Review by Shantelle35 -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Shantelle35
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Review by Shantelle35 -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
4 out of 4 stars
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The commencement of each new age brings with it many inevitable challenges for that particular generation. This age deals deeply with the matter of spirituality. More specifically, the bible and the many interpretations available to us electronically and in book stores, as well as those found on self-hosted websites and blogs in the form of opinions, findings, and feelings. To some, these routes may be creating more questions than answers. Is the bible from God? How can I become saved? Where do science and the Theory of Evolution fit in?
One biblical theme of debate today is the theological interpretation of the exchanges between God and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden depicted in the first book of the Old Testament. In his Christian allegory titled Who Told You That You Were Naked?, William E. Combs offers a refreshing and empathetic view of the roles of Adam and Eve, Jesus Christ, and even our adversary by figuratively entering the garden where he brings each character to life in an applicable, pleasant style using brief but entertaining vignettes with subsequent commentary. My favorite vignette was the one where Adam named a lamb Lively and took her everywhere he went. When he realized the companionship of a lamb just wasn’t good enough, God created Woman. I wonder if Adam decided to keep Lively around after his helpmate joined him or not!
The author speaks openly on several important themes throughout the book, including physical, spiritual, and relational death in the garden and the meanings behind each one, revealing the redemptive rather than punitive qualities. Each chapter is broken down into bite-size portions of detailed subheadings and short screenplays, with encouraging testimonies sprinkled throughout the book. The most memorable testimony Combs shares is the one about being pestered by Satan and his minions during the night where he wrestles a dark figure and his wife rebukes it. This pattern of annoyance they experienced is also something I battle with at times, especially when I have either just had a great spiritual experience or am about to have one, so I can definitely relate!
At the end of each chapter, there are study questions for discussion in small group settings, which I found very insightful. The layout of the book is easy to follow and I only noticed a couple of spelling errors. The only thing I would have liked better is if the study questions had possible example answers that could be referenced quickly, instead of having to read through the chapter again to find the answers. Conversely, the scripture references found within some of the study questions were extremely helpful for referencing specific topics easily.
In the introduction of the book, Combs presents a majestic contrast between a penlight- his “controlled beam of spiritual illumination”- and the Old Testament – a cold winter night in Alaska, in the hopes of enhancing his knowledge of “the God [he] could not see”. Additionally, he compares the brass fastener on the old outhouse his grandfather built to an old wooden door “slowly creaking open in [his] mind” as he dives into the deeply profound topics of sin, salvation, and faith. According to Combs, sin is the “powerful adversary crouching at the door” and is introduced in chapter 3 when a struggle arises between brothers Cain and Abel and ends in death.
Furthermore, The author highlights Paul’s incapacity to overcome sin, our own fallen nature, and our need to admit our “total inability to free ourselves from our feelings of nakedness”, which should be a permanent and constant confession. Other topics covered are little-faith and real faith. Combs lists the steps to having real faith as well as a prayer of faith. In the last four chapters, he discusses spiritual worship; sinful habits, the root of sin, and dying to sin; being free in Christ and walking in the light; and lastly, three things Jesus Christ is calling each of us to.
When I was about halfway through this book, just by chance, my twelve-year-old son asked, “Mom, what is human nature?” I was dumbfounded because I had just been studying that exact topic in this book. Because I was so captivated by what I had been reading, I was able to give him a knowledgeable, honest answer. Needless to say, this book is very informative and I gave it 4 out of 4 stars. This original work would appeal the most to Christians who want a different take on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the topics of sin, salvation, and faith.
Overall, what makes this book so interesting is that it is a narrative combined with biblical commentary; it is informative as well as educational; and it has inspired me to learn more about the book of Genesis in my daily studies. I feel I have been challenged yet strengthened in my beliefs as a Christian and I can now go forward with confidence in my capacity to appreciate the existence of man, the inevitable presence of sin, and “live according to the law of the Spirit of Life”.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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The commencement of each new age brings with it many inevitable challenges for that particular generation. This age deals deeply with the matter of spirituality. More specifically, the bible and the many interpretations available to us electronically and in book stores, as well as those found on self-hosted websites and blogs in the form of opinions, findings, and feelings. To some, these routes may be creating more questions than answers. Is the bible from God? How can I become saved? Where do science and the Theory of Evolution fit in?
One biblical theme of debate today is the theological interpretation of the exchanges between God and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden depicted in the first book of the Old Testament. In his Christian allegory titled Who Told You That You Were Naked?, William E. Combs offers a refreshing and empathetic view of the roles of Adam and Eve, Jesus Christ, and even our adversary by figuratively entering the garden where he brings each character to life in an applicable, pleasant style using brief but entertaining vignettes with subsequent commentary. My favorite vignette was the one where Adam named a lamb Lively and took her everywhere he went. When he realized the companionship of a lamb just wasn’t good enough, God created Woman. I wonder if Adam decided to keep Lively around after his helpmate joined him or not!
The author speaks openly on several important themes throughout the book, including physical, spiritual, and relational death in the garden and the meanings behind each one, revealing the redemptive rather than punitive qualities. Each chapter is broken down into bite-size portions of detailed subheadings and short screenplays, with encouraging testimonies sprinkled throughout the book. The most memorable testimony Combs shares is the one about being pestered by Satan and his minions during the night where he wrestles a dark figure and his wife rebukes it. This pattern of annoyance they experienced is also something I battle with at times, especially when I have either just had a great spiritual experience or am about to have one, so I can definitely relate!
At the end of each chapter, there are study questions for discussion in small group settings, which I found very insightful. The layout of the book is easy to follow and I only noticed a couple of spelling errors. The only thing I would have liked better is if the study questions had possible example answers that could be referenced quickly, instead of having to read through the chapter again to find the answers. Conversely, the scripture references found within some of the study questions were extremely helpful for referencing specific topics easily.
In the introduction of the book, Combs presents a majestic contrast between a penlight- his “controlled beam of spiritual illumination”- and the Old Testament – a cold winter night in Alaska, in the hopes of enhancing his knowledge of “the God [he] could not see”. Additionally, he compares the brass fastener on the old outhouse his grandfather built to an old wooden door “slowly creaking open in [his] mind” as he dives into the deeply profound topics of sin, salvation, and faith. According to Combs, sin is the “powerful adversary crouching at the door” and is introduced in chapter 3 when a struggle arises between brothers Cain and Abel and ends in death.
Furthermore, The author highlights Paul’s incapacity to overcome sin, our own fallen nature, and our need to admit our “total inability to free ourselves from our feelings of nakedness”, which should be a permanent and constant confession. Other topics covered are little-faith and real faith. Combs lists the steps to having real faith as well as a prayer of faith. In the last four chapters, he discusses spiritual worship; sinful habits, the root of sin, and dying to sin; being free in Christ and walking in the light; and lastly, three things Jesus Christ is calling each of us to.
When I was about halfway through this book, just by chance, my twelve-year-old son asked, “Mom, what is human nature?” I was dumbfounded because I had just been studying that exact topic in this book. Because I was so captivated by what I had been reading, I was able to give him a knowledgeable, honest answer. Needless to say, this book is very informative and I gave it 4 out of 4 stars. This original work would appeal the most to Christians who want a different take on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the topics of sin, salvation, and faith.
Overall, what makes this book so interesting is that it is a narrative combined with biblical commentary; it is informative as well as educational; and it has inspired me to learn more about the book of Genesis in my daily studies. I feel I have been challenged yet strengthened in my beliefs as a Christian and I can now go forward with confidence in my capacity to appreciate the existence of man, the inevitable presence of sin, and “live according to the law of the Spirit of Life”.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Latest Review: "Life Before" by K.L. Romo
