Key Takeaways
1. Never read a Bible verse in isolation; context is crucial
"Never read a Bible verse. That's right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least."
Understanding context is paramount. When interpreting the Bible, it's essential to consider the surrounding text, the book's overall message, and its place within the larger biblical narrative. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations that often arise from cherry-picking individual verses.
Historical and cultural context matters. The Bible was written in specific times and places, addressing particular audiences with unique concerns. Understanding these contexts helps readers grasp the intended meaning and application of biblical passages.
Literary context is key. The Bible contains various genres, including history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Each genre requires different interpretive approaches. For example, poetic language in Psalms should not be read the same way as historical narrative in Chronicles.
2. The Bible was written for us, not to us; understand original audience
"The Bible was written for us, but not to us."
Original audience perspective. The Bible's authors wrote to specific people in particular times and places. Understanding their worldview, cultural norms, and historical context is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Modern application requires bridging contexts. While the Bible's message is timeless, its specific instructions often addressed issues relevant to its original audience. Readers must discern the underlying principles and apply them thoughtfully to contemporary situations.
Avoid anachronistic interpretation. Don't impose modern scientific, cultural, or philosophical concepts onto ancient texts. Instead, seek to understand what the text meant to its original hearers before considering its relevance today.
3. The Bible is a library, not a single book; diverse genres matter
"The Bible is a library, not a book."
Diverse collection of writings. The Bible comprises 66 books written by numerous authors over more than a thousand years. This diversity contributes to its richness but also necessitates careful interpretation.
Genre awareness is crucial. The Bible contains various literary types:
- Historical narratives
- Poetry and wisdom literature
- Prophetic writings
- Gospels
- Letters
- Apocalyptic literature
Each genre employs different literary devices and requires specific interpretive approaches.
Unity amidst diversity. Despite its varied nature, the Bible presents a unified message about God's relationship with humanity and his plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.
4. All of Scripture points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan
"From the beginning in Genesis to the end in Revelation, all of the Bible points to Jesus."
Progressive revelation. The Bible unfolds God's plan gradually, with each part building on what came before. The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding Jesus' role and significance.
Typology and foreshadowing. Many Old Testament events, people, and institutions prefigure or anticipate aspects of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. For example:
- The Passover lamb foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice
- The Davidic kingship points to Jesus as the eternal king
- The temple system anticipates Jesus as the final mediator between God and humanity
Jesus as the interpretive key. Understanding how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and expectations helps readers interpret difficult passages and see the coherence of Scripture's overall message.
5. Apparent conflicts between science and the Bible often stem from misinterpretation
"The Bible teaches us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go."
Purpose of biblical texts. The Bible's primary aim is to convey theological and spiritual truths, not to provide detailed scientific explanations of natural phenomena.
Genre and context matter. Many perceived conflicts arise from reading poetic or symbolic language as literal scientific descriptions. For example, the creation account in Genesis 1 employs a literary framework to convey theological truths about God's role as creator and humanity's place in creation.
Multiple interpretive options. Christians who take the Bible seriously have proposed various ways to harmonize biblical teaching with scientific discoveries:
- Day-Age interpretation
- Framework hypothesis
- Theistic evolution
- Gap theory
These approaches demonstrate that accepting modern scientific findings doesn't necessarily require rejecting biblical authority.
6. Christianity's claim of exclusivity is rooted in its historical narrative
"If there is one key to my home, a place where I am cared for and loved by my family, it isn't intolerant for me to say there is only one key."
Unique claims about Jesus. Christianity asserts that Jesus is the incarnate God who died for human sin and rose from the dead. This historical claim sets Christianity apart from other religions.
Fulfillment of prophecy. The New Testament presents Jesus as the culmination of Old Testament promises and expectations, providing a coherent narrative that spans both Testaments.
Logical implications. If Christianity's claims about Jesus are true, it follows that other religious systems that contradict these claims cannot also be true. This isn't a matter of intolerance but of logical consistency.
Invitation, not exclusion. Christianity's exclusive claims are coupled with an inclusive invitation for all people to find forgiveness and relationship with God through Jesus.
7. God's violence in the Old Testament must be understood within its larger context
"Even in the parts where God is actively behind violence and death, it is not done without first pleading for change, giving warnings, waiting for change, and showing great patience."
God's character remains consistent. The Old Testament repeatedly describes God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This foundational understanding should inform interpretations of difficult passages.
Judgment as a last resort. In most cases of divine judgment, God gives ample warning and opportunity for repentance before executing judgment. Examples include:
- The 120-year warning before the flood
- Multiple prophets sent to warn Israel and Judah before exile
- Jonah's mission to Nineveh
Cultural and historical context. Many violent passages reflect the brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare. God works within these cultural norms while gradually revealing higher ethical standards.
Theological significance. Stories of judgment often carry deeper theological meanings about God's holiness, human sin, and the need for redemption. They shouldn't be read simply as historical accounts of violence.
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FAQ
What is How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball about?
- Addressing tough Bible passages: The book helps readers make sense of the Bible’s most confusing, disturbing, or controversial parts, such as those that seem anti-women, anti-science, pro-violence, or pro-slavery.
- Contextual understanding: Dan Kimball emphasizes reading the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context to avoid misinterpretation.
- Equipping readers: It’s designed for Christians, skeptics, and anyone struggling with doubts, providing tools to approach Scripture with confidence and honesty.
Why should I read How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball?
- Tackling doubts and criticisms: The book directly addresses common objections and “gotcha” questions about the Bible, helping readers and their friends navigate faith challenges.
- Balanced and practical guidance: It offers both answers to difficult questions and teaches sound Bible study methods, making it useful for personal growth and for explaining faith to others.
- Cultural relevance: The book is especially timely for those in post-Christian or skeptical environments, where questions about the Bible’s morality and reliability are frequent.
What are the key takeaways from How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball?
- Bible is trustworthy: Despite difficult passages, the Bible is inspired, authoritative, and reveals God’s plan of redemption through Jesus.
- Context is essential: Understanding the original audience, culture, and literary style is crucial to avoid misinterpretations and reconcile apparent contradictions.
- Faith and reason coexist: Christians can maintain a high view of Scripture while thoughtfully engaging with science, history, and other religions.
What are the four key principles for reading the Bible in How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball?
- Bible as a library: The Bible is a collection of diverse books written over centuries, not a single book, so genre and historical context matter.
- Written for us, not to us: The Bible was written to ancient audiences; understanding their world is key to grasping the intended meaning.
- Never read a Bible verse in isolation: Always read verses within their broader context—paragraph, chapter, book, and the Bible’s overall storyline.
- All points to Jesus: The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, ultimately points to Jesus as the promised Redeemer.
What Bible study methods and advice does Dan Kimball recommend in How (Not) to Read the Bible?
- Never read a verse alone: Always consider the context, original audience, and literary genre before drawing conclusions.
- Understand original intent: Ask what the human authors and God intended for the original readers, rather than imposing modern assumptions.
- Recognize different genres: The Bible contains poetry, history, prophecy, and narrative, each requiring different interpretive approaches.
How does How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball address the Bible’s stance on women and gender roles?
- Equality in creation: Men and women were created equal and in harmony, both bearing God’s image and responsibility.
- Historical context of patriarchy: The Bible reflects a fallen world where patriarchy and misogyny emerged, but this was not God’s original design.
- Redemptive trajectory: Throughout Scripture, God elevates women as leaders and partners, and Jesus and the early church broke cultural norms to include women in ministry.
How does Dan Kimball explain controversial verses about women being silent or submitting in church in How (Not) to Read the Bible?
- Contextual reading required: These verses addressed specific cultural and church issues, such as disorder or pagan influences in Corinth and Ephesus.
- Not absolute silence: Paul elsewhere acknowledges women praying and prophesying; “silence” likely refers to respectful learning or avoiding disruption.
- Cultural customs and learning: The instructions reflect local customs and the need for learning before teaching, not permanent subordination.
What does How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball say about the Bible and science, especially creation and dinosaurs?
- Bible not a science textbook: Genesis was written to reveal who God is, not to provide scientific details about creation or the earth’s age.
- Multiple creation views: The book presents several interpretations—Young Earth, Day-Age, Gap, God’s Temple, and Evolutionary Creation—all compatible with a high view of Scripture.
- Literalism pitfalls: Humorous examples, like “Jesus riding a dinosaur,” highlight the dangers of reading ancient texts with modern literalism.
How does Dan Kimball address the Bible’s stance on slavery in How (Not) to Read the Bible?
- Regulating, not endorsing: The Bible regulates an existing institution to protect people in a fallen world, rather than endorsing slavery.
- Different from modern slavery: Ancient slavery was often about debt repayment or servitude, not race-based chattel slavery, and included rights and protections.
- New Testament progression: The New Testament teaches equality in Christ and lays the foundation for the eventual end of slavery.
How does How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball explain violent and disturbing Old Testament passages?
- Historical context matters: Many violent passages occurred during a specific period when God was preparing the land for Israel and judging corrupt cultures.
- Not indiscriminate genocide: The battles were strategic, with warnings given over generations, and not examples of ethnic cleansing.
- God’s character consistent: Despite the violence, God is described as compassionate, patient, and forgiving, as seen in Exodus 34:6–7.
What are some examples of misunderstood Bible verses explained in How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball?
- “Unicorns” in the Bible: The King James Version’s “unicorn” is a mistranslation of a Hebrew word likely referring to a wild ox, not a mythical creature.
- “Rib-woman” creation: The Hebrew word for “rib” can mean “side,” indicating Eve as an equal partner, not a literal rib extraction.
- Psalm 137:9 and violence: Verses like “dash infants against rocks” are poetic expressions of grief and longing for justice, not divine commands.
What is Dan Kimball’s overall method for making sense of difficult Bible passages in How (Not) to Read the Bible?
- Understand the Bible’s nature: Recognize it as a diverse library written over centuries to specific audiences in specific contexts.
- Read in context: Never isolate verses; always read passages within their immediate and broader literary, historical, and theological context.
- Follow the storyline: Situate passages within the Bible’s overarching narrative, seeing how all Scripture points to Jesus and God’s redemptive plan.
- Distinguish covenants: Differentiate between Old Testament laws for Israel and New Testament teachings under Jesus’ new covenant.
- Engage with culture: Consider the original audience’s worldview to avoid misinterpretations based on modern assumptions.
Review Summary
How (Not) to Read the Bible offers guidance on understanding difficult Bible passages, emphasizing context and historical background. Kimball addresses common criticisms and misunderstandings, providing tools for interpretation. Readers appreciate his accessible approach and engaging style, including memes. While some find certain explanations lacking or disagree with his interpretations, many recommend it for new or questioning Christians. The book covers topics like science, gender roles, and violence in the Old Testament, encouraging critical thinking and deeper Bible study.
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