4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The author, William E. Coombs, begins the book, Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Reexamination of the Garden of Eden with an introduction depicting an event from his early childhood. At that time, the author lived in Alaska, and one evening, he used a pen light to find his way home through the Alaskan darkness of summer. He likened that experience to a deep yearning for more understanding of the ways the unseen God illuminates and guides man’s life.
Mr. Coombs presents his own desire for more growth and understanding of God’s ways by dividing the book into ten chapters starting from the fall of Adam and Eve to the expectation of salvation through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout the chapters, not only does the author explain the stories of the Bible by giving many explanations for concepts of Bible verses that a reader might find difficult to comprehend, but he takes a very thorough, researched approach to the words translated from the original Hebrew text.
As one example, the Hebrew word for knowledge, from page 7 in Chapter 1, can mean perception or wisdom. Mr. Coombs sites the story of Adam’s temptation of eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Another example taken from page 177 in Chapter Ten, the word transgression cannot only mean going astray but also overstepping the law. By explaining the Apostle Paul’s use of the word transgressions, Mr. Coombs enables the reader to form a deeper understanding of the word’s meaning derived from the context of good vs. evil. Further, the author’s honest, straight-forward anecdotes throughout each chapter offer both Christians and perhaps, disillusioned non-believers, hope for alleviating some of the confusion many Bible readers often confront. I especially enjoyed his fresh, direct explanation on pages 61 – 64 about the original sin of consuming the forbidden fruit.
Even though some chapters read more like a thesis paper, I enjoyed Mr. Coomb’s narratives coupled with many interesting questions. Especially the study questions at the end of each chapter could provoke some insightful discussions for use in Bible-study classes. Mr. Coombs also includes more explanations from his research studies, as well as his many experiences as a Presbyterian minister, throughout the book, and in the End Notes. These explanations in the End Notes could be used for references both for lectures and classes.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I didn’t notice any errors, and it is both well-written, informative and easy to read.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like ReadingAware's review? Post a comment saying so!
