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Misquoted: Rethinking Commonly Misused Bible Verses
God’s Word or Motivational Mantra?
Does it ever feel as though Bible verses have been repeated so often they have lost their meaning? Like a game of Bible Mad Libs where bits and pieces of Scripture are pulled and patched together to fit a fill-in-the-blank narrative that strays from what God really said.
Misquoted dives into the most commonly misused verses from the Bible—verses that are well worth reclaiming because of the significant impact they can have on your life. You will discover that Scripture, when you consider the context… From God’s great love to his plan and purpose for you, this book will shine new light on the most misused scriptures, placing each verse back into the context it was written so that you can experience the fullness of all the great truths God offers for your comfort, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
Does it ever feel as though Bible verses have been repeated so often they have lost their meaning? Like a game of Bible Mad Libs where bits and pieces of Scripture are pulled and patched together to fit a fill-in-the-blank narrative that strays from what God really said.
Misquoted dives into the most commonly misused verses from the Bible—verses that are well worth reclaiming because of the significant impact they can have on your life. You will discover that Scripture, when you consider the context… From God’s great love to his plan and purpose for you, this book will shine new light on the most misused scriptures, placing each verse back into the context it was written so that you can experience the fullness of all the great truths God offers for your comfort, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2019
6 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 25, 2019
I enjoy any book that is about biblical interpretation that is honest, consistent and balanced.
I can not fault the author here and his declared standpoint. As a pastor in the Lutheran denomination he clearly states how he approaches the bible; what are his basic underlying beliefs which he brings to seeking an understanding and why this is important.
Furthermore he never deviants from this position and such clarity is a wonderful basis to proceed.
Finally on the see-saw of interpretation he reveals the tilt that justification by faith brings. So balance will never be found in the strictest sense but the weighting is made clear.
This is not a criticism, I applaud such a stubbornness not to stray from doctrine but it means more emotional and personal experiences will never tip the scales. I would rather ones understanding and interpretation to be honestly held and viewpoint shared in this way and I love the Christian message that thereafter is consistently delivered.
Therefore this book was a joy to read and provided a rich blessing to be considering the gospel message that was reinforced throughout.
The Lutheran bias was clear but I am happy to hear the word of God expounded in this way and it brings faith. Nothing left to confuse, mislead or I’ll get back to you on that, this is a difficult concept with little clear understanding (no fudge - thank you).
Does it all sit easy with me? No but I hear sincerity and a certainty of faith. It isn’t a personal opinion either as I reckon it would meet with universal acceptance within this denomination.
Sadly some branches of the church have lost any consistent preaching and biblical study can be reduced to more personal views of the type of message they want to believe, and of the god they want to and can only accept if .......
It is also an important book too because it challenges the whole area of using the bible to reduce verses to sound bites we are comfortable with, don’t offend others and as the author states are Misquoted.
The choice of scriptures is interesting and in a number of cases I see the dangers as outlined. I share the concerns and see the dishonesty of reducing all scripture to buzz verses we like rather than seeking truth and a deeper understanding. The methods the author adopts are seemingly the same in each case and he makes strong arguments to question more ‘open’ interpretations.
It highlights the dangers quite clearly but the process starts from being Christ centred rather than being caught in the moment of what it is saying to you as a believer. This dryness leaves me a little cerebral, I want to explore my personal relationship with Christ and continue to have a daily walk with him in the Holy Spirit. I want to feel that God can speak to me in a unique way from his scriptures and not just strip back to context and comfort of general truths of the finished work of Christ my saviour. I want to believe that a gospel call by an evangelist is more than good oratory and more in keeping with the work of the Holy Spirit convicting a person of their sin and accepting the promises of God.
This book on first reading seems to expound that it is never the you, choice is diminished in a sense but not stated as predestination.
As a Methodist I guess I’m on a similar path but very distinct as well. Wesley rather than Luther fashioned my denomination. I love to sing “Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine”.
But within chapels I have heard many preachers struggling with scripture and preaching anything but Christ, the Gospel or Faith.
Faith comes from hearing the word of God so I commend this book as I gauge it is based on these principles I hold so dear! Even if I still have some preconceived notions that mean I cannot embrace all such Lutheran teaching.
I can not fault the author here and his declared standpoint. As a pastor in the Lutheran denomination he clearly states how he approaches the bible; what are his basic underlying beliefs which he brings to seeking an understanding and why this is important.
Furthermore he never deviants from this position and such clarity is a wonderful basis to proceed.
Finally on the see-saw of interpretation he reveals the tilt that justification by faith brings. So balance will never be found in the strictest sense but the weighting is made clear.
This is not a criticism, I applaud such a stubbornness not to stray from doctrine but it means more emotional and personal experiences will never tip the scales. I would rather ones understanding and interpretation to be honestly held and viewpoint shared in this way and I love the Christian message that thereafter is consistently delivered.
Therefore this book was a joy to read and provided a rich blessing to be considering the gospel message that was reinforced throughout.
The Lutheran bias was clear but I am happy to hear the word of God expounded in this way and it brings faith. Nothing left to confuse, mislead or I’ll get back to you on that, this is a difficult concept with little clear understanding (no fudge - thank you).
Does it all sit easy with me? No but I hear sincerity and a certainty of faith. It isn’t a personal opinion either as I reckon it would meet with universal acceptance within this denomination.
Sadly some branches of the church have lost any consistent preaching and biblical study can be reduced to more personal views of the type of message they want to believe, and of the god they want to and can only accept if .......
It is also an important book too because it challenges the whole area of using the bible to reduce verses to sound bites we are comfortable with, don’t offend others and as the author states are Misquoted.
The choice of scriptures is interesting and in a number of cases I see the dangers as outlined. I share the concerns and see the dishonesty of reducing all scripture to buzz verses we like rather than seeking truth and a deeper understanding. The methods the author adopts are seemingly the same in each case and he makes strong arguments to question more ‘open’ interpretations.
It highlights the dangers quite clearly but the process starts from being Christ centred rather than being caught in the moment of what it is saying to you as a believer. This dryness leaves me a little cerebral, I want to explore my personal relationship with Christ and continue to have a daily walk with him in the Holy Spirit. I want to feel that God can speak to me in a unique way from his scriptures and not just strip back to context and comfort of general truths of the finished work of Christ my saviour. I want to believe that a gospel call by an evangelist is more than good oratory and more in keeping with the work of the Holy Spirit convicting a person of their sin and accepting the promises of God.
This book on first reading seems to expound that it is never the you, choice is diminished in a sense but not stated as predestination.
As a Methodist I guess I’m on a similar path but very distinct as well. Wesley rather than Luther fashioned my denomination. I love to sing “Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine”.
But within chapels I have heard many preachers struggling with scripture and preaching anything but Christ, the Gospel or Faith.
Faith comes from hearing the word of God so I commend this book as I gauge it is based on these principles I hold so dear! Even if I still have some preconceived notions that mean I cannot embrace all such Lutheran teaching.
April 13, 2019
I was interested to read this book because of the title and premise: that many people read certain verses in the Bible and commonly apply or interpret them in a certain way, but that when the author shows you the context of these verses you will be astonished at how these verses have a completely different meaning altogether. I should have figured out that the title was slightly misleading, and more clickbait than anything, but hey, those kinds of clickbait titles work, I read the book!
Upon reading the book and having the author explain the context of many verses, it more seemed that rather than the verses having a completely different meaning than most people think, examining the context just enriches and deepens the comprehension of a verse. And of course that’s true. Knowing the context of many things strengthens our understanding of it.
The author discussed Jeremiah 29:11 and how it does not imply that God plans out every action of a human’s life. But, someone would only infer that through reading the particular translation that the author uses, because many other Bible translations use the word “thoughts” rather than “plan” in that verse. So, that explanation seemed unnecessary to me.
This book is inspirational, but a reader should bear in mind that the author writes through a Lutheran lens.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley.
Upon reading the book and having the author explain the context of many verses, it more seemed that rather than the verses having a completely different meaning than most people think, examining the context just enriches and deepens the comprehension of a verse. And of course that’s true. Knowing the context of many things strengthens our understanding of it.
The author discussed Jeremiah 29:11 and how it does not imply that God plans out every action of a human’s life. But, someone would only infer that through reading the particular translation that the author uses, because many other Bible translations use the word “thoughts” rather than “plan” in that verse. So, that explanation seemed unnecessary to me.
This book is inspirational, but a reader should bear in mind that the author writes through a Lutheran lens.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley.
June 18, 2019
"Misquoted: Rethinking Commonly Misused Bible Verses". This title grabbed my attention, and I was eager to read what Dan Suelzle had to share. As a pastor's wife, a leader of ladies' Bible studies, and a student of the Bible, I have repeatedly been reminded of the importance of context, especially when it comes to Scripture. To pull Scripture out of context can at best make us look silly or uneducated, and at worst, misrepresent God Himself.
I appreciate the layout of Suelzle's book. He begins by reminding the reader that the Bible is about Jesus, not us. All of Scripture points to Jesus, and in order to read the Bible in context, we must keep this in mind.
After laying this foundation, Suelzle continues on to address several often-misquoted passages of Scripture. He asks his reader to first consider the claim that is being made when one quotes a verse. What is that person actually claiming Scripture says? Second, consider the true, actual context of that verse in order to determine if the claim being made is valid. Finally, consider the comfort that comes with finding a right, contextual understanding of the verse.
While I appreciate this approach and completely agree with it, I was surprised to find that I disagreed with one of his interpretations. In fact, the stance he takes on the passage in question is not even a common one. Ironic, considering this book was written to clarify misquoted Scripture.
Suelzle's book holds a lot of value. His process is a good one, and Christians would do well to learn from this. Context must always be considered when reading Scripture, and this book is helpful for reminding Christians to slow down, consider what is being claimed, consider the context of the verse this claim is based on, and then take comfort in the right, contextual understanding of the verse.
Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I appreciate the layout of Suelzle's book. He begins by reminding the reader that the Bible is about Jesus, not us. All of Scripture points to Jesus, and in order to read the Bible in context, we must keep this in mind.
After laying this foundation, Suelzle continues on to address several often-misquoted passages of Scripture. He asks his reader to first consider the claim that is being made when one quotes a verse. What is that person actually claiming Scripture says? Second, consider the true, actual context of that verse in order to determine if the claim being made is valid. Finally, consider the comfort that comes with finding a right, contextual understanding of the verse.
While I appreciate this approach and completely agree with it, I was surprised to find that I disagreed with one of his interpretations. In fact, the stance he takes on the passage in question is not even a common one. Ironic, considering this book was written to clarify misquoted Scripture.
Suelzle's book holds a lot of value. His process is a good one, and Christians would do well to learn from this. Context must always be considered when reading Scripture, and this book is helpful for reminding Christians to slow down, consider what is being claimed, consider the context of the verse this claim is based on, and then take comfort in the right, contextual understanding of the verse.
Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 17, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.
When I read the title of this book I was so curious. And especially most the verse I hear them since I was a child. I understand that one of the main concerns of Reverern Dan Suelzle is to help people in general, not only Christian to understand the context of this Bible verse he chooses for his book. However, I believe that in order to understand the story and the background like he explain in each chapter, that person if maybe familiar; should at least have read that verse.
With the intention of informing and clarify the mistakes that maybe some of us have been making for years this book sounds sometimes harsh and cold. I am not saying by no means that was the intention of Reverend Suezle, but I feel like that. I ask myself this question while reading this book: Do I need to know the context around the Bible verse?. Yes, of course, it helps me to understand even more about what goes. But, my other question: Does knowing that will radically change my life for good?. I truly don't think so. Because at the end that is just information that probably we will forget.
And finally, the other thing that truly didn't like about the book was in order to explain the misused at his name it, he criticizes people and even known Pastors and leaders. Each person it's free to have there owned opinions and even express them, however, It concerns me how judgemental in a delicate way this book sounds.
When I read the title of this book I was so curious. And especially most the verse I hear them since I was a child. I understand that one of the main concerns of Reverern Dan Suelzle is to help people in general, not only Christian to understand the context of this Bible verse he chooses for his book. However, I believe that in order to understand the story and the background like he explain in each chapter, that person if maybe familiar; should at least have read that verse.
With the intention of informing and clarify the mistakes that maybe some of us have been making for years this book sounds sometimes harsh and cold. I am not saying by no means that was the intention of Reverend Suezle, but I feel like that. I ask myself this question while reading this book: Do I need to know the context around the Bible verse?. Yes, of course, it helps me to understand even more about what goes. But, my other question: Does knowing that will radically change my life for good?. I truly don't think so. Because at the end that is just information that probably we will forget.
And finally, the other thing that truly didn't like about the book was in order to explain the misused at his name it, he criticizes people and even known Pastors and leaders. Each person it's free to have there owned opinions and even express them, however, It concerns me how judgemental in a delicate way this book sounds.
June 8, 2019
3 stars
I am conflicted by this book. It is an interesting look at the many popular Bible verses and how they are taken out of context. The author takes each one of these verses and puts it into context.
However, here is my problem. The author Dan Suelzle is a Lutheran pastor. He believes in doctrinal creeds and the like, so I find it hard to believe a pastor who fills the need to follow this sort of doctrinal statement which keeps getting changed. The Bible doesn’t change and God doesn’t change, so why does his belief system keep changing?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #Misquoted #NetGalley
I am conflicted by this book. It is an interesting look at the many popular Bible verses and how they are taken out of context. The author takes each one of these verses and puts it into context.
However, here is my problem. The author Dan Suelzle is a Lutheran pastor. He believes in doctrinal creeds and the like, so I find it hard to believe a pastor who fills the need to follow this sort of doctrinal statement which keeps getting changed. The Bible doesn’t change and God doesn’t change, so why does his belief system keep changing?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #Misquoted #NetGalley
November 16, 2025
This should have been titled Misinterpreted, not Misquoted. And I had huge problems with his interpretations. He warns of his Lutheran slant in the introduction, which I didn't think I would have a problem with, but I did. Some of the chapters I agreed with, but I feel a lot of his interpretations take away from the heart of Jesus' message. This book would be dangerous in the hands of a young Christian.
July 3, 2019
Misquoted is a book that seeks to interpret scriptures within their historical and literary contexts through the author, Dan Suelzle's, Lutheran theology. One of the big points in this book, although it isn't outright stated, is to remember the impact of modern individualism has on our understanding of scriptures (ie seeing ourselves as the heroes of stories) and account for that and instead focus on seeing Jesus as the Hero of His Story. One of the benefits of reading widely, is the opportunity to read and understand other view points on God. In reading this book, I haven't agreed with everything the author has written (in his chapter on Jeremiah 29:11, he seems to use the existence of false prophets, who tempt with joyful messages of success, to say that any prophetic message either to you or from fellow Christians is false, and in his chapter on Revelation 3:20, his view seems to be Calvinistic in that the death of humanity prior to conversation extends to be unable to choose salvation.). That having been said, it is still helpful to read and reconsider your individual views and determine whether his perspective reveals any problems with your view of God, as it does or doesn't line up with Scripture. The chapter on Rev 3:20 does move beyond his Calvinistic understanding and discuss the audience of the text being written which is a mainstay of correct biblical interpretation. The book is written well and even covers scriptures that you wouldn't consider. There is in particular one chapter of the foreign un-natural event of death, which speaks about the focus to reflect on the deceased life rather than reflect on the defeatedness of death, that one day the world will be remade and their body will rise. The book uses scripture consistently, as to ensure that the reader when they find their beliefs challenged will use them. The challenge of one's beliefs is not easy but is necessary to test them. The book concludes with further helpful bible study guidelines for future individual study.
I have been provided with a copy of Misquoted by the publisher through NetGalley however all thoughts are my own.
I have been provided with a copy of Misquoted by the publisher through NetGalley however all thoughts are my own.
August 16, 2019
Suelzle provides a helpful corrective to many popular modern day biblical misinterpretations. He properly calls the modern reader back to the biblical text and the ancient context with winsome and accessible language.
#Misquoted #NetGalley
#Misquoted #NetGalley
May 3, 2019
For many reasons, some of them innocent or ignorant, Christians have taken Bible verses out of context and changed their meaning. Often times, this leads to us thinking the Bible is all about us. In Misquoted, Dan Suelzle aims to show that this isn't the case. Instead, the Bible is actually about Jesus for us.
Addressing widespread beliefs, such as not judging others and how Christians should expect to be rich, Suelzle tells what each belief entails and what verses are used to support it, then explains where it errs and the proper context for the verses.
The book is thought-provoking, and each topic is covered thoroughly. I cannot say I immediately agree with every single thing that's written in it, but I do need to take a closer look at things I've heard and hold onto. There were several topics that I knew were wrong, but Misquoted gave me ways to support my position instead of just saying the belief is wrong.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Addressing widespread beliefs, such as not judging others and how Christians should expect to be rich, Suelzle tells what each belief entails and what verses are used to support it, then explains where it errs and the proper context for the verses.
The book is thought-provoking, and each topic is covered thoroughly. I cannot say I immediately agree with every single thing that's written in it, but I do need to take a closer look at things I've heard and hold onto. There were several topics that I knew were wrong, but Misquoted gave me ways to support my position instead of just saying the belief is wrong.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2019
I was intrigued by the title of this book. People often pick over Bible verses to prove a point, misquote verses they think they have read or heard in the Bible, and quote sayings they think are in the Bible but are not. For whatever reason, these misuses of the Bible mislead people and, in some instances, can cause them to question their faith. God promised …. I don’t have that … what is wrong … does God love me? Dan Suelzel takes several misused or misquoted verses and explains how many people understand them. He then gives the context of the verse and explains his view of what the verse really means. Then he goes on to show how the proper understanding of the verse can bring comfort to believers. There are also sections on helpful terms in Biblical interpretation and questions to ask when reading Bible verses. The book is easy to read and understand and will help new and old Christians.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews