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

Jmteachmom · Post by **Jmteachmom** » 26 Feb 2018, 19:10

[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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Who Told You That You Were Naked: A Refreshing Reexamination of the Garden of Eden by: William E. Combs

Who Told You That You Were Naked by William E. Combs is an insightful look in to the beginning of time, when there was a beautiful garden called Eden. This garden was designed and created by God for His most loved creation, Adam. Once Adam had been in the garden for a time God saw that Adam needed a help mate. A deep sleep and unbelievable surgery takes place. Thence woman is created, and her name becomes Eve. This book takes us through the new couple’s time in the garden and ultimately the downfall of man.

Our reader begins by reading the wonderfully penned story of how the author came to discover and understand God better through an outhouse, a flashlight, and the Aurora Borealis. This introduction was writing in a way you knew the author was heartfelt and genuine in his faith. Our author is a retired Presbyterian minister who came to know Christ primarily through the teachings of the New Testament. His purpose for this book is to connect these New Testament principals to the happenings of the Old Testament.

As the title asks the question, who told you that you were naked, Combs drives home the answer throughout his writings. In the first half of the book, Combs speaks about nakedness as not a deficiency. Adam and Eve did not see each other as deficient and neither did God. When they realize their nakedness, after the forbidden fruit has been partook of, then they begin to look at each other and dwell on the merits of their partner’s body. Combs tells us the first utterance of fear is spoken in these first chapters of Genesis when the Lord comes by for a visit. The Lord had not disapproved of them being naked because they were His greatest creation. Because of these happenings the barrier of mistrust is built between Adam and Eve and the world.

The second half of the book correlates the Old Testament event of sin entering the world with the views from the New Testament and the coming of Jesus. The conversation about the Law laid out in the Old Testament and the completion of the Law with the birth of Christ are closely examined. Combs emphatically states the Law could not be kept because man was no longer free of sin. The purpose of the Law was to show mankind they were incapable of overcoming the knowledge of good and evil Adam and Eve had brought into the world. Combs goes further in examining sin, the Scriptures, and the “voice” of God. Because of the event in the Garden of Eden mankind now sees the importance of walking by faith. We must see ourselves as dead to sin. Adam and Eve still had a relationship with God, even after their disobedience, just as we can have a relationship with God today.

This book is not for the new Christian. Combs uses language that may be hard for a new Christian to understand and the book is a deeper theological look at a story most people, even non- Christians, know. I did enjoy the study questions at the end of each chapter. That addition would make this work good for individual or group studies. The references to scripture and his personal testimonies show the depth of research and knowledge required to write a book of this caliber. I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars because of the ease of reading, handling of scripture, and attention given to helping the reader have a deeper understanding of the ramifications of what happened in the Garden of Eden.

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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 01 Mar 2018, 10:43

It's interesting that you point that we are dead in our sins. What can a dead person do? If we want that relationship with God, he has to initiate it and give us life. Great review.

Jmteachmom · Post by **Jmteachmom** » 01 Mar 2018, 15:09

Thank you! This book was an eye opener for me. As a Christian I really enjoyed the book.

Stefanie9280 · Post by **Stefanie9280** » 27 Aug 2018, 19:29

It's interesting to me that you found this book easy to read. I found it very difficult to read individually. I felt the author put a great deal into backing up his very intelligent opinion and it left a lot open for discussion. I did enjoy the book but felt it would have been better being able to discuss it in a group setting. Love your review.

Jmteachmom · Post by **Jmteachmom** » 29 Aug 2018, 13:05

Stefanie9280 wrote: ↑27 Aug 2018, 19:29 It's interesting to me that you found this book easy to read. I found it very difficult to read individually. I felt the author put a great deal into backing up his very intelligent opinion and it left a lot open for discussion. I did enjoy the book but felt it would have been better being able to discuss it in a group setting. Love your review.

I am glad you enjoyed my review! I do think this would make a great book for a group study.