How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian

In How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan examines the apparent contradictions between violent and nonviolent depictions of God throughout scripture. He analyzes key texts from both the Old and New Testaments to address this theological tension. The book traces a pattern Crossan identifies as "assertion-and-pushback" through biblical narratives, where violent interpretations of divine justice alternate with messages of peace and radical love. Crossan draws on historical context and textual analysis to explore how these opposing messages emerged and evolved. Through investigations of creation stories, prophetic writings, Jesus's teachings, and Paul's letters, Crossan presents a framework for understanding these scriptural contradictions. His research incorporates archaeological evidence and contemporary scholarship about the political and social forces that shaped biblical texts. The work speaks to fundamental questions about religious violence, divine nature, and how modern readers can approach ancient sacred texts with both critical analysis and sustained faith. Crossan's interpretation suggests new ways to reconcile seemingly incompatible aspects of Christian scripture and tradition.

Readers note that Crossan presents a scholarly analysis of Biblical violence versus nonviolence, though many found his arguments repetitive. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of historical context - Thoughtful examination of contradictions within scripture - Balance between academic research and accessibility - Fresh perspective on familiar Bible stories Common criticisms: - Too much focus on violence/nonviolence theme - Circular arguments that become redundant - Liberal theological bias that some conservatives reject - Writing style can be dense and academic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (374 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (168 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Helped me understand the Bible's internal tensions without losing faith" - Goodreads reviewer "Makes valid points but beats the same drum throughout" - Amazon reviewer "His liberal bias shows through too strongly" - Christianity Today reader comment "Dense but rewarding for those seeking deeper biblical understanding" - Goodreads reviewer

Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography by John Dominic Crossan This book examines historical evidence about Jesus through archaeological and anthropological lenses to reveal the political and social context of his ministry.

The First Paul by Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan The text analyzes Paul's authentic letters versus later attributions to present a portrait of Paul's core message of radical equality.

The Evolution of the Word by Marcus J. Borg This chronological ordering of the New Testament books reveals how Christian teachings developed and changed over time.

Jesus Before Christianity by Albert Nolan The book strips away layers of doctrine to explore Jesus's message within its original historical and social setting.

The Bible Tells Me So by Peter Enns This examination of biblical interpretation tackles difficult questions about violence, science, and historical accuracy in scripture.

📖 John Dominic Crossan was once a Catholic priest and monk before becoming one of the most influential biblical scholars of the 20th century 🔍 The book specifically addresses the tension between violent and nonviolent portrayals of God throughout the Bible, which Crossan calls the "radical opposition" ⚔️ Crossan argues that the violent portions of the Bible often reflect human civilization's tendency to normalize violence, while the nonviolent portions represent God's true nature 🎓 The author was co-chair of the Jesus Seminar, a controversial academic project that aimed to reconstruct the historical Jesus through scholarly consensus 📚 Throughout the book, Crossan draws parallels between ancient Roman imperial theology and how it influenced early Christian writings, particularly in the Book of Revelation