Making Sense of Scripture Participant Book

by David J. Lose

In Making Sense of Scripture, David Lose invites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that he imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible. More than a standard biblical reference book, Making Sense of Scripture is a dialogue that encourages readers to bring their questions or doubts to the table when reading Scripture. During this conversation, there are different opportunities for the reader to interact with the Bible, ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of the heart and mind.

Genres: Faith, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our church led a study using this book. Like a good Lutheran, I dutifully purchased it, never made it to any of the discussions and then forgot I had it. Finding myself on a plane without a plan for reading caused me to uncover it again (years later). Despite a dubious beginning, I finished it in three days and took 12 pages of notes!

This is one of those books that is so straightforward and simple that you may be surprised at the strong impact it has had on you when all is said and done. I left with a lot more clarity on the role of the Bible in a Christian's life. But, it wasn't preachy or strong handed. It just provided some options on how one might think about things.

During the first chapter, I just enjoyed the format, which involves a dialogue between a questioning Christian (aka almost any of us) and someone who's had some time to approach the big questions and wrestle with them a bit. I know an author that's been experimenting with format, who turned me on to the power of a story's structure in engaging the reader. For this content, I think the dialogue approach, in large part, worked. The author obviously took great care in making sure the questioning Christian was really asking questions the average Joe has struggled with. As a reader, I felt like the book was really aimed at me.

Each chapter approaches a question, such as "Where did the Bible come from?", "Is the Bible true?" and "What authority does the Bible hold?". The second half of the book makes particularly good use of analogies to aid clarity and images to aid retention of the ideas. I especially appreciated the chapter on methods for reading/interpreting the Bible.

I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to make sense of this complicated book, but especially those that struggle with factual inaccuracies in the Bible and it's conflicting stories. I think you'll find it helpful. There's definitely considerations here that weren't talked about in Sunday school or youth group (at least mine!).

[Jackie Mackenthun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for the conversational format by the author. A bit redundant.

[Brian_From_Neenah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the nature of the Bible. Being raised catholic I had a very limited teaching of the history and meaning of the way the bible was written. While this book can at some times be heady and require re- reading parts. It is by far thee best book I ever read at digging down and explaining the how, why and way the bible came to be and what to do with it. If you have been left to think the bible can no longer be trusted because of how it's been interpreted. Read this book...

[Ruthann · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Lose manages to explain profound truths in ways that one can instantly connect with and understand. He takes one deeply into the Scripture with spotlight on making sense of seeing God in one’s own life. At first I was a little put off by the conversational style, but as I read along I came to feel a real part of the conversation. I wish I could get everyone in my family to read this.

[Rachel Zimmermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

We used this text as a book study for our congregation’s bible study. Dr. Lose does a wonderful job of making Lutheran theology accessible to those in the pew but the question/answer format slows down the flow of what could be an easy yet informative read. There are good group questions included as well. A great text for those new to the faith or who want to delve a bit deeper. Works best in a group setting.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great explanation of different ways people read the Bible with an emphasis on reading it as a Book of Faith rather than as a "divine history book" of facts. It made me more interested in reading Scripture and made Scripture feel more accessible to a modern audience. Reading this way, it is the "Living Word" that I have heard so much about.

[Angela Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good insight to contemplate.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So much food for thought!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine guide to understanding where the Bible came from and what it all means. A longer review appears at www.cloquetriverpress.com.
Peace.
Mark

[Rolando Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

The book definitely gives you a different perspective of how to read the Bible and understand it. I recommend it to anyone who wants to begin studying the Bible to read this book first. I felt it gave me a better understanding on how to interpret the Bible.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for individual study, but just as the Bible is best read in community, so is this book. If you're looking for the "right" answer about how to make sense of scripture, this is not the book for you, but if you (and hopefully your group) want to live into the questions, if you want to wrestle with the scriptures together, then this is a great place to start. The study materials which are available separately are user-friendly and accessible, as is the book itself. Our Bible study group has had terrific discussion surrounding this book.

[Michael Samerdyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by David Lose.

There was some overlap with "Making Sense of the Christian Faith," which turns out to the be the second book in this series, although I read it first. But "Making Sense of Scripture" has a different dynamic. Lose's enthusiasm for Bible study comes through, and the reader finds himself pulled along, as if listening to an interesting conversation that articulates how the Bible is a book that works in relationship with the reader to point to God and God's grace.

Highly recommended for groups about to set out on a program of Bible study.

[Jacquelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting approach to understanding WHY reading the Bible is important. I'm very glad I read it, but I think it's importance to you just depends on where you are in your relationship with God's Word.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the concepts and perspectives this book presents in relation to the bible. It was easy to read and I got a lot out of it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in conjunction with a Bible study. It is actually fun. I saw a lot of lights go on, and people starting to be empowered.

[Diane Danielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Bible study at Holy Trinity using this book.