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

One Man’s Journey With The Bible

Moving from interpreting biblical texts through the lens of dogma and credal statements to connecting with the oneness of biblical characters and all of humanity through experiential faith.

Donald O’Dell holds a master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and an undergraduate degree in history.

Watch interview with Don, talking about his journey - click here.

He was an active United Presbyterian minister – developing a “street-gang” ministry in Trenton, NJ, followed by pastoring 2 small congregations. He had a visceral spiritual experience during his recovery from alcoholism and came face-to-face with the difference between being religious and being spiritual. Semi-retired, he now lives in Western North Carolina.

I honestly believe when you read the book you will understand my message – the tension between religious beliefs/dogma and the love/peace of spirituality runs through both the Old and the New Testaments.

Donald O’Dell holds a master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and an undergraduate degree in history.

He was an active United Presbyterian minister – developing a “street-gang” ministry in Trenton, NJ, followed by pastoring 2 small congregations. He had a visceral spiritual experience during his recovery from alcoholism and came face-to-face with the difference between being religious and being spiritual. Semi-retired, he now lives in Western North Carolina.

I honestly believe when you read the book you will understand my message – the tension between religious beliefs/dogma and the love/peace of spirituality runs through both the Old and the New Testaments.

Author Of How the Bible Became the Bible

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)

Pat W., (North Carolina)

Barbara M. (Tennessee)

Contact Mr O'Dell

My book is easily used as a tool for congregational or small group study. It helps build community through honest dialogue about our spiritual questions and experiences. It helps define the difference between religious belief and spirituality.

Explaining the history of the development of Scripture, my book is a study of the tensions in the Bible between developing dogmatic beliefs and experiencing the Spiritual.

I honestly believe when you read the book you will understand my message – the tension between religious beliefs/dogma and the love/peace of spirituality runs through both the Old and the New Testaments.

Hardcover Book

ISBN (HARD): 9781982243067

Paperback Book

ISBN (SOFT): 9781982243081

eBook

ISBN (eBook): 978198224307