Review by Apple_za1ra -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Apple_za1ra
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- Latest Review: Who Told You That You Were Naked? by William Combs
Review by Apple_za1ra -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? is a book by William E. Combs. The book uses anecdotes and Scriptural passages, along with theoretical vignettes, to re-imagine what it would have been like for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and after the Fall. Although the book is titled after the experiences of Original Man, it delves into the long-term affects Adam had on Mankind, moving later into the time of Jesus as well. The last couple of chapters address the author's understanding of Christianity, Early Christian Scholars after the Protestant Reformation, and why revisiting the story of Adam and Eve is significant.
Regarding the styling of the book, I found that the excerpted phrases highlighted in boxes throughout detracted from the flow of the pages. This felt more like I was reading an article rather than a book, since this is a common practice online. This book is meant to be used as a study guide in a book club setting, so there are questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. While the later questions were engaging, the early chapters' questions felt like they were being spoon-fed, as the answers to the questions were already clear in the chapters. In a Christian book, I find this especially frustrating since it seems to not trust the reader's ability to reason himself. However, the questions are not especially divisive, which I feel allows more Christian denominations to read the book and find insights.
The author gently helps the reader understand ancient Christian truths in a more positive way, which I found was to the great benefit of the text. Although this is meant more as a Bible study, I did find the first few chapters to be uniquely insightful for those preparing for marriage. Although the book does not have exceptionally deep, new philosophical thoughts, it did highlight or clarify various aspects of the relationship between God and Man, Man and Man, and how sin is a relationship, not simply an activity.
Regarding the vignettes, as the author calls them, most of them add to the story. However, some of them seem somewhat unrelated and are a jarring shift from the flow of the text. On the other hand, it's nice to see that we can still find universal ideals throughout the text. It makes it not just a reexamination of the Eden story, but also a reexamination of self and of faith.
The open spacing of the text makes the almost 250-page book fly by without feeling nearly as long as it is. As the book progresses, the level of engagement and insight increases, making it worth reading beyond the first few chapters despite the poor study questions early on. I found this book has more uses than it initially seems to have with regard to daily life. It is very clearly meant for a Protestant audience, so although some ideas are universal, this may not be the ideal book for a Catholic audience. Some chapters, however, could be interesting reads for all Christian denominations.
Overall, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I would not give it a 4 out of 4 because of the various concerns stated above, as well as finding several formatting issues and spelling typos. However, I also would give it more than a 2 out of 4 because the ideas are clearly developed and insightful without being too grandiose for a wide audience. I would recommend certain chapters to anyone, but the book as a whole would probably most benefit a Protestant audience. I would suggest it especially to people entering marriage or entering the Christian faith.
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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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3 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? is a book by William E. Combs. The book uses anecdotes and Scriptural passages, along with theoretical vignettes, to re-imagine what it would have been like for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and after the Fall. Although the book is titled after the experiences of Original Man, it delves into the long-term affects Adam had on Mankind, moving later into the time of Jesus as well. The last couple of chapters address the author's understanding of Christianity, Early Christian Scholars after the Protestant Reformation, and why revisiting the story of Adam and Eve is significant.
Regarding the styling of the book, I found that the excerpted phrases highlighted in boxes throughout detracted from the flow of the pages. This felt more like I was reading an article rather than a book, since this is a common practice online. This book is meant to be used as a study guide in a book club setting, so there are questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. While the later questions were engaging, the early chapters' questions felt like they were being spoon-fed, as the answers to the questions were already clear in the chapters. In a Christian book, I find this especially frustrating since it seems to not trust the reader's ability to reason himself. However, the questions are not especially divisive, which I feel allows more Christian denominations to read the book and find insights.
The author gently helps the reader understand ancient Christian truths in a more positive way, which I found was to the great benefit of the text. Although this is meant more as a Bible study, I did find the first few chapters to be uniquely insightful for those preparing for marriage. Although the book does not have exceptionally deep, new philosophical thoughts, it did highlight or clarify various aspects of the relationship between God and Man, Man and Man, and how sin is a relationship, not simply an activity.
Regarding the vignettes, as the author calls them, most of them add to the story. However, some of them seem somewhat unrelated and are a jarring shift from the flow of the text. On the other hand, it's nice to see that we can still find universal ideals throughout the text. It makes it not just a reexamination of the Eden story, but also a reexamination of self and of faith.
The open spacing of the text makes the almost 250-page book fly by without feeling nearly as long as it is. As the book progresses, the level of engagement and insight increases, making it worth reading beyond the first few chapters despite the poor study questions early on. I found this book has more uses than it initially seems to have with regard to daily life. It is very clearly meant for a Protestant audience, so although some ideas are universal, this may not be the ideal book for a Catholic audience. Some chapters, however, could be interesting reads for all Christian denominations.
Overall, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I would not give it a 4 out of 4 because of the various concerns stated above, as well as finding several formatting issues and spelling typos. However, I also would give it more than a 2 out of 4 because the ideas are clearly developed and insightful without being too grandiose for a wide audience. I would recommend certain chapters to anyone, but the book as a whole would probably most benefit a Protestant audience. I would suggest it especially to people entering marriage or entering the Christian faith.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Latest Review: Who Told You That You Were Naked? by William Combs
