How to Read the Bible: 21 Ways to Enjoy and Understand Scripture

by Miranda Threlfall-Holmes

'a fiercely intelligent theologian and historian' - The Independent'Miranda gives us the confidence to sit and taste the Bible's profound and life-changing goodness.' - Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of YorkAs a vicar, Miranda Threlfall-Holmes is used to being asked to recommend a book on how and why to read the Bible. Filling the gap between popular Bible reading notes and more academic books, How to Eat Bread is the book she'd give to anyone wanting to explore the Bible as part of their faith. Its three main sections delve into the rich heritage of how Christians have read the Bible down the From the Larder - ways that scripture itself uses other parts of scripture, or models and demonstrates different ways of reading Grandma's Recipe Book - historical methods of biblical interpretation Molecular Gastronomy - the insights and methods of modern theological hermeneuticsEncouraging readers to try out a variety of tried and tested ways of Bible reading, experiment with different ingredients and sample the results, How to Eat Bread is a refreshingly hands-on approach to understanding this ancient library of texts.'exhilarating and hands-on ... Miranda Threlfall-Holmes provides a fantastic guide' - Fergus Butler-Gallie

Genres: Nonfiction

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2021

Reviews

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How to Read the Bible: 21 Ways to Enjoy and Understand Scripture" by Miranda Threlfall-Holmes offers readers an engaging and accessible guide to exploring the Bible in new ways. The book is divided into three sections: "From the Larder," which explores how scripture interacts with other parts of scripture; "Grandma’s Recipe Book," which delves into historical methods of biblical interpretation; and "Molecular Gastronomy," which focuses on modern theological approaches. Through these sections, Threlfall-Holmes invites readers to experiment with different methods of reading the Bible, making the experience both enriching and enjoyable.

Threlfall-Holmes’s approach is hands-on, encouraging readers to try various techniques, much like experimenting with ingredients in a kitchen. This exploration aims to make the Bible more accessible, whether readers are new to scripture or well-versed in its teachings. Praised by figures like Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the book empowers individuals to confidently engage with the Bible’s profound messages, offering both historical insight and modern interpretation methods to enhance understanding.

[Victoria M · Rating 1 out of 5]

*How to Read the Bible* by Miranda Threelfall Holmes presents an approach to scripture that some might find helpful, but for those who hold a more traditional view of biblical interpretation, her take might seem misguided. Holmes encourages readers to approach the Bible by considering their own personal context and reflections, which could easily lead to subjective readings of the text. In her view, it seems that one’s own thoughts, questions, and experiences play a central role in understanding scripture. However, as a believer who holds the view that we should rely on the Holy Spirit for true understanding of the Bible, I find this approach concerning. Relying on our own understanding rather than seeking the Spirit's guidance can lead us away from the true message of the Bible.

Additionally, her theology seems a bit offbeat. While she advocates for reading the Bible thoughtfully, the underlying framework she presents doesn't seem to fully honor the authority of Scripture or the importance of divine revelation through the Holy Spirit. Her emphasis on personal experience and context may unintentionally open the door to interpretations that stray from orthodox Christianity, bordering on heresy in some areas.

One of the points Holmes makes that I strongly disagree with is her claim that sometimes the scriptures contradict themselves. I refuse to believe this, as I hold that the Bible is God-breathed, true, and complete. To suggest contradictions within the Bible undermines its divine integrity and the belief that it is fully inspired and without error.

I didn’t finish the book, as the introduction and Chapter 1 raised some flags for me. The way she framed the Bible as something to be interpreted primarily through personal reflection, without clearly pointing to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, made me uncomfortable. For those seeking a deeper, Spirit-led understanding of the Word, this book may not be the best guide.

Thanks to NetGalley for this read.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve tried to ‘read the Bible’ a couple of times in my life and never got very far. Beginning to end? Just the New Testament? Where to start?

Miranda Threlfall-Holmes has written a guide for people just like me and I enjoyed it. I’m not sure if it will suit very religious people as I’m sure her approach is quite different but it suits me as a non-religious person looking for a way into the hundreds of pages.

My personal favourite part was the second where various traditions are used as frameworks to guide meditation - lectio devina, medieval, Ignatian and others - and I found that they resonated with what I wanted.

There’s a lot going on in this book, loads of further reading recommendations, and ideas to follow up on. I’ll be revisiting it.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Victoria Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A structured guide for how to read the bible.

I’ve marked more sections of this book for future reference than any book I’ve read since reading “How to make friends and influence people” 40 years ago.

What I loved about this book is the number of different ways the bible, or any historical book, can be read. This opens up biblical texts to far greater understanding than I had thought possible.

By its nature this is not a natural page turner. It’s a “cook book” of instructions and I recommend skimming it to understand the scope of the book without getting bogged down in detail. Then deep diving into those chapters that you want to explore in more depth.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t really what I was expecting. However, it was well written. I had some qualms as I read through it, as to the author’s theology. It’s possible I misconstrued some things, or some points of theology were not entirely clear.

She seemed to suggest that Satan might not be a real entity but just in our heads.

At points she was vague on the authorship of the bible, implying she didn’t fully stand on sola scriptura.

Apart from these reservations, it was a good read.

[Poppy Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading this for Lent and I got a lot out of it! There's so much to think about and explore in this book and in the Bible itself. I can't wait to read it again with my study group at church!

[A P FLINT · Rating 5 out of 5]

How

Brilliant book read it in a group great discussions, brought out more than in the book, very satisfying read. Enjoy.

[Pamela Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writer and a super introduction and guide to the devotional life. Would recommend!!

[Victoria Venmore-Rowland]

Read in part, not in whole. I love Threlfall-Holmes fresh perspectives on things, and she includes good links to further readings.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few very useful ideas in this, and then a few that aren't going to be things I can apply myself or that would work for me personally, but I'm glad I did read it.