What do you think?
Rate this book
Not What You Think: Why the Bible Might Be Nothing We Expected Yet Everything We Need
Not What You Think blows the dust off dated misperceptions of the Bible and engages the problems of this book head-on--the parts that make modern readers squeamish, skeptical, and uncertain. If you're skeptical about the Bible, you're not alone. The Bible is seen by many contemporary readers as intolerant, outdated, out of step with societal norms at best, and a tool of oppression at worst. In this earnest and illuminating read, millennial thought leaders and aspiring theologians Michael and Lauren McAfee are here to fair enough. But they're also here to raise a few questions of their Michael and Lauren spent their childhoods in church and Sunday school, they spent part of their twenties finding their way in the world in New York City, and today they're shaping their careers while pursuing doctoral studies in theology and ethics. Along the way, they've had to wrangle very real questions--both their own, and of their friends--about why, where, and how the most controversial book in history fits in our world today. Join Michael and Lauren as they explore the nature of the Bible--an ancient mosaic of story, literature, history, and poetry--and what it means for this generation and its relationship with God. Ultimately, Not What You Think is an invitation to come and see, and be surprised.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 11, 2019
68 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 14, 2019
I had to give it 5 stars, right? Otherwise, why did we write it? ;)
June 16, 2019
If you think that the Bible doesn’t pertain to you or this time in history, get this book. The authors go into great detail about how it truly affects their generations and the ones ahead and behind. They give statistics that show just how many people do not believe in the Bible’s relevance or importance. They end the book with a challenge for people just to read the Bible and see what it’s like. I recommend this book to everyone for a fresh way to look at how the Bible really can have everything that we need.
January 11, 2023
Oh dear. I’m not entire sure where to start with this one. I genuinely dislike religion, but I don’t begrudge others their beliefs. You do you, boo. Just keep it to yourself. I have studied human history for quite some time, and so many human conflicts are based on religions, so yeah, I’m not a fan.
Somebody gave me this book, and I admit I was intrigued because these people are so young, and many studies have shown that their particular generation has rejected religion. I was sincerely hoping there would be some specific biblical interactions that interacted with their lives, and that didn’t really happen. There was one instance where Michael was able to confront his own god-fearing father with quotes from the bible, but otherwise this book is about how these two both grew up in church-going families. There was consistent bible reading throughout their entire lives, and that inspired them to devote themselves to the church. Clearly, the bible was a highly motivational text for them, but again, there weren’t specific examples…which I guess is what I was hoping for. Like somewhere a specific quote was read and it turned on the proverbial lightbulb.
Instead, they gave us insight into their lives. It was more biographical than it was full of biblical insight. I know that they guard their brunch routine like I guard my reading time, which is not abnormal…lots of people enjoy brunch. I know what their childhoods were like, I know they want to adopt their kids…I know they enjoy reading (the bible) quietly in a variety of places. I know an awful lot about this couple, but I don’t know how the bible is “different” than I thought it was. I was not persuaded.
So, while I was disappointed in this book, it does make me reflect on my own reading. I read hundreds of books a year from a wide variety of genres, yet I haven’t read the bible since I was a kid (I think I was eight when I started…and maybe fourteen when I finally finished). My family is not religious, we are, however, insanely academic. I personally rejected the bible simply because it feels so farcical. As a teacher, I battled deeply religious parents over reading Harry Potter because of the witchcraft, yet the bible includes stories of a man parting a sea and a burning bush speaking. That sounds a lot like “witchcraft” to me. Regardless, I have decided that I need to give that particular tome a fresh read with a 45-year-old mind. This process will likely take quite some time and a significant number of notebooks, but I’m gonna do it.
I’ll keep you all posted.
Somebody gave me this book, and I admit I was intrigued because these people are so young, and many studies have shown that their particular generation has rejected religion. I was sincerely hoping there would be some specific biblical interactions that interacted with their lives, and that didn’t really happen. There was one instance where Michael was able to confront his own god-fearing father with quotes from the bible, but otherwise this book is about how these two both grew up in church-going families. There was consistent bible reading throughout their entire lives, and that inspired them to devote themselves to the church. Clearly, the bible was a highly motivational text for them, but again, there weren’t specific examples…which I guess is what I was hoping for. Like somewhere a specific quote was read and it turned on the proverbial lightbulb.
Instead, they gave us insight into their lives. It was more biographical than it was full of biblical insight. I know that they guard their brunch routine like I guard my reading time, which is not abnormal…lots of people enjoy brunch. I know what their childhoods were like, I know they want to adopt their kids…I know they enjoy reading (the bible) quietly in a variety of places. I know an awful lot about this couple, but I don’t know how the bible is “different” than I thought it was. I was not persuaded.
So, while I was disappointed in this book, it does make me reflect on my own reading. I read hundreds of books a year from a wide variety of genres, yet I haven’t read the bible since I was a kid (I think I was eight when I started…and maybe fourteen when I finally finished). My family is not religious, we are, however, insanely academic. I personally rejected the bible simply because it feels so farcical. As a teacher, I battled deeply religious parents over reading Harry Potter because of the witchcraft, yet the bible includes stories of a man parting a sea and a burning bush speaking. That sounds a lot like “witchcraft” to me. Regardless, I have decided that I need to give that particular tome a fresh read with a 45-year-old mind. This process will likely take quite some time and a significant number of notebooks, but I’m gonna do it.
I’ll keep you all posted.
July 13, 2024
This book has been on my shelf for a little while after getting it from a family friend. I wasn’t immediately drawn to it and really didn’t know what it was about. But upon reading it I would say that I found it to have some insightful explanations of the generational perspectives and attitudes towards the Bible. I think the authors laid out a simple, yet compelling argument to give the Bible a chance.
We so often associate our antagonism towards the Bible as if the Bible did something to us, when in fact our deepest wounding or misunderstanding often comes from people. People are flawed, we are flawed and even in kindest moments in explantation of the Bible we can offend. That’s why we can’t read the Bible for anyone else other than ourselves. The Bible, Jesus, His word can stand on its own and if you allow yourself to engage with the Bible you’ll see that it is going to say the same thing every time, it is not flawed. Don’t let your past, a person, or a perception be the reason you keep the Bible up on a shelf collecting dust. Because really, what do you have to lose by reading it?
We so often associate our antagonism towards the Bible as if the Bible did something to us, when in fact our deepest wounding or misunderstanding often comes from people. People are flawed, we are flawed and even in kindest moments in explantation of the Bible we can offend. That’s why we can’t read the Bible for anyone else other than ourselves. The Bible, Jesus, His word can stand on its own and if you allow yourself to engage with the Bible you’ll see that it is going to say the same thing every time, it is not flawed. Don’t let your past, a person, or a perception be the reason you keep the Bible up on a shelf collecting dust. Because really, what do you have to lose by reading it?
June 13, 2019
What if something you believed to be true was false? Would it be worse to have dismissed a possibility as impossible? If it requires you to live differently or to go against everything you said you believed In the past, would you be willing to challenge those teachings, ideas, beliefs? "Not What You Think", is an excellent book for this exact challenge when it comes to the best selling book ever, the " Bible". Holy to some and Ho-hum to others. This book was written for Millenials by Millenials , Michael and Lauren McAfee. The authors give data and humorous insight to help bridge the gap to my older generation. It's great to give as a gift and or for personal reading.
May 18, 2024
At its core, this book is an invitation and a challenge to read the Bible, the book that has had more of an impact on the world than any other book. While this challenge is applicable to people of every generation, the authors issue this challenge to millenials in particular. As millenials themselves, they call on the "open-minded generation" to open the Bible and engage with it themselves rather than settling for what they have heard from others about the Bible.
February 5, 2020
Finished reading, “Not What You Think” by Michael and Lauren McAfee. It was a good introduction to understanding the Millennials and Generation Z, and how the Bible is perceived by them and how to bridge that gap. Well researched and easy to read, I recommend this to anyone interested in understanding and/or reaching the younger generation.
May 6, 2023
Are you a millennial? Then this book is talking to you. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and am challenged to read the bible differently.
July 7, 2023
A clear apologetic for Bible literacy. For anyone!
August 21, 2019
A book geared toward seekers but honestly one all believers should read too! Highly recommended
September 8, 2023
The last 1/3 of the book was pretty good and matched what the cover described about the book. The first 2/3 of the book felt like it was just repeating the same few phrases about millennials and our connection to information and technology. Even more frustrating, the first 100 pages seem to focus on how millennials are more disconnected from religion, specifically Christianity, than other generations. Finally, at 100 pages in, the authors acknowledge that every generation before has been in this position before only to find their way back as they grow older and mature.
I can’t say that I’ve walked away from this book with much more than I had before. The authors seem to be passionate about the subject matter but the delivery fell a little short for me.
I can’t say that I’ve walked away from this book with much more than I had before. The authors seem to be passionate about the subject matter but the delivery fell a little short for me.
September 16, 2021
I'm mixed. There is much here for Millenials/GenZs about why the Bible and the Christian faith is relevant. The book is well-read and speaks to this generation.
However, for the life of me, I can't figure out why there is so much about Hobby Lobby. (I know it's owned by the author's family.) People who aren't as politically conservative as the authors may be put off by these stories. It seems like a key audience they are trying to reach isn't going to be able to listen to this well.
So, if you are fairly far right, no issues.
However, for the life of me, I can't figure out why there is so much about Hobby Lobby. (I know it's owned by the author's family.) People who aren't as politically conservative as the authors may be put off by these stories. It seems like a key audience they are trying to reach isn't going to be able to listen to this well.
So, if you are fairly far right, no issues.
September 3, 2019
"Not what you think . . ." That intrigued me. "Might be nothing we expected yet everything we need." That made me buy the book. Why? I'm almost 70 years old. I have children and grandchildren who are questioning what the Bible says. I question it, too, but I trust and believe what it says even when I don't understand it all.
But I have conversations with younger people who question without faith. The jacket on the book peaked my interest further, "The Bible is seen by many contemporary readers as intolerant, outdated, out of step with societal norms at best, and a tool of oppression at worst.In this earnest and illuminating read, Michael and Lauren McAfee honestly wrestle with the relevance of this ancient book in our modern world and raise a few questions of their own. . ."
The very things the authors mentioned as troubling about the Bible to millennials and generation Z, I hear voiced by the younger people in my family. I want to understand the issues they are dealing with or at least be open minded enough to listen if I get the opportunity to have a discussion with them.
So I read the book. I cannot tell you how my eyes were open, how my faith was strengthened, and how the strength of my faith that offers grace, mercy, and love is exactly what our younger people need as they figure out their faith journey in a world that is ever changing and complex.
All ages will appreciate the authors fresh perspective and thorough investigation in sharing the issues that all people are facing, young and old alike, and how they can navigate through these issues. You will certainly appreciate their candor and honesty about the questions they have had. I love the invitation that they repeatedly offer to readers - seek for yourself what the Bible says, then make up your own mind what you want to do with Jesus and what He offers. Let it be a personal choice, not one gathered on the internet or from a group of friends who may or may not have encountered a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, the Lord.
But I have conversations with younger people who question without faith. The jacket on the book peaked my interest further, "The Bible is seen by many contemporary readers as intolerant, outdated, out of step with societal norms at best, and a tool of oppression at worst.In this earnest and illuminating read, Michael and Lauren McAfee honestly wrestle with the relevance of this ancient book in our modern world and raise a few questions of their own. . ."
The very things the authors mentioned as troubling about the Bible to millennials and generation Z, I hear voiced by the younger people in my family. I want to understand the issues they are dealing with or at least be open minded enough to listen if I get the opportunity to have a discussion with them.
So I read the book. I cannot tell you how my eyes were open, how my faith was strengthened, and how the strength of my faith that offers grace, mercy, and love is exactly what our younger people need as they figure out their faith journey in a world that is ever changing and complex.
All ages will appreciate the authors fresh perspective and thorough investigation in sharing the issues that all people are facing, young and old alike, and how they can navigate through these issues. You will certainly appreciate their candor and honesty about the questions they have had. I love the invitation that they repeatedly offer to readers - seek for yourself what the Bible says, then make up your own mind what you want to do with Jesus and what He offers. Let it be a personal choice, not one gathered on the internet or from a group of friends who may or may not have encountered a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, the Lord.
December 5, 2022
- “The English philosopher Frances Bacon offers some helpful insight here: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.”
-“Our culture prefers open-mindedness but often defines being open-minded as being uncritically accepting of everything.”
-Genesis - Esther documents the history of Israel; largely historical narrative
-Job - Song of Songs is filled with poetry. Job tells the story of one man’s suffering and faith. The Psalms are 150 songs of praise, lament, repentance and supplication. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. Ecclesiastes chronicles one man’s search for meaning. Song of Songs is a story of two lovers. “Poetry is meant to be illustrative and figurative in order to stimulate your imagination and get you to think in new ways about God.”
-Isaiah - Malachi is a run of 17 prophetic books that were written at various points along the history of Israel. “They point Israel back to God and call for repentance of the nation’s sinful ways…there are also prophecies of things that are going to happen in the future. Some of these prophecies come to pass within a generation, some point to the coming of Jesus, and some will not be fulfilled until the end of the world.”
-Gospels: the good news.
-Letters: Acts - Revelation “details what happened after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. Acts is a historical letter sharing about the life and ministry of the early followers of Jesus, including the outbreak of persecution.” The man who began Christian persecution is Saul who converts to Christianity and becomes Paul. All the letters from romans to Philemon are attributed to him. The letters of Hebrew - Revelation are written by other early leaders of the church to the church and individuals instructing them how to live in light of the resurrection of Christ. Revelation is an apocalyptic vision that John received from Jesus and is written to the church.”
-“Our culture prefers open-mindedness but often defines being open-minded as being uncritically accepting of everything.”
-Genesis - Esther documents the history of Israel; largely historical narrative
-Job - Song of Songs is filled with poetry. Job tells the story of one man’s suffering and faith. The Psalms are 150 songs of praise, lament, repentance and supplication. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. Ecclesiastes chronicles one man’s search for meaning. Song of Songs is a story of two lovers. “Poetry is meant to be illustrative and figurative in order to stimulate your imagination and get you to think in new ways about God.”
-Isaiah - Malachi is a run of 17 prophetic books that were written at various points along the history of Israel. “They point Israel back to God and call for repentance of the nation’s sinful ways…there are also prophecies of things that are going to happen in the future. Some of these prophecies come to pass within a generation, some point to the coming of Jesus, and some will not be fulfilled until the end of the world.”
-Gospels: the good news.
-Letters: Acts - Revelation “details what happened after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. Acts is a historical letter sharing about the life and ministry of the early followers of Jesus, including the outbreak of persecution.” The man who began Christian persecution is Saul who converts to Christianity and becomes Paul. All the letters from romans to Philemon are attributed to him. The letters of Hebrew - Revelation are written by other early leaders of the church to the church and individuals instructing them how to live in light of the resurrection of Christ. Revelation is an apocalyptic vision that John received from Jesus and is written to the church.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
What a practical read from those who are living in the thick of it. Michael and Lauren make a heartfelt plea to those in their own generation (and beyond) to read the Bible for themselves instead of relying on what the media or church official tells/shows them. They come about the request with such humility, and are open to share their own tensions with the Bible; showing not even the seemingly most faithful of Christians have it all figured out. They are honest about their background and experiences with the Bible, and are very clear about the fact that it is likely different from the reader’s. The conversational tone and timely references make you feel like you are sitting around the table with friends, not reading an appeal by complete strangers. I highly recommend the audio, as I feel the heart of the writers comes to life more clearly. Having met both Michael and Lauren, I tried to go in to this read with completely impartiality, because I always write an honest review. I think they did a great job at accomplishing their goal of getting others to simply read the book with as much objectivity as they are able, and then forming an opinion based on what they’ve read, not just what they’ve experienced.
January 5, 2020
I’m a baby boomer who mentors people much younger than me. I found this book helpful in examining my own faith beliefs in light of cultural changes. As a Christian university grad and life-long student of the Bible, it’s easy to dismiss the questions others have that have never plagued me. We have to listen and not be so quick to take exception to their perspectives. I applaud the authors for being willing to stay true to the Bible and also listen to their generation with great compassion and vulnerability.
July 8, 2019
The authors do a great job being empathetic and also affirming of people and figures they disagree with ideologically. They know their millennial audience incredibly well and appeal to this audience in a way that is winsome to both believers and nonbelievers at the same time. Many of their comments regarding what millennials appreciate and do not appreciate resonate with me and my personal journey of faith. The book affirms all the reasons why I am excited about the Bible. Highly recommend.
May 30, 2022
There have been many books written on the Bible but the appeal of this particular book is that it is written by millennials for millennials. As the McAfee’s take you on their own personal journey with regards to their engagement with the Bible the book reads very much like a mini bio. However, there is also an honesty that many of us can emphasise with regarding the challenges of reading the Bible consistently and lovingly. It could be shorter but contains glimpses of insight nonetheless.
March 12, 2025
Not at all what I thought it would be. This book was less about the Bible and more about the authors' life experiences, along with a great many assumptions and generalizations. The book is less about the text of scripture and more about millennial culture. Also, while they hold the Bible in high regard, the authors seem to have bought into a bit of progressive ideology. These ideas are not pervasive in the book, but they are present (i.e. equating BLM with the pro-life movement on pg 111).
August 26, 2019
I thought the book was very helpful. Although I'm a boomer, I thought their ideas and their reasoning was Biblical. The book makes a great case for checking out the Bible for yourself regardless of your generation. But listening to the reasoning they present for Millennials helped me understand some differences between my age group and theirs. Well written, too.
October 15, 2022
This book is not like other faith based books and I’d encourage everyone to give it a try...whether you believe in God or not. It comes from the perspective of millennials and their take on our generation with respect to Christianity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and took a lot of notes while reading it.
May 4, 2025
The couple that wrote this are millennials and they were seeing their peers in particular, walking away from faith and religion and not seeing a red girl the Bible. They encourage others (not just millennials) to see the relevance of the Bible for all people and not “give up” on it, but to read it for themselves!
November 15, 2019
Read for a book club group. Not a Bible skeptic. Have a Biblical worldview. Only thing I gleaned from this book was a better generational understanding from their statistics offered. Mostly a better understanding of millennials and how they differ from Gen Xers and Boomers such as myself.
January 17, 2021
Good to read if you love some millenials
Thoughtful. Explains where these kids' thoughts are so the right encouragement can be made. Chapter 10 is the meat, the bsckground is in the first chapters.
Thoughtful. Explains where these kids' thoughts are so the right encouragement can be made. Chapter 10 is the meat, the bsckground is in the first chapters.
August 29, 2023
A strong book for millennials (or those who know millennials) who are trying to find their own relationship with God and the Bible. It’s a fresh perspective by our generation, for our generation, with a powerful mixture of relevant culture and ancient truths. Highly recommend.
Want to read
August 10, 2019Breakpoint. Mellenials and the Bible.
Want to read
November 28, 2019Ashley West - 11/28/19
September 16, 2020
A very well written book, would highly recommend it to those who want to read a very truth based book about the Bible and it’s importance.
September 27, 2020
Listened. “To make Jesus the basis of your life, you must accept the basis of His.” - Tim Keller
December 8, 2020
An interesting read. A good look into how my millennial generation may look at the Bible. Good advice on how to help engage others into a dialoge into reading the Bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews