old_testament_stories_from_the_back_side_includes_study_guid

by J. Ellsworth Kalas

Using an approach similar to that in his book Parables from the Back Side, popular author J. Ellsworth Kalas brings a new perspective to selected Old Testament stories by approaching them from the "back side"--through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor or unsympathetic character. Chapter titles and "The Second Sin" (Genesis 3:1-13); "The Importance of Naming Joseph" (Genesis 30:22-24); "Because My Mother Told Me" (Exodus 2:1-10); "Moses' Midlife Crisis" (Exodus 2:11-22); "Patron Saint of the Minority Report" (Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33); "Tragic Son, Tragic Father" (Judges 11:1-6, 30-35); "Honey in the Lion" (Judges 14:5-14); "Beauty and the Beast" (1 Samuel 25:2-42); "A Refugee at the King's Table" (2 Samuel 9:1-13); "In Defense of Job's Wife" (Job 2:1-10); "Jonah's Christmas Story" (Jonah 3:1-6, 10; Matthew 12:38-42); "God Is Better Than His Plans" (Ruth 1:1-5; 4:13-17). Includes 12 Sessions with a study guide.

123 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 1995

About the author

J. Ellsworth Kalas has been part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, after thirty-eight years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a presenter on DISCIPLE videos and is the author of more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series as well as the Christian Believer study.

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some chapters were very good and provided stimulating discussion. Others were okay, but we made them work. Some were not so good and we really didn't find a lot to discuss. Some stories were old and familiar. For some, other stories were brand new.

[Ann Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

[Kathleen Brandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the stories he picked out, in many ways he got preachy when tying to find modern day examples to compare them with. He also seemed to miss the points of many of the stories as I have studied them in order to turn them into "object lessons". I would not use this for a Bible study.

[Ramonita Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this writer...his books are easy to read, concise, very clear on the messages he wants to deliver and so current...this is an energizing little book, 107 pages in all, but oh! the stores from a different point of view...loved the story of Samson, Lot's wife, garden of Eden, Jonah, Ruth, etc...excellent!!! highly recommended!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these Kalas bible studies, they are easy to read and he gives you a different perspective on things.