Don't Know Much About the Bible: Everything You Need to Know About the Good Book but Never Learned

As a Boy Scout I was tasked to read and summarize the New Testament's 'Book of Matthew'. The Book of Matthew is conversationally written, and my Revised Standard Version of "The Holy Bible" is conversationally written. I completed my task, but reading and summarizing the Book of Matthew was long and difficult. I read no further.
The importance of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity in global events has increased tremendously in the last two decades. I wanted additional exposure to the Christian Bible, but I didn't know where to start -- the Bible contains an *immense* amount of Christian history, philosophy, and doctrine. I believe that "Don't Know Much About The Bible: ..." by Kenneth C. Davis provides a good starting point for those wanting (re)introduction to the Bible.
I consider Mr. Davis a liberal historian. Mr. Davis explains the Bible's events in the context of history and in relationship to the Hebrew Scriptures (the precursor to the Christian Old Testament); to the Islamic Quran; and to related texts such as the "Dead Sea Scrolls", the "Gnostic Gospels", and the "Gospel According To Thomas". Mr. Davis acknowledges that devout worshippers feel strongly about their own views, but feels that devout worshippers should not fear differing views and legitimate questions.
"Don't Know Much About The Bible: ..." is written in a question/answer format. Mr. Davis uses questions concerning major Biblical topics and events as section headings, then answers those questions. Questions are sequenced to take the reader first through the Christian Old Testament and then the Christian New Testament with interleaved discussion of concurrent global historical events and related Bible excerpts. Combined with a detailed index this format makes "Don't Know Much About The Bible: ..." an excellent reference book for individuals wanting summaries of specific Biblical topics and events. The interleaved Book/Chapter/Verse references allow individuals to read the original Bible quotations and to draw their own conclusions.
Mr. Davis is a knowledgable historian with a gift for clear explanation and his text is well-written. I highly recommend "Don't Know Much About The Bible: ...", particularly for anyone wanting a (re)introduction to the Christian Bible.

I found this book to be an interesting study of the Bible. Although I did not agree with everything the author had to say, I was astounded by all the facts I had never thought about before. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a book about the Bible to challenge your thoughts and teach you something.

This is a great book. I have never been a bible scholar and I consider myself a moderate Christian. I bought this book because I was uncomfortable with the emphasis on what I term radical Christianity. Don't Know Much . . . can be read cover to cover as a great, plain-spoken history book. It can also be used as a reference for Bible research. I have done both. It is a completely enjoyable read and I am grateful to have more facts, which have helped me reconcile my personal beliefs about Christianity and also science and history. The writer's style is so completely comfortable that I plan to purchase another Don't Know Much . . . book.

Clear and consise. Truly and enjoyable read. After reading 3 translations of the bible (KJV,NIV,CEV), as well as other sources on it's history, I have to say Mr.Davis knows his stuff.The glossary and bibilography were a great addition. If you are truly interested in educating yourself this books a great beginning.

My guess is that it must have been extremely difficult for Mr. Davis to remain unbiased when writing this book. While he is able to theorize based on other teaching about specific events that occurred in the Old Testament, he fails to use the same kind of reasoning when it applies to the New Testament. It seems that there is no mention about the actual translation of the biblical text referring to fulfilling the Messianic Prophecies nor does he examine the original Hebrew text concerning the writings in Isaiah or Jeremiah. Nor does he give any clear explanation about the miracles Jesus performed or theorize about his resurrection. I think if you cannot separate yourself from your core beliefs, your definition of "the truth" remains to be questioned.

Like most "historical" analyses of anything religious or spiritual, this book seems more intent on debunking the Bible rather than merely offering the facts. It's obvious that author Kenneth Davis operates from the bias that the Bible is mythological. Are there inconsistencies in the Bible? Yes. And Davis goes to great lengths to point them out. But does he give equal time to the events, people and places that have been proven to be true by archaelogy? Not hardly. Davis does give a good summary of various books of the Bible and the geographical information is good, but shame on Davis for his anti-JudeoChristian bias!

As a bible student, I always appreciate a new perspective about the world's greatest book. Kenneth C. Davis's work lets us all understand some vital points of this book. I will not mention them to you, but you will browse some of these in the other reviews. You will learn some interesting points such as - Who was the first people? Why are their two accounts of Adam and Eve? You will definitely enjoy these fine points he makes. This is among the best books ever written about the bible without getting into heavy doctrine.

If you want to learn about the important "facts" of the old & new testaments... this is the book to read. It doesn't try to sway you one way or the other, but gives you the quotes and info to do so yourself. I never realized, for instance, that there were so many differences between the 4 scriptures of Luke, Mark, Matthew and John. There's a lot I can say,l but I don't want to ruin it for someone who never read the Bible and THINKS they know what it says. Let's put it this way... it's not quite like hollywood movies or what your Sunday school teacher or your parents try to convey. Great Stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay book. Not necessarily inspiring or helping to understand the doctrines of the bible and application to our lives.

JOHN

A terrific balance of religious and historical content. A must read for theists , non-theists , and agnostics. Well done!