
  • "All things are yours." This phrase suggests that truth and insight can be found in many places, not just within the Bible.
  • "The Bible is a library of books." It emphasizes the diversity and complexity of the Bible, encouraging a nuanced approach to reading it.
  • "The Bible is a profoundly human book." This quote highlights the human element in the Bible, acknowledging its authors' experiences and perspectives.

How does Rob Bell address contradictions in the Bible?

  • Contextual Evolution: Bell explains that contradictions often reflect the evolving understanding of God and the world by the Bible's authors.
  • Human Perspective: He emphasizes that the Bible is written from human perspectives, which can change over time.
  • Invitation to Explore: Contradictions invite readers to explore deeper meanings and understand the Bible's dynamic nature.
  • Growth in Understanding: They illustrate the growth in human understanding of the divine, showing a progression in theological thought.

What is Rob Bell's view on the Bible's authority?

  • Relational Authority: Bell suggests that authority is relational, given by readers who find the Bible meaningful and transformative.
  • Interpretation Required: The Bible's authority involves interpretation, as it must be understood in context and applied to life.
  • Dynamic Engagement: Authority comes from engaging with the Bible's teachings and allowing them to shape one's life.
  • Beyond Literalism: Bell moves beyond literal interpretations, seeing authority in the Bible's ability to inspire and guide.

How does "What Is the Bible?" redefine the concept of sin?

  • Disturbance of Shalom: Sin is defined as anything that disrupts the peace and harmony God intends for the world.
  • Beyond Rules: It moves beyond the idea of sin as merely breaking rules, focusing on its impact on relationships and community.
  • Human Experience: The concept of sin is tied to the human experience of guilt and the need for reconciliation.
  • Forgiveness and Identity: The book emphasizes that sin is forgiven in Christ, and our primary identity is found in being loved by God.

What does Rob Bell say about the inspiration of the Bible?

  • God-Breathed: Bell describes the Bible as "God-breathed," meaning it is inspired by the divine but written by humans.
  • Dynamic Process: Inspiration is seen as a dynamic process involving human authors and divine influence.
  • Life-Giving: The Bible is inspired in the sense that it brings life, hope, and guidance to its readers.
  • Beyond Literalism: Inspiration is not about literal accuracy but about the Bible's ability to speak to the human condition.

How does "What Is the Bible?" address the concept of predestination?

  • Instrumental Election: Election is seen as instrumental, meaning chosen for a purpose, not for exclusion.
  • Expansive Understanding: Predestination is about God's expansive desire to include and bless all people.
  • Contextual Interpretation: The concept is understood within the context of the Bible's broader narrative of redemption.
  • Focus on Mission: Predestination emphasizes the mission and calling to bless others, not exclusion or favoritism.

What is the "turning the gem" method in "What Is the Bible?"?

  • Multiple Perspectives: "Turning the gem" involves looking at the Bible from multiple perspectives to gain new insights.
  • Dynamic Interpretation: It encourages a dynamic approach to interpretation, recognizing the Bible's complexity.
  • Engagement with Text: Readers are invited to engage deeply with the text, allowing it to reveal different facets of truth.
  • Ongoing Discovery: This method supports ongoing discovery and learning, as each turn of the gem offers something new.

Review Summary

4.32 out of 5
Average of 8k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell receives mixed reviews. Many praise its fresh perspective on reading scripture, encouraging readers to approach the Bible "literately" rather than literally. Bell's engaging writing style and ability to make ancient texts relevant are widely appreciated. However, some criticize his theology and interpretations as controversial or lacking depth. The book is seen as potentially eye-opening for skeptics and those struggling with faith, but may challenge traditional views. Overall, it sparks conversation and encourages deeper engagement with scripture, despite disagreements on specific points.

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About the Author

Rob Bell is a bestselling author, speaker, and former pastor known for his provocative approach to Christianity. He founded Mars Hill Bible Church at age 28, growing it rapidly. Bell's books, including "Love Wins" and "What Is the Bible?", have sparked controversy and dialogue within Christian circles. Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in 2011. Bell has been featured on Oprah's Life You Want Tour and conducts speaking tours worldwide. He now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children, continuing to write, teach, and challenge traditional religious perspectives through his work.

Other books by Rob Bell

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