Review by Radevng -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Radevng
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Review by Radevng -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
2 out of 4 stars
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This faith-based fiction book of about 200 pages addresses some fundamental truth of the Christian faith. With ten chapters, the author explained key concepts surrounding the creation and lifetime of the first man and woman, sin, salvation, and faith in God were explored.
The front and back cover pages for this book were appropriate, relevant and consistent with the topic. The editing work in terms of pagination, alignment, and other page settings were quite satisfactory. No reader should have a problem with making reference to any page or any section of the discuss, kudos to the editor and publisher.
The book began with a narrative introduction. While the idea of an introduction with a story – true or fictional – is noteworthy, the story expressed in the introductory section of this book seemed unnecessary. The story had no direct link with the concepts discussed and would probably be a tasking work for a reader along the line who is attempting to connect the story with the rest of the book. The book will probably fair better without an introduction considering the interesting manner the first chapter started; and if at all an introductory session must be inserted, it is definitely not in the manner it is at the moment.
The first chapter and a few subsequent chapters of this book told the story of Creation and the Eden experience in a very interesting manner, very beautiful enough to keep any reader’s eyes on the book. However, this manner poses a danger. There is the great tendency for a reader, especially readers not familiar with the Christian faith, to absorb this mental picture as the whole truth. Obviously, the story is the result of the beautiful imagination which is quite credible, but clear efforts should have been made to also emphasize that this portion of the book is a fiction.
Making reference to the Bible, which is undoubtedly the author’s ultimate reference, there was no account of an ewe sacrificing her life for a lamb, or any lamb christened as “Lively”. More severe is the instance on page 11, which I really wish the author could outright expunge: “…this garden will not provide sufficient sustenance for everyone.” There was no account of God stating this limitation about the Garden He created. Only once did I observe the author make an attempt to make the reader know the story was fictional, in page 47: “This dramatization is only an attempt to explain the conflict between these two brothers; it is simply conjecture as to what might have happened.” The author and or the publisher should do more to alert readers on this, else the truth is at risk of being severely distorted.
Also, the author made good attempt to shed more light on some concepts germane to the Christian faith. The discussion on what “death” really means was quite apt, so also the portion on “little faith”. In page 78, the author stated: “Instead of viewing death as the cessation of life, it might more appropriately be viewed as separation or alienation.” The author was careful to explain how death does not just mean cessation of life. Whilst the author acknowledged that contrasting views existed on some concepts, as stated in page 55, he also did not successfully tie some end knots very well. The seventh chapter which dwelt on walking with God utilizing the three avenues listed was quite ambiguous. For instance, on page 134, he stated that as though the word of God is a rare event, which is very contrary to the view of many, but he failed to explain in details. He also limited the avenues to just three – the Bible, God’s voice and Peace, when the larger part of the Christian circle believes there are many more than these. Many of these concepts the author clearly left not properly justifying his views.
Overall, I would consider this book a should-read for those really interested in the Christian faith view of Creation and subsequent events, especially for students of Religious studies or Theology. The “Study questions for Discussion” included at the end of every chapter further points out that this book is more for a scholarly discuss. However, I will be quite reluctant to recommend this book for a young convert or anyone new to the Christian faith who is seeking basic understanding of the truth about Creation, the Fall and its effects. As a result, I will like to rate the book 2 out of 4 stars.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Radevng's review? Post a comment saying so!
2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
This faith-based fiction book of about 200 pages addresses some fundamental truth of the Christian faith. With ten chapters, the author explained key concepts surrounding the creation and lifetime of the first man and woman, sin, salvation, and faith in God were explored.
The front and back cover pages for this book were appropriate, relevant and consistent with the topic. The editing work in terms of pagination, alignment, and other page settings were quite satisfactory. No reader should have a problem with making reference to any page or any section of the discuss, kudos to the editor and publisher.
The book began with a narrative introduction. While the idea of an introduction with a story – true or fictional – is noteworthy, the story expressed in the introductory section of this book seemed unnecessary. The story had no direct link with the concepts discussed and would probably be a tasking work for a reader along the line who is attempting to connect the story with the rest of the book. The book will probably fair better without an introduction considering the interesting manner the first chapter started; and if at all an introductory session must be inserted, it is definitely not in the manner it is at the moment.
The first chapter and a few subsequent chapters of this book told the story of Creation and the Eden experience in a very interesting manner, very beautiful enough to keep any reader’s eyes on the book. However, this manner poses a danger. There is the great tendency for a reader, especially readers not familiar with the Christian faith, to absorb this mental picture as the whole truth. Obviously, the story is the result of the beautiful imagination which is quite credible, but clear efforts should have been made to also emphasize that this portion of the book is a fiction.
Making reference to the Bible, which is undoubtedly the author’s ultimate reference, there was no account of an ewe sacrificing her life for a lamb, or any lamb christened as “Lively”. More severe is the instance on page 11, which I really wish the author could outright expunge: “…this garden will not provide sufficient sustenance for everyone.” There was no account of God stating this limitation about the Garden He created. Only once did I observe the author make an attempt to make the reader know the story was fictional, in page 47: “This dramatization is only an attempt to explain the conflict between these two brothers; it is simply conjecture as to what might have happened.” The author and or the publisher should do more to alert readers on this, else the truth is at risk of being severely distorted.
Also, the author made good attempt to shed more light on some concepts germane to the Christian faith. The discussion on what “death” really means was quite apt, so also the portion on “little faith”. In page 78, the author stated: “Instead of viewing death as the cessation of life, it might more appropriately be viewed as separation or alienation.” The author was careful to explain how death does not just mean cessation of life. Whilst the author acknowledged that contrasting views existed on some concepts, as stated in page 55, he also did not successfully tie some end knots very well. The seventh chapter which dwelt on walking with God utilizing the three avenues listed was quite ambiguous. For instance, on page 134, he stated that as though the word of God is a rare event, which is very contrary to the view of many, but he failed to explain in details. He also limited the avenues to just three – the Bible, God’s voice and Peace, when the larger part of the Christian circle believes there are many more than these. Many of these concepts the author clearly left not properly justifying his views.
Overall, I would consider this book a should-read for those really interested in the Christian faith view of Creation and subsequent events, especially for students of Religious studies or Theology. The “Study questions for Discussion” included at the end of every chapter further points out that this book is more for a scholarly discuss. However, I will be quite reluctant to recommend this book for a young convert or anyone new to the Christian faith who is seeking basic understanding of the truth about Creation, the Fall and its effects. As a result, I will like to rate the book 2 out of 4 stars.
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Radevng's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
