Review by Sheila Adolwa -- Who Told You That You Were Na...
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Sheila Adolwa
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Review by Sheila Adolwa -- Who Told You That You Were Na...
[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 book is authored by William E Combs, a retired Presbyterian minister. He holds a Masters in Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Fuller Theological Seminary. He wrote the book to answer the question "Why is the gospel seen by many as irrelevant today?" and to propose a solution. He also wanted to reexamine how sin came into the world through Adam, and how the Lord redeemed us by His grace.
The introduction is engrossing. We learn that Mr. Combs actually witnessed the spectacular display of the northern lights. How wonderful. And that we do no need a flashlight to read the book.
Most people of the Christian faith know the story of Adam and Eve. It has been told many times over as the origin of sin. This version is told so well and is so effective in keeping the reader interested in the story. So, Adam got bored and asked God for a soul mate. God gave him Eve. Then Eve gave Adam the forbidden fruit. Eve was alone when the serpent approached her and convinced her to eat from the tree of good and evil. Nothing happened to her on touching the tree or on eating the fruit. She had discovered a delicious fruit. She wanted to share it with her soul mate. He ate the apple. And sin came into the world. End of story? Not quite.
The title of the book caught my eye. Then curiosity took over. I was eager to get a fresh take on this much talked about and preached about Christian doctrine.The facts remain the same. There were four players; God, Adam, Eve,and the serpent. And as much as it is on record that Adam ate the fruit of his own free will, it is Eve who is held accountable for giving it to him. She in turn blamed the serpent. In my view, Adam could have said no, but the story wouldn't be the same now, would it? By the way, naked in this case does not mean not clothed.
The study questions at the end of each chapter are welcome especially in a book that seeks to propose solutions. On answering the questions, one can judge how well they have understood the lesson. Questions gave one room to think differently, or change their views or opinion. I liked the use of bible verses right through the book. These verses from the Old and New Testaments introduced a link in the Bible stories many people probably don't know. Personal testimonies are so many and go so far in bringing home the message and teachings.
From the beginning, the author tells us his reasons for writing the book. He has achieved his objective. We are provoked to look deeper at the proposed solutions from dealing with issues of faith, the sacrifice of Jesus, to establishing a relationship with Christ. The relevant verses are all in there. Our part is to 'deny yourself', 'take up your cross', and 'follow Him'. I have not heard anyone, or read any other book, where Adam and Eve's rebellion in the garden of Aden is so well connected to the need of a redeemer.
It is a book I would recommend to Christians the world over, for those looking for a deeper understanding of the events after the garden of Aden. Pastors (hello Joyce Meyer, Joel Austin )and teachers of the Bible should find it most useful and I imagine people of other faith would find it fascinating, assuming we all believe in sin.
I give a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The editing is well done, and entire book well written. I do not hold similar views as Pastor Combs on some topics and issues raised in the book. I however appreciate that that is not reason enough, to give a rating of less than a 4.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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4 out of 4 stars
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The book is authored by William E Combs, a retired Presbyterian minister. He holds a Masters in Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Fuller Theological Seminary. He wrote the book to answer the question "Why is the gospel seen by many as irrelevant today?" and to propose a solution. He also wanted to reexamine how sin came into the world through Adam, and how the Lord redeemed us by His grace.
The introduction is engrossing. We learn that Mr. Combs actually witnessed the spectacular display of the northern lights. How wonderful. And that we do no need a flashlight to read the book.
Most people of the Christian faith know the story of Adam and Eve. It has been told many times over as the origin of sin. This version is told so well and is so effective in keeping the reader interested in the story. So, Adam got bored and asked God for a soul mate. God gave him Eve. Then Eve gave Adam the forbidden fruit. Eve was alone when the serpent approached her and convinced her to eat from the tree of good and evil. Nothing happened to her on touching the tree or on eating the fruit. She had discovered a delicious fruit. She wanted to share it with her soul mate. He ate the apple. And sin came into the world. End of story? Not quite.
The title of the book caught my eye. Then curiosity took over. I was eager to get a fresh take on this much talked about and preached about Christian doctrine.The facts remain the same. There were four players; God, Adam, Eve,and the serpent. And as much as it is on record that Adam ate the fruit of his own free will, it is Eve who is held accountable for giving it to him. She in turn blamed the serpent. In my view, Adam could have said no, but the story wouldn't be the same now, would it? By the way, naked in this case does not mean not clothed.
The study questions at the end of each chapter are welcome especially in a book that seeks to propose solutions. On answering the questions, one can judge how well they have understood the lesson. Questions gave one room to think differently, or change their views or opinion. I liked the use of bible verses right through the book. These verses from the Old and New Testaments introduced a link in the Bible stories many people probably don't know. Personal testimonies are so many and go so far in bringing home the message and teachings.
From the beginning, the author tells us his reasons for writing the book. He has achieved his objective. We are provoked to look deeper at the proposed solutions from dealing with issues of faith, the sacrifice of Jesus, to establishing a relationship with Christ. The relevant verses are all in there. Our part is to 'deny yourself', 'take up your cross', and 'follow Him'. I have not heard anyone, or read any other book, where Adam and Eve's rebellion in the garden of Aden is so well connected to the need of a redeemer.
It is a book I would recommend to Christians the world over, for those looking for a deeper understanding of the events after the garden of Aden. Pastors (hello Joyce Meyer, Joel Austin )and teachers of the Bible should find it most useful and I imagine people of other faith would find it fascinating, assuming we all believe in sin.
I give a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The editing is well done, and entire book well written. I do not hold similar views as Pastor Combs on some topics and issues raised in the book. I however appreciate that that is not reason enough, to give a rating of less than a 4.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Sheila Adolwa's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Heartaches" by H.M. Irwing
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ea_anthony
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I have read the book and also did a volunteer review. I agree with you that the study questions at the end of chapter are welcome. Also the way Reverend Combs connected the rebellion to the need for a redeemer was not only masterful but inspired. I will attempt to reread the book in the not so distant future.
Ignorance promotes divisiveness, knowledge encourages diversity. 
Latest Review: McDowell by William H. Coles
