Long Story Short

by Joshua M. McNall

The Bible can be daunting. It's ancient, enormous, and sometimes challenging to understand. Long Story Short opens up the Christian Scriptures by sharing the biblical narrative in a way that requires no prior engagement with the Bible. It traces the big story of who God is and how he is saving the world through six simple Creation; Fall, Israel; Jesus; Church; New Creation. With this framework in place, readers will not only understand how the little stories of the Bible fit together into a seamless whole, they will also be compelled to step into the drama to be part of its performance.
McNall writes in a compelling tongue-in-cheek style and has pop culture references scattered throughout. But rather than distract from the biblical story, it engages unchurched, de-churched, or over-churched groups with substantive truth about God's character and the story of redemption. This book is for anyone who may find the Bible confusing, irrelevant, or inaccessible. Included at the end of each chapter are group/reflection questions, and references for sections of Bible reading that accompany that part of the scriptural story.

Genres: Theology, Christian

100 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Joshua M. McNall (PhD, University of Manchester) is associate professor of pastoral theology, ambassador of church relations, and director of the honors program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Reviews

[Mary Ellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many great books that explain the Bible. Adam Hamilton’s “Making Sense of the Bible.” Sandra Richter’s “Epic of Eden” series. But Joshua McNall takes it an important step further. In 200 entertaining and instructive pages, he explains the entire Judeo-Christian anthology as one long movie-novel-symphony - a cohesive story of God’s desire to create a community, to rescue that community after its inevitable fall, to step into the story Himself, to turn the world upside-down with revolutionary ideas (“Love one another!”), to leave His Body behind on Earth in the form of His Church, and to start the New Creation right here and right now. (If it feels like the new creation isn’t really here, McNall gently points out, well, you’re not paying attention, and you’re not doing your part.) McNall blasts the common perception that heaven is in the clouds - no, it’ll be right here on Earth - and the mistaken belief that a story without conflict is boring - no, it’s heavenly. This book is a perfect 10, and I recommend it to all - but especially to atheists, agnostics, secular Christians, and anyone who dismisses God as vengeful (no, read the book), that Jewish law was just a bunch of stupid legalistic crap (no, read the book), and that Jesus was just a fine moral teacher (no, read ... you know what). Don’t miss this gem of a book. Read it and be changed; read it and find hope.

[Adam Godbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in a very long time! I read quite a bit and have read a number of great books recently, but this is— no doubt— one of my favorites.

It truly was fun to read. Exciting. Hilarious. Moving. Inspiring, insightful, and informative. Wow! What a book! (Even while reading it, I’d already been recommending it to other pastors and teachers, Christian leaders, and hungry or disenchanted disciples.)

After reading the Introduction and Chapter One in one sitting, I told my wife, “This is going to be one of my favorites.” I was right.

Thank you, Joshua McBall, for writing it. Thank you, Seedbed, for publishing it. As a pastor, I’m making plans to work it into our small group studies (i.e., class meetings) this coming year.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the "Bible as metanarrative" angle, and the book does a decent job of covering the important points of the Biblical story as a whole. I thought that the author tries a little too hard to be edgy and dramatic: some of it was over the top for me, but maybe that's just my taste. We went through this as a church Bible study, and it works pretty well for that: it's a good basic introduction that will have something for everyone from new believers (or non-believers) to discuss, but also enough different perspective to challenge old-timers. As a standalone book offering fresh perspective on the Bible I think I would've been disappointed, but as a Bible study it's fine.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an overview of the story of God’s people and God’s dealing with his people. It is clear, true to the biblical story, and incredibly funny. Joshua McNall has done an amazing job distilling the plot line of the story to its essentials and then explaining them in a compelling manner. I highly, highly recommend this book.

[Mark Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

McNall gives us a brief, buoyant, engaging, and humorous entrée into the story of Scripture. He puts the best of recent scholarships into a conversational prose that normal people who are confused or intimidated by the Bible can easily understand. A valuable gift, recommended for curious seekers and long-time believers.

[Sherrill Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compact little book that gives clarity to the story of Scripture in a reading style simple enough for teenagers or new believers. I didn’t do it as a group, but the discussion questions look great. I will likely refer others to this handy little book again and again.

[Jenna Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Success!!! A Long Story Short is Like Bible 101

My pastor gave a sermon series on this book at which time I could not read it. I'm glad I purchased the book when I had time. I do not know much about the Bible as a whole. This book helped me get the big picture and pointed to scripture that fits the narrative. This was like a 101 class that everyone needs regardless if they do not understand the Bible, haven't had experience, or just need a refresher. McNall is a great writer! This is an easy read and very interesting! He really can grab your attention and speak about scripture any of us can understand.

[Kelly Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is an audience for this book, but I’m not it. The theme of God seeking community is fresh and inspiring. The writing is done well. The problem I have with this book is the almost-condescending constant links to pop-culture. This comes mostly as comparisons, similes and metaphors. I’m a serious student without time to waste, and about 50% of this book could be excised without affecting the message. Also, the popular references will limit the relevance of the book going forward.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Well Spoken Word on God’s Work of Salvation

Easy to read, full of humor and contemporary illustration, but grounded in Scripture and theology. Excellent primer on the work of Christ for a beginner or someone seeking contemporary language to the timeless story of God and creation.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book does it's job, however it does at times feel a bit gimmicky (as in the chapter titles). And I do think there could've been much more Scripture referenced, even if not quoted at least pointed to. Now that may very well go against the purpose of the book and it's intended audience, which is fine not every book is for every person, but for me personally that has been my own thoughts and experience.

[Niki Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason it’s not 5 stars is I wish it dove deeper on some of the topics. This is a great overview of the whole story of the Bible. I would suggest though that readers have a basic understanding of Biblical themes.

[Ron Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done!

This is exactly what I was looking for before I read through the Bible - a concise overview. It's very well done and a quick read. But not so quick that I didn't learn from it. I enjoyed the author's style and his perspective.

[Jerod Starkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great relatable read about God's story. Reminder for those that have lost a 30,000 ft. perspective and a great jump into scripture for those just starting out.

[Casey Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book that respects the diversity of the Bible while still seeing one overarching story. Handy for pastors and lay people alike. We used it as the basis of an all church study.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting view on what the bible records