And God Said What?: An Introduction to Biblical Literary Forms

by Margaret Nutting Ralph

This revised edition of the best selling And God Said What? introduces readers to the importance of understanding the various literary forms that appear in Scripture: myth, legend, debate, fiction, Gospel, parable, allegory, letter and apocalypse. Each genre is clearly defined, and the importance of understanding genre in order to find meaning is explored in relation to many well-known biblical passages: Samson, Lot's wife, Jonah, puzzling parables, 666, and many more. Written by an experienced teacher who has listened carefully to her students' questions, this book is an invaluable help to those who want to understand the revelation contained in the old and new covenants.

This revised edition contains:

--an additional 100 pages.
--includes Psalms, the infancy narratives and miracle stories.
--continues the author's engaging, accessible style.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Scripture, Nonfiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1986

Reviews

[Bobby Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have Dr. Ralph herself use this book as a text book in a class for lay people at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY. Through the text and her personal insight, I am now able to read the Bible and truly understand more of what I am reading. She explains that by knowing the literary form in which the author of the particular book of the Bible that I am reading used in writing the book, I can understand better the message they were trying to convey to me. It has been a wonderful help to have this knowledge. Thanks Dr. Ralph.

[Kathleen Basi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We went through this book together, which means slow. But it is an exceptional book. One of the many distortions of religious belief from which we suffer in modern life is the idea of Biblical literalism. Margaret Nutting Ralph begins with this simple concept: the Bible was written to reveal truths about the way God interacts with humanity--not history, not predictions of future cataclysms, and so on. The books of the Bible are written in literary forms, some of which we recognize, most of which we don't, because they aren't used anymore. And this causes gross misinterpretation of the Bible. She takes us through the forms and what those forms meant when the books, stories and forms themselves were created. In many cases it's something quite different from the way we view them now, and our distorted view of them causes no end of problems both for those who believe and for those who don't. I hope someday to read the Bible with this book in the other hand so I can really dig into Scripture in a new way. For now, it's just eye-opening.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've actually read this book about three times now. It was one of my early teachers about the Bible. Fortunately, too, I got to attend a seminar hosting Margaret Nutting Ralph. She is as down to earth as her writing. This book talks in every day language about what the Bible says and what it means in reference to the type of literature and the time of its writing. Anyone interested in Christianity, needs to read this book and understand what is written in the Bible. I highly recommend it, and if you get to hear Margaret Nutting Ralph (or have her as an instructor) jump at the chance.

[Loree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read too many books on apologetics trying to explain and defend the Bible. Then I read this book in 1998 after taking a bible as literature class for my English major. In a very simple way, it introduced an incredibly deeper understanding of the Bible: an inspired aesthetic and timeless collection of artful stories. We learn through stories. To have a stronger understanding of these stories we need to know the literary forms; and through these forms a story is told.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never have discovered this book if not for it being part of a bible study. Although I don't agree with everything in this book, I have gained so much insight from reading it. The bible has so much more meaning now that I understand why certain books were written and in what context. Knowing the genres that each book is written in makes all the difference. I feel like reading more of the bible now, if only I had more time.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book introducing the reader, as the title suggests, to Biblical literary forms. An eye-opener to the importance of knowing the style of writing you are reading the Bible rather than just that you reading the Bible.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now want to reread the bible slowly, using this book as reference for literary forms -- especially in the many chapters it didn't cover.

It answers a lot of questions about the meaning though I am sure not all of the ones I have.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used chapters from this book in teaching. Students responded especially well to the chapter on myth.I wish there were a version of this book that was a notch more scholarly--something that reads more like religious studies than theology.

[Pammu]

I can easily imagine myself as a Theology student. One dressed like a jaded Literature major.

This one is very text book, and just the way one needs to read to sort out her Bible.

[Roberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Biblical study. Dispels a lot of fundamentalist misinterpretation.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

read for mommy

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This explanation of the genre of the various books of the bible should be required reading for any bible study! Not only does it take nothing away from the richness and spiritual faith of the bible, it in fact helps clarify questions many people have such as discrepancies in different books, intent and focus. Learning about social context, intent and audience always only clarifies any reading and the bible is not an exception, leaving room for institutional and individual interpretation and application. The author clearly and succinctly explains, with relevant examples and thought provoking questions.

[Melinda Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this work because it is fairly elementary. At the same time I say that, there are friends of mine who would probably read this and be shocked that sermons their preachers had preached from their "literal" interpretation of scripture might have been without the knowledge she shares here. Nevertheless, anyone interested in reading the Bible should at least have the knowledge this book provides about context.
If any nearby friends want to read, there is a copy at the Lex Pub Library, but I also own a copy.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

And God Said What explains that the Bible is not merely a book but a library. In order to understand scripture, the reader must first understand the literary form. The book clearly describes myth, legend, debate, Gospel, parable, allegory, letters and revelation among others.
As a result of reading and studying this book I can more clearly understand each book of scripture.

[Annalise Kraines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super interesting and not overly academic. The book reviews different types of literary genres in the Bible. The writing is accessible, and Ralph shows clearly how knowing a book's genre changes the interpretation and, according to her, answers difficult questions that people may have about Scripture. I learned a lot, but I'm not sure how to integrate it just yet.

[Jeff Carle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've taught scripture for 28 years and this book came in handy on so many ways so many times I lost count. Excellent perspective and context. She knows her stuff and I cannot recommend it it too highly.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read introduction that I could definitely use with my students. I definitely would recommend this.

[Charlott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to think about. Will enjoy reading again.