Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God's Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe

by Daniel Erlander

With imagination, clarity, humor, and cartoons, Erlander retells the Bible's story.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

100 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 1995

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it looks like a kid's comic book-all hand written--with cutesy little sketches. But, read all of the intro and small print.
He warns you that in his opinion (that I completely share), everyone who approaches the Bible comes with their own unique ""glasses""--no literalism for him. He also let's you know that he's decided that Jesus is the way that works for him.
Get all of the high points and biggest elements of the Old Testament, the history of the ""child-people"" needing constant education and rules. See how often the people forgot the messages, letting the balance of righteousness and mercy get out of whack. See how this author views the New Testament and what Jesus said and did.
I really enjoyed his definitions: the wilderness school, being the contrast society, manna people. The balance of righteousness and mercy provides me with an excellent analogy for the potential extremes of legalism and sentimentality, respectively.
Highly recommend it.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! A friend gave it to me a few years ago, and I wish I had read it a long time ago! It's absolutely beautiful in its simplicity. A must read for children and adults - I also definitely recommend it for new Christians who might be a little intimidated to start reading the Bible.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this as an introduction to the bible and understanding how social justice and Christianity go hand and hand... despite the bigoted rhetoric of the right.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply the most profound and easy to read book about the Bible that I’ve ever experienced! The drawings and format look like it’s written for kids, but the cartoons turn out to be quite creative/ occasionally humorous. However, once you get past that, his understanding of the scope of the entire Bible and story of God is unprecedented! I’d highly recommend! You can purchase through Augsburg Fortress or google Dan Erlander. You can also find accompanying adult and children studies on his website for free.
Again, I’ve never seen the scope of the Biblical story written so succinctly and accurately! A new favorite to be sure!

[Altea van der Merwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am left speechless. As the author states: "Words never capture the reality to which they point" pgV. A significant and insightful perspective of God's story. I would recommend attending Alan Storey's Manna and Mercy course (SA) to bring this book to life and to guide you in practical application thereof in today's society.

[Randy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok in general, but a bit different in presentation of an explanation of the bible. I also thought it exhibited a fairly liberal interpretation, which I tolerated but did not think the best of. I would not recommend it.

[Kevin Shock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book 3 or 4 times at this point. Erlander captures the broad themes of the Bible and paints a vision of God’s reparative work for all creation. Easy to understand and inspiring.

[Debbie Shock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read in a straightforward, simple way, similar to a graphic novel. Throughout history God never gives up on us and longs to be in a partner relationship with us.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible, well-thought-out version of the gospel. I love the pictures and the style. I definitely see myself using this in ministry someday, with kids, youth, or adults. It's that versatile.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Erlander's illustrations and light-hearted approach, although he seems to take the material seriously enough. This would be a good book for older children as well as new members of the faith.

[Sherri Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It should be required reading. It is challenging and meaningful. I'll be reading over and over.

[latinabooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books helps adults understand the Bible like children, but it is not a book intended for little kids.

[Lo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inaccurate and unbalanced.

I will name just a few of the egregious errors this handbook makes:

The author claims that Ruth, Jonah, and Daniel were stories created to encourage faithfulness to Yahweh. Is he unaware that Jesus spoke of Jonah and Daniel as a real historical prophets (Mat. 12:39-41, Lk. 11:29-32, Mat. 24:15)? Daniel shows up in other historical genealogies besides (1 Chr. 3:1, Ezra 8:2, Nehemiah 10:6), and Ruth was clearly one of Jesus' ancestors (Mat. 1:5).

This book makes the Kingdom of God to be one that, among other things, abolishes hierarchies and ensures complete equality. He may be disappointed to know that a hierarchy has always been present in the heavenly hosts (i.e. angels and archangels). Likewise, some will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven, some will rule and judge with Christ, and others will have less authority or none (i.e. Matt. 5:19, 18:4, 1 Cor. 6:2, Lk 19:26, etc.).

The author claims that the Israelites were released from Egypt by God irritating Pharaoh through Moses and his siblings. I have never heard a more pathetic explanation of the Exodus. Read the book for yourself.

This quote bothers me especially:
"The lover God wondered, 'How can the people... be deepened, enriched, and renewed in the life of righteousness and mercy?' After thinking and thinking, Yahweh decided to give the beloved people one more gift... THE GIFT OF WORSHIP."
The author writes this as occurring after the 10 Commandments and Torah are given to the people of Israel, as if worship is an afterthought, a gift for us so we can be enriched in the life of righteousness and mercy. This kind of worship is self-centered, for our benefit, and ignores the primary reason to worship - because the LORD God deserves it, for who He is and for what He does (i.e. Psalm 99:5, 100:4-5).

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.