Reading the Bible for a Change: Understanding and Responding to God's Word

by Ray Lubeck

Which Bible passages are for Christians today and which relate only to ancient readers? Can I simply pick and choose for myself the verses I think best fit my situation? Who gets to decide? Is there a different meaning for each individual reader? What am I supposed to know to read the Bible well?

Ray Lubeck has devoted his life to helping others discern for themselves God's truth in the Scriptures and to showing them how it relates to their everyday lives. Reading the Bible for a Change will guide you in how to:
– Read each biblical passage in light of its literary style and larger context
– Ask and explore the most fruitful questions for understanding the meaning of a passage
– Avoid common interpretive mistakes
– Hear God, the divine Author, speak through the Bible's human authors
– Identify the life-changing truths of Scripture that apply to life today
– Move beyond merely reading the Bible to being shaped by and following it

Having taught for over three decades at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as in many ministry contexts, Ray values the importance of holding the interest of students of the Bible. This book is written in an accessible and engaging style, using illustrations, charts, stories, and relevant examples to help the reader grasp key concepts. The second edition has been extensively revised in light of recent scholarly developments and years of use within the classroom, incorporating substantial amounts of updates and new material.

Reading the Bible for a Change will equip you with the tools to discover for yourself the life-changing truths revealed in God's word. If you begin practicing these steps, you will embark on a lifetime journey of Scripture reading that will enable you to see for yourself how captivating and transforming it is when we read the Bible on its own terms rather than on ours.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Biblical Studies, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ray Lubeck (D.Th., University of South Africa) is professor of Bible and theology at Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He has taught at Multnomah since 1991 and is regarded by many as an influential voice on the topic of biblical interpretation and its relation to contemporary culture. He has written two books and has contributed book chapters, articles, papers, and reviews for a number of publications.

Reviews

[Matt Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the Bible for a Change is an outstanding introduction to the topic of biblical interpretation. A master pedagogue, Ray Lubeck writes in an engaging and accessible manner, characteristic of the classroom teaching that has impacted generations of his students at Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary. This book refines and repackages the content of his Bible Study Methods and Biblical Interpretation courses into a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in learning to read the Scriptures faithfully. His four-step method of "Seeing," "Understanding," "Connecting," and "Responding" helps establish a wonderful framework for a lifetime of fruitful study of the biblical text.

The second edition is a major upgrade to what was already a phenomenal work. The content has been revised and expanded throughout, particularly in light of its two decades of use in the classroom. Lubeck also demonstrates the evolution of his own thinking and teaching by incorporating many refinements to the way he articulates key ideas, as well as brand new material. Moreover, the new edition provides helpful and up-to-date recommendations of sources for further study in each chapter, and the presentation and formatting has been substantially improved, including completely reworked visuals and illustrations.

Overall, Reading the Bible for a Change is a practical and thorough orientation to the journey of "following" God's Word. Lubeck proves himself to be a reliable guide in this endeavor, offering students of the Bible an informed and understandable introduction to often complex issues. This instructive and reader-friendly book will commend itself to a diverse range of audiences, from college and seminary classes to local church studies and one-on-one discipleship. Lubeck's book is certain to prove useful for all who take up and read—not only for the Christian who has never studied or read the Bible, but also for the seasoned believer looking to acquire new tools for understanding God's Word. Reading the Bible for a Change is life-changing, not simply because it will change the way you read and understand the Bible, but because in so doing, it will set you up to be changed by the Spirit-inspired Word of God and conformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

[Dalton Currin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most helpful, most insightful, most engaging, fun book that I have come across. Ray Lubeck shows readers a way to read and study the Bible that takes the Bible as literature, and also as Scripture, that results in a child-like amusement with the way that all parts of the Bible are connected and are pointing to Jesus. Read this book once and then go through it again as help to study throughout the course of another year and thank Lubeck later. 11/10. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Also, if you like The Bible Project then you will like this book. If you hate The Bible Project then you very well may not like this book (you need to like both).

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook style overview of Bible reading and hermeneutics. I liked visual charts that captured what the author was addressing in the different sections. His method reminded me of the observation/application I used with Precepts. The author does expand on each of these (he calls them something different) which good education. I especially liked the sections on poetry and apocalyptic books.

[Jake Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super good introduction into how one should read the Bible. Learned a lot from this and wish someone would have given this to me from my first day being a Christian. I liked most of what he said, some of it is too structured for me but this is an extremely helpful resource. Read this if you want some super practical tools (and endless footnotes) about how to read and apply scripture.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a book that really teaches readers how to respond to the Bible and follow Jesus as they read it. Has some great examples at the end of all that he has taught so that you can really see how to apply the points he makes. Some of the strengths over other books or methods about reading the Bible are the steps (in reading and studying the Bible) of “sharing” and “responding.” Sharing emphasizes ensuring that what you think the Bible says matches with what the author intended. Responding expands the idea of applying the Bible to your life beyond just tangible action items to responding with your attitudes, emotions, and actions to the ultimate Author. These both serve to counteract our cultural moment of “what do I personally think the Bible is probably saying to ME?” and “let me get my one thing I can tangibly change about my life from my 5 minutes of Bible reading.”

[Vance Christiaanse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book might come across as basic; its target audience of college students is quite clear. And I (being me) had to fill my copy with marginal notes quibbling with the author as certain biases, some I agreed with and some I didn't, occasionally crept in. But I have to rate the book a full five stars because it is so wonderfully wise and helpful in opening the Bible for every reader--at every "level"--to see and serve God more. This book will remove as many obstacles from your path as you will allow it to.

[Lena Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been studying under Ray for the past three years, and this book is a great summary of his best thoughts. I have been changed forever by approaching the Bible as such an accessible and interconnected book, and it is my goal to teach what I have learned here.

[Jake Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having benefitted immensely from Tim Mackie, Jon Collins, and Carmen Imes, I was prompted to read this work from one of their professors.

Lubeck provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the Bible through the steps of Seeing-Understanding-Connecting-Responding with the end goal of being changed. I really appreciated his focus on the contrast between “following” the text as opposed to simply “applying” it. While lengthy, it is quite accessible and the format was easy to follow. This is a book I imagine going back to in the future and it will certainly be the work I recommend to anyone looking to develop a clear and concise framework for reading the Bible.

[Jono Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This updated edition is incredible. Love the awareness and incorporation of insights from recent developments in canon studies, biblical theology, intertextuality, speech-act theory, and biblical poetry. This second edition is richer, more comprehensive, and more helpful than the first—and I loved the first! I’ll be drawing from many of the tools in this book in my teaching for student ministry.

[Willie Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Lubeck is by far my favorite professor at Multnomah. This book, along with the intelligent and creative instruction of Ray, has opened my eyes to what it looks like to read, understand and walk out the scriptures.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended by The Bible Project. A great recommendation - it's enormously helpful. It's already changed how I read the Bible.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many of us read the Bible? Now how many of us intentionally read the Bible?

If you're like me, I can set aside time to read my Bible and follow my daily reading plan, but once I've finished I walk away no different than when I started. I treat the Bible as something to finish on my to-do list, rather than approaching it as a time to listen to what God what like to speak into my life that day.

Ray Lubeck empowers the average Bible reader with the skills and tools necessary to be able to understand God's word and to walk away as a changed person as a result. Lubeck identifies the different literary styles in the Bible, as well as teaching how we are to read and approach them. Overall, Lubeck provides an easy-to-read handbook to use while reading our Bibles.

For anyone wanting to start their Bible study journey, I can't think of a better place to start. For those wanting to go more in-depth, there are still new things to learn here, but I may suggest finding a more specialized book.

[Merla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book outlines a great way to study God's word. I normally do a study of scripture called The Three Question Method (what does it say, what does it mean, and how will I respond?). This book adds another step called Sharing. The four steps are Seeing (what does it say), Understanding (what does it mean?), Sharing (what truth is conveyed?), and Responding (how will I respond?). Understanding and Sharing are combined in the Three Question Method step called What does it mean?

As I was reading it I found out that an updated version had been published that goes into more detail. I bought that version and can't wait to learn this method for my personal as well as group Bible study. I gave this book four stars because I'm pretty sure I'll give the updated version five! Also, I kept wanting to go back to previous chapters, but the chapter number wasn't given on the pages of the chapter so it made it difficult.

[Carmen Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your desire is to learn how to read the Bible well by attending to its literary features and by tracing its theological themes and intertextual links, then I can think of no better guide to train you.

Reading this book (2nd edition!) took me back 25 years to the transformative experience I had sitting under Ray's teaching. He opened a whole new world to me, equipping me to read the Bible well and igniting my desire to do so. Ray has continued to develop and hone his approach to Bible study since then. What you hold in your hands, if put into practice, has the potential to revolutionize your understanding of Scripture.

[Sara Guild · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written by one of my professors so I got to read it for class. It has some great content and the diagrams really helped me understand his content.

My only complaint is the way the book is formatted. This might not be a big issue to other readers, but the text is super dense and seems squished on the page. The entire text is also in sans serif font.

I design book interiors so I might just be more picky than others but this formatting made it difficult to digest the content and take notes where I wanted to.

[Julie Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Very thorough way to study the Bible, but man alive, I’m not sure I could grasp half of it if I hadn’t taken Ray’s class all those years ago because there’s just so much. I imagine it would be very difficult to just read the book and launch into studying this way. That said, it’s so important to have SOME kind of method for studying the Bible in addition to simply reading through.

[Lillian Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game changer for Bible study

This book has given me tools to help me understand the truths in the Bible. I use it as a resource when reading Biblical narrative, poetry, or discourse. Dr. Lubeck has a knack for making Hebrew writing styles approachable for anyone. After all, the Bible is written for all people of all time.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a fantastic book. It should be required reading for Christians and first year seminary students. Having been in the field for 22 years, there was a good bit of review. But I have been recommending it to church folk since I started reading it.

[Michaela Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Ray for this amazing handbook. Changed the way I read and view Scripture and has created an incredible base.

[Ryan Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little intro to hermeneutics at a layperson level

[Chris Guest · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction of how to read the Bible! Easy to read and understand!

[Kat Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this book 20 years ago. This will be my go-to resource for any students of the Bible. This is truly a gift to the body of Christ and such a helpful resource.

[Liz Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for learning to study the Bible.

[Becki Kretschmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book that teaches how to read the Bible. This is one I will be refering to often and will share with my children.

[Vincent Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good practical introduction to hermeneutics that balances both ideas and concepts as well as practical steps to understand and respond to God's word in a way that is God-centred and God-focussed rather than about our interpretation.

[Nathan Ellzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lubeck does an outstanding job of not only surveying the literary types, genres, and forms of biblical literature but also giving steps for interpretation and things to look for, how to gather data and interpret the data. Step-by-step information is given with plenty of examples. This is an excellent book to read for learning how to go significantly deeper in one's Bible study.

[Xavier Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource on hermeneutical method, presented in a manner that is accessible to laypeople and newer students to the discipline. Lubeck outlines 3 Biblical types: Narrative, Poetry, and Discourse, and carefully outlines the application of his method to each type in the last few chapters. The types are further broken down into genres (including apocalyptic, prophecy, psalm, epistle and gospel), which in turn use literary techniques such as chiasm and inclusio. His method revolves around 4 steps: Seeing (observing literary features of the text), Understanding (poking at the purpose and thought process of the author), Connecting (asking how the author and their text relates to their intended reader, their context, and the rest of the Bible [and also considering how the Biblical text is read in community]), and Responding (not just 'applying', but also using 'imagination' to allow the Biblical text to shape our minds and hearts).

While Lubeck pitches his book at an entry level, it still has a great deal of utility for seasoned students of the Bible, not least because of the many footnotes Lubeck includes throughout the book, most of which point towards more specialised and advanced material. Indeed, as Ray himself remarks in the Postscript, this book feels like a two-in-one, with the main text being meant for "normal" (in his words) people, and the footnotes being for those looking to delve deeper into research and specific issues.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone, from my Sunday school students to friends in/done with seminary.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a top notch book on how to better read and understand the Bible. Filled with illustrations and charts, Mr. Lubeck has put together a highly readable book. It's sort of like an instruction manual for gaining better insight into the Bible, and it covers a lot of ground. Even while he is covering ground, he still makes the material easy to understand. Actually putting into practice the tools that he gives us is a major challenge, but Mr. Lubeck has definitely given us some good tools to better understand God's Word.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot like Gordon Fee's book Read the Bible For All It's Worth, this book dives into how to understand the Scriptures through an understanding of the various writing backgrounds. Lubeck helps you to understand literary genres found in Scripture and how they have an effect on how we should approach the text accordingly. A great resource for anyone looking to get as much as they can out of the reading of Scripture.

[Kelly Free · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing book for me in my comprehension of the Bible. Able to read the Bible with an entirely new perspective. Inductively studied Jonah and Ephesians and feel like I understood so much more than just a passive reading of these books.

Helps a reader narrow in on the authors intention, the spiritual truths that go beyond the time and place of the original text and challenge the reader to actually respond to the Bible.