Review by slbaker47 -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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slbaker47
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- Latest Review: Who Told You That You Were Naked? by William Combs
Review by slbaker47 -- 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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Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Re-examination of the Garden of Eden by William E. Combs is exactly as the title states: Refreshing. The author takes us on a journey in the Garden of Eden through the eyes of Adam, the first man created by the biblical God. Using a fictional account, the author highlights what it may have felt like to be the first human created, living a life without other human interaction, before God created his partner, Eve. Combining biblical scripture, fiction and personal testimonies, the author carries us on the heels of a new insight into what led to the first sin, how the actions of Adam and Eve led to our need for a Savior, and integrating the character of Jesus Christ throughout this re-examination.
While the premise is in understanding who Adam and Eve were before and after sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, the author also shows the contrast of how vastly different their beginning was compared to those of us born of the womb, inheriting their sin. Using the Bible as the backbone of his re-examination, the author weaves fiction, personal testimony and scripture together to aid in understanding who God is, from Old Testament through the New Testament, with the central focus on Jesus Christ, and how God’s plan from the beginning of creation was to save us, so we may be reconciled with our Creator in Heaven.
At first, I struggled with the fictional account of Adam and Eve’s time in the Garden of Eden, having thoughts like, “this is blasphemous!” and “how could you suggest this?” Having read and studied scripture since I was a teen, I felt like I had a good grasp on this story. I was challenged, which drove me to my Bible. I quickly realized I had made many assumptions of Adam and Eve that are not biblical. It left me questioning where these “truths” I thought I knew originated. Did they come from my childhood church? Did they come from my parents, family or friends? Did they come from my own understanding? Well, I’d say these ideas came from all of the above, in some way or another.
The author’s juxtaposition of fiction with scripture delves deep into what can be understood between the lines of scripture, without actually adding to scripture. I enjoyed stepping into the ‘mindset’ of being the first humans created in God’s image with emphasis on the fact that Adam, as well as Eve, was not given a childhood, but created with an understanding and wisdom we, those born as babes, hope to come into through our walk with Christ.
I truly appreciated the thought provoking questions posed by the author for further study, found at the end of each chapter, complete with biblical passages to further one’s understanding of scripture and the character of Jesus Christ. This book is short enough to not feel like a chore, but is complete in its goal: to re-examine the Garden of Eden. The mixture of scripture, fiction and testimony lend to a fun bible study, traversing through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I found it easy to take this study one chapter at a time, becoming more invigorated and excited with each subsequent chapter.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars, for its originality in bible study format, being scripturally sound and its probing questions. If you’re looking for a refreshing bible study, Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Re-examination of the Garden of Eden by William E. Combs is a great place to start. I am absolutely going to recommend this book to my family and friends!
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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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4 out of 4 stars
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Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Re-examination of the Garden of Eden by William E. Combs is exactly as the title states: Refreshing. The author takes us on a journey in the Garden of Eden through the eyes of Adam, the first man created by the biblical God. Using a fictional account, the author highlights what it may have felt like to be the first human created, living a life without other human interaction, before God created his partner, Eve. Combining biblical scripture, fiction and personal testimonies, the author carries us on the heels of a new insight into what led to the first sin, how the actions of Adam and Eve led to our need for a Savior, and integrating the character of Jesus Christ throughout this re-examination.
While the premise is in understanding who Adam and Eve were before and after sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, the author also shows the contrast of how vastly different their beginning was compared to those of us born of the womb, inheriting their sin. Using the Bible as the backbone of his re-examination, the author weaves fiction, personal testimony and scripture together to aid in understanding who God is, from Old Testament through the New Testament, with the central focus on Jesus Christ, and how God’s plan from the beginning of creation was to save us, so we may be reconciled with our Creator in Heaven.
At first, I struggled with the fictional account of Adam and Eve’s time in the Garden of Eden, having thoughts like, “this is blasphemous!” and “how could you suggest this?” Having read and studied scripture since I was a teen, I felt like I had a good grasp on this story. I was challenged, which drove me to my Bible. I quickly realized I had made many assumptions of Adam and Eve that are not biblical. It left me questioning where these “truths” I thought I knew originated. Did they come from my childhood church? Did they come from my parents, family or friends? Did they come from my own understanding? Well, I’d say these ideas came from all of the above, in some way or another.
The author’s juxtaposition of fiction with scripture delves deep into what can be understood between the lines of scripture, without actually adding to scripture. I enjoyed stepping into the ‘mindset’ of being the first humans created in God’s image with emphasis on the fact that Adam, as well as Eve, was not given a childhood, but created with an understanding and wisdom we, those born as babes, hope to come into through our walk with Christ.
I truly appreciated the thought provoking questions posed by the author for further study, found at the end of each chapter, complete with biblical passages to further one’s understanding of scripture and the character of Jesus Christ. This book is short enough to not feel like a chore, but is complete in its goal: to re-examine the Garden of Eden. The mixture of scripture, fiction and testimony lend to a fun bible study, traversing through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I found it easy to take this study one chapter at a time, becoming more invigorated and excited with each subsequent chapter.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars, for its originality in bible study format, being scripturally sound and its probing questions. If you’re looking for a refreshing bible study, Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Re-examination of the Garden of Eden by William E. Combs is a great place to start. I am absolutely going to recommend this book to my family and friends!
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like slbaker47's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Who Told You That You Were Naked? by William Combs
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melissy370
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I questioned the fictional stories as well with Adam and Eve at first. However, they really add to his narrative. I liked that you tested the validity of Comb's book with the Bible. We could fall for anything if we don't check and see if it lines up with the scriptures. Good job on the review.
Latest Review: Home To Kentucky by Thomas A. McCoy
