Readers have commented they found reading the book increased their understanding of the true humanness of biblical characters and provided significant insights into their own spiritual development. They comprehend that spirituality is an inside job, as is the growth of experiential faith that ensued. Christian congregations as well as New Thought or free-thinking groups find it helpful – stimulating wonderful, personal discussions.
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This book is for those who want to be true to the spirit of the Christ and want to use the Bible as a guide to their spiritual growth rather than as a literal instruction manual for evaluating and judging external behavior – especially the behavior of others. Spirituality is always an inside job and is always gentle, kind, understanding and accepting – of others and of self.
It is just as unbalanced for a metaphysician, humanist or agnostic to believe the Bible is simply metaphorical – as it is for a Christian to believe each word must be interpreted literally. Clear spiritual thinking requires an understanding of what the Bible is – and isn’t.
While O’Dell performs a scholarly work explaining facts, politics and beliefs that forged the evolution of the Bible, his experiential faith in the sacredness of the presence of the Holy Spirit imbues this book with authentic humanness. Readers will understand that being a Christian requires more than attaching oneself to a congregation and believing the Bible literally.
Knowing God is the active pursuit of experiential faith.
The fruit of this book is the presentation of biblical facts, which are sewn together in the recognition that the Kingdom of God is available right now for you: Having experiences where others see God in you; Gifting your life with experiences of seeing God in all others; and Experiencing Spirit’s daily guidance as you live your life.
Get the real story. Read this book today.
My book provides a “30,000-foot” view of how the Bible came to be, and does so with the aim of making major biblical characters appear as “real” as your next-door neighbors.
It's is a tool to start discussions on the dangers of biblical literalism – dangers to the spiritual growth of individuals as well as dangers to perceptions, writ large, of the Bible itself.
It can easily be used by congregations as a tool to help build community through honest dialogue about our spiritual questions and experiences.