How the Bible became the Bible by Donald L. Odell
How the Bible became the Bible by Donald L. Odell
  • "....provides excellent historical background as well as the author's personal history, which enhances his message by providing a glimpse of how the Holy Scripture can really be used." Lee Carroll, author of "Indigo Children" and many "Kyron" books
  • "I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before...." Pat W., (North Carolina)
  • ".... a refreshing synthesis of scholarship and deep personal reflection. Don O’Dell invites us to enter the experience of biblical personalities and groups, and to feel their struggles to find elusive spiritual coherence within their perception of events...." Dr. Jim Nourse, Ph.D., psychologist, acupuncturist and author of Simple Spirituality: Finding Your Own Way, and Opening the Aloha Mind: Healing Self, Healing the World with Ho’oponopono
  • "This highly readable book takes a conversational tone when, for instance, in Chapter 6 (The Time of Jesus), the author gently transitions us from the Old to the New Testament." New Age Retailer
  • "This book is of much value to the serious student of Holy Scripture. It will enable the reader to view the Holy Scriptures in the context in which the books were written and arranged." James J. DeFrancisco, PhD. Miltha Ministries, Mishawaka, Indiana
  • "....provides excellent historical background as well as the author's personal history, which enhances his message by providing a glimpse of how the Holy Scripture can really be used." Lee Carroll, author of "Indigo Children" and many "Kyron" books

2nd Edition, Revised Material

Spiritual Christianity Based On Faith

Principle – Imperfection: I am Not Perfect

Many people mouth the statement, I am not perfect or I am a work in progress. I believe most, however, are unaware of the profound truth those statements represent.

Imperfection is the state of the human condition – and I am not talking here about “Original Sin.” Imperfection is not bad, evil, or my traits that need to be “fixed.” If I deny my essential imperfection, I am denying my own humanity. If I am busy denying and/or trying to “fix” my imperfect humanity, I am totally unable to affirm yours.

I have been rereading an old, very powerful book called The Spirituality of Imperfection, by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchham, Bantam Books, 1992.

In my book I discuss Experiential Faith as opposed to Faith/Belief in Dogma. The spirituality of imperfection is very similar to experiential faith.

Here is a quote from page 14 for you to ponder this week:
The spirituality of imperfection is a spirituality of ‘not having all the answers.’ For those who have come to expect an answer to every question, a solution to every problem, and an end to every beginning, such an approach may be disconcerting at first. As we travel around in the past, rummaging through the different [spiritual or religious] traditions, pulling out a thought here, relating a story there, revealing a way of seeing the world from over there, the reader may experience a sense of dislocation and disorientation. But continue on, for this seemingly disjointed wandering is the way of imperfection. By the end of this journey, the jarring notes, spatial dissonances, and cultural cacophonies will blend together into a sort of symphony, a chorus of separate, distinct, and sometimes off-key voices harmonizing into a whole…not perfect harmony, but harmony, nonetheless.”

How the Bible Became the Bible - Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.

Blessings, Don

Back

Contact Mr O'Dell

I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before. It appears it takes humans a long time to change - you timed this perfectly! Answering questions about the Bible that many have had but were afraid to ask could really help open the door wider to the changes we desperately need. So you are part of the change! Congratulations for that service to this planet….
Pat W., (North Carolina)
This website is a great tribute to Don's spiritual work. He is the real deal. He is as authentic in person as he is in his writing. His books and his on-going message have always been very helpful to me in my spiritual journey. Don is a mentor to many, so I'm excited he is getting an opportunity to share his wisdom with more people.
Barbara M. (Tennessee)
I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before. It appears it takes humans a long time to change - you timed this perfectly! Answering questions about the Bible that many have had but were afraid to ask could really help open the door wider to the changes we desperately need. So you are part of the change! Congratulations for that service to this planet….
Pat W., (North Carolina)
This website is a great tribute to Don's spiritual work. He is the real deal. He is as authentic in person as he is in his writing. His books and his on-going message have always been very helpful to me in my spiritual journey. Don is a mentor to many, so I'm excited he is getting an opportunity to share his wisdom with more people.
Barbara M. (Tennessee)
ISBN (HARD): 9781982243067
ISBN (SOFT): 9781982243081
ISBN (eBook): 978198224307