Review by MsTri -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?

[MsTri]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Reexamination of the Garden of Eden by William E. Combs is a book which examines how sin came into the world through Adam, its effects, and how we can be redeemed through Jesus Christ.

The title nailed it on the head, as it is certainly a reexamination of such concepts. I personally have never heard such ideas put forth in this way before, and I found it mostly fascinating. Mr. Combs notes that the basis of sin is our knowledge of good and evil, rather than a “list of errant acts”. The rest of the tome is built off this foundation.

While I didn’t necessarily agree with the main “fact” presented in Who Told You That You Were Naked?, I did find the book to be a reasonably easy read. There were a few instances where I had to reread a sentence or even a whole passage, but I was never completely lost. What I enjoyed most were the vignettes during the first half of the book, which expounded on the stories we know from the Bible. It’s true that Mr. Combs took a substantial amount of artistic license, but I liked being in Adam and Eve’s heads and thinking about things from their points-of-view, realizing how they must have felt, and so on. In addition to the vignettes, there were many personal testimonials, which further illustrated some of the points put forth. I think the latter usage was an especially good tool, as I sometimes find it hard to commiserate with characters in the Bible, whereas I feel more of a kinship with people from more modern times, people whom I feel like I could actually know in my own life. Also, Mr. Combs included many Bible passages, which were great tie-ins. I think that if the Bible is the basis for Christian beliefs, any books discussing such beliefs should point to the Word itself. Lastly, at the end of each chapter were Study Questions for Discussion, and I felt these were the best tool of all, as they caused me to think and question things I “know” more than just reading did.

Even though I didn’t agree with the book’s main point, I give Who Told You That You Were Naked? 4 out of 4 stars. My mind tended to wander a bit more during the last half of the book, but it kept my attention for the most part, and I found myself wanting to read it every day, which cannot be said for all books. I also found no grammar, syntax, or spelling errors, so there was nothing that took me out of the reading when I was into it.

I would definitely recommend this book for persons of all faiths, as I feel that even those of another belief system could learn something from it, even if it's just how others think.

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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Like MsTri's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Christina Rose]

I really enjoyed your review. I like how, even though you disagree with the author on one of his main points, you still looked for ways to connect with the material. I think that part of the value in this book is that, while offering you the standpoints of the author, there is plenty of information and questions to ponder that allow you to explore your own thoughts and ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!

[MsTri]

Thanks so much for that, Christina Rose! I learned long ago that if I dropped every book I disagree with, I'd be reading a lot less, and it's been pretty freeing, just being able to read and enjoy.

[chita betty]

Great review. I just finished reviewing the book. It is just as touching as you mentioned. Your review nails the main point. I really respect your ability to keep focus and enjoy the book even as you disagree with one of the author's main point.

[Gregory Chileshe]

I have enjoyed your review too. I love the way you have come out. The fact that you didn't agree with the author on some part though you have not highlighted,shows that it is a great book and you have learnt a lot. Read my review again,you may see similarities but again you will see where the book became more educating.

[Mallory Whitaker]

Great review! I've read some other reviews on this book and they've all said about the same - that the point isn't necessarily easy to swallow, but his argument is solid. That's the most important part I think. You're absolutely right; books that want to write about Christianity should definitely reference the Bible. That's really cool that they included Study Questions. Did they help you understand the author's viewpoint better or just help you figure out what you believe?

[Eva Gallegos]

Very nice review. I agree with many of the observations made, especially that which refers to Creative license taken by the author, "It’s true that Mr. Combs took a substantial amount of artistic license." Personally, I prefer that writers, when dealing with historical events, adhere to the facts. However, in religious matters I can understand that some fill the gaps with their own imagination

[charlesjr2]

A look back into the old days, seems like a hell of a ride. Am actually a Christian who goes to church and reads the bible, so I would like to see things from the author's perspectives and also reaccess my believes.

[geoffrey ngoima]

Hey, MsTri, I would really like to know this main “fact”/point that you refer to, and I'd also like to read this book. I saw it too some place and am now looking for a version of it, (read free version). I also have read another review of it and I got to say your review nailed it. I am informed about the Bible and I'd really like to get to know what the writer has in store for me, a lot about the Garden of Eve is still unclear/hidden.
Thanks for this great review!

[El-kanah]

Yes, the book is a must read for all Christians, and can serve some purposes for non Christians also. When I read the book, I gained a lot. The author also emphasize the need for true and standing faith as the main weapon against the enemy, which is sin, that comes in through our knowledge of good and evil. Thanks for the awesome review.

[Donatelloo]

I have been planning to read this novel but haven't read it yet
Thank you for such a nice review

[ReviewerDiksha]

Great review MsTri. Although I'm not mostly into such kind of books, your review does put it in a different light.

[Snowflake]

That was a very thoughtful and honest review. Thanks for giving such a clear perspective on this book.

[MsTri]

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Mallory, I actually found the Study Questions helped me better figure out what I believe and where I actually am in my walk and beliefs...Geoffrey, the main point is that the "basis of sin is our knowledge of good and evil, rather than a “list of errant acts”.

[Czarmaine AM]

I agree with what you said on the last paragraph that we could indeed learn a lot from each other's faith. Also, I've read other reviews which gave this a low rating but I totally understand why you gave this a 4 out of 4 stars. Great job on writing this, MsTri!