What They Don't Tell You: A Survivor's Guide to Biblical Studies

by Michael Joseph Brown

Michael Brown wants to help students understand the mind-set and presuppositions behind the academic discipline of biblical studies. He uses his experiences as both a student and a teacher to offer wise advice about what to expect if you want to be an astute reader of the Bible. Brown provides basic information about the Bible and biblical criticism. He defines the jargon and and presents the variety of perspectives students will encounter in the classroom. He also clarifies the difference between biblical studies and Bible study, gives a brief history of scholarship, and furnishes an overview of the methods of biblical interpretation.

Genres: Religion, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Education, Theology

157 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2015

About the author

Michael Joseph Brown is Associate Dean of the College and Director of the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies at Wabash College. He is an author and public intellectual, whose main training is in biblical studies. He also has written widely about the topic of higher education generally.

Dr. Brown did his undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. He did his graduate degrees (Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy) at the University of Chicago. In addition, he has done additional study on material culture at Columbia University in the City of New York and online teaching with the well-known Sloan Consortium. Dr. Brown presently serves as a mentor for Sloan, helping novice educators master teaching in an online environment.

Dr. Brown's interests are wide and deep. He is a creative thinker, always thinking and rethinking long held assumptions in scholarship and practice. As a leader and consultant he is widely valued for his ability to listen and insightful perspectives.

Reviews

[Laura.bogle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good basic tools for someone who doesn't know much about biblical studies but is actually engaging in it (like me). Decent critique of academic "objectivity" in religious studies, though he could have gone farther. I only give it two stars because the author is really writing to a very specific audience of folks who have only ever read the bible literally and devotionally (not me). If you want my full thoughts on the book, I'll send you the paper I wrote...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprised at the low ratings it received. i wish i had this book going into seminary. i read it with a friend who is currently starting seminary and thought it to be incredibly accurate, in hindsight, regarding what to expect.

[John Kight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Joseph Brown is Academic Dean, Interim President, and Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Payne Theological Seminary. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, as well as a Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from University of Chicago. Brown has authored a number of books, including, Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African American Biblical Scholarship, The Lord’s Prayer through North African Eyes: A Window into Early Christianity, and What They Don’t Tell You: A Survivor’s Guide to Biblical Studies.
Originally published in August 2000, What They Don’t Tell You has sought from the beginning to equip and prepare incoming students with a general survey and exposure to the underbelly of biblical studies. Now, 15 years later, an up-to-date second edition has entered into the marketplace with a fine-tuned appearance and revised content. Brown rightly acknowledges that the milieu of biblical scholarship has shifted slightly since the original publication of the book, and sought to address accordingly. Consequently, Brown has added additional “rules of thumb” and an appendix that the reader is sure to find helpful.

What They Don’t Tell You remains organized in a logical manner to best cultivate the needs to the student or interested reader. The book opens with a brief introduction to the world of biblical studies, juxtaposing the aims of devotional bible study with that of an academic study of the bible. Here Brown offers an excellent survey of the history of biblical scholarship, as well as an overview of the various methods of biblical interpretation. The remainder of the book presents 29 “rules of thumb” that are thematically ordered around: (1) reading and interpreting the Bible, (2) understanding biblical scholarship, and (3) surviving the newfound understanding presented by Brown.

The list of “rules” comprising this book, according to Brown, are “not [meant to be taken as] exhaustive, nor are they meant to be taken as hard-and-fast rules that can never be broken” (xii). This explains Brown’s choice to label them “rules of thumb” rather than merely “rules.” But, this also displays a potential shortcoming of the book as a rule of thumb is somewhat subject and largely variegated in nature depending on who you ask. In other words, the book should be understood as more of a list of Brown’s personal rules of thumb when approaching the topics, rather than a list of concrete list for biblical studies in general. Still, I think Brown has brought together a thorough list of important considerations when approaching the subject of biblical studies. His effort is surely not aimless.

What They Don’t Tell You is a wonderful primer to the world of biblical studies. Brown has provided an engaging and timely revision to a well-received book. Be prepared for occasional disagreement with Brown’s “rules of thumb,” but don’t be too quick to through the baby out with the bathwater. If you are interested in entering the arena of biblical studies, Brown will certainly get your feet wet with the right kind of water. It comes recommended from this reader.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pithy statements of principles for biblical studies. This is a cheerful and accessible book which I could wish a lot of people would read - not just those taking biblical studies courses, as it clarifies the principles on which the discipline operates even if you aren't planning to participate. A lot of them also apply to other disciplines - for example, I especially liked Rule of Thumb 20: Don't argue what you can't prove. By revealing just enough about his own faith, the author also manages to show how study can lead to a mature faith, so perhaps this would also be a good read for anyone worried that theology or biblical studies leads to a loss of faith.

[Amy Lawton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a perfectly average book. It is an introduction to a topic -- critical biblical studies -- and it is written for a particular audience. The audience the author has in mind? People who don't understand that textual criticism isn't the same thing as a daily devotional.

If you are approaching the study of the Bible with a pre-existing understanding that it was written by humans and is not a timeless and inerrant document, you have no need of this book.

[Melissa Grohman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really helpful for me to set my expectations about this study. It allowed me to identify and set aside the ways I've always read scripture (as sacred text) and to approach the text through an academic lens.

[Bekah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a great book for idiots and freshman. He completely contradicts himself and the book feels patronizing.

[Angela Harrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book had some good points but overall I did not like it!

[Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is likely to provide that "aha" moment for Christians seeking to push beyond the Sunday School understanding of the Bible. Easy to read but still containing academic heft.

[Wilbur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, a little too preachy, especially at the end. 28 rules of thumb are just too many to be useful.