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Featured Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21 [by the author of the May Book of the Month]

Posted: 24 Feb 2019, 18:32
by EvaDar
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21" by Robert Wahler.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
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“The Bible is not the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is” (p 13). This assertion is the basis of Robert Wahler’s bold interpretation of Christian religious history. Wahler, a life-long follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ, examines the Bible, using newly discovered ancient documents to uncover significant untruths in the holy talisman. The Bible says “Saviors” – Obadiah 1:21 offers evidence that Jesus was not the one and only Lord and Savior. Wahler guides the reader through an extensive analysis revealing that John the Baptist and James the Just were also saviors, as part of a traditional succession of many masters.

Recent discoveries of ancient Gnostic texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Gospel of Judas, and the Nag Hammadi Library provide Wahler with ample evidence of mistranslation, misinterpretation, and an early Pauline church with cause to conceal the truth, in favor of Jesus as sole Lord and Savior. The author’s analysis of three versions of the Holy Bible reveals the existence of dozens of additional masters, one even more prominent in history than Jesus.

Wahler’s research reiterates the fact that The Bible, taken as absolute truth by many, is often distilled from “translations of translations of copies” (p13) of recollections of original oral versions, sometimes recounted years after they were spoken. The material is meant to be understood non-literally, through the context of mysticism. An incorrectly translated tense, word, or even letter, can affect the meaning of an entire verse. The Bible says “Saviors” succeeds at assembling evidence of a Bible several times removed from the truth, and flawed, due to both misinterpretation and intentional obfuscation. It was, in fact, some of the very authors of the scriptures who deceived through their writings. Wahler’s book reveals why the important role of Jesus’ brother James was completely omitted from the Bible and who played the villain who benefitted from erasing James’ existence.

I was riveted by much of this book. It felt important that Wahler dissected the Bible with allegiance to the language of the original period, noting inconsistencies born of careless reliance on contemporary overlays. I think readers will find the analysis of John 3:16 and countless other verses to reflect some fascinating departures from conventional understanding. I appreciate that Wahler draws from seasoned Biblical scholars to build his case for textual inaccuracies. Robert Eisenman’s and Bart Ehrman’s scholarly New Testament work, as well as James Tabor’s analysis of the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, provide some scaffolding for the book, but Wahler adeptly connects the elements to reach his conclusions.

I brushed up on reference punctuation to review this book. I detected only a couple of minor errors. It proved to be somewhat challenging to identify small errors amid the density of punctuation elements required for Wahler’s complex in-text referencing style, but I am confident that the book is professionally edited for grammar and punctuation.

The Introduction and Conclusion outline the book’s primary assertions with great clarity, helping the reader stay oriented to the complex material. The book might benefit from a bit more content editing. The author introduces labyrinthine concepts that sometimes want for context. Important takeaways may be revealed miles from the evidence presented, so the thread between the two can get lost. But don’t be discouraged. The book is well worth a couple of evenings of attention, to gain an understanding of the material.

I award The Bible says “Saviors” – Obadiah 1:21 with a rating of 4 out of 4 stars for its impeccable research, analytical excellence, and revolutionary conclusions. While the content was dense at times, I know this was necessary for the author’s comprehensive argument.

Openminded followers of any religion or wisdom tradition, as well as students of comparative religion, will enjoy this book. Jewish readers and those familiar with the Gnostic Gospels will recognize some of the conclusions and appreciate the explorations. I think Christians open to a mystical interpretation of the Bible will appreciate the material. Orthodox thinkers will likely be challenged by Wahler’s entire position, but I don't discourage these readers. I was raised with very traditional Christian teachings, and I find Wahler’s perspectives enlightening, even if provocative. What I recall from my study of neuropsychology is that exposure to information that challenges our preconceptions enhances our intelligence and bolsters our personal wisdom. The Bible says “Saviors” will not only surprise you - it may make you smarter.

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The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21
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Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 08:46
by kandscreeley
Robert Wahler has another book that's been reviewed on here - Misreading of Judas. From what I've read, it doesn't seem like he and I would agree about many things; therefore, I think I'm going to skip this one. To each his own, I guess, but this isn't for me. Thanks.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 10:57
by EvaDar
kandscreeley wrote: 28 Feb 2019, 08:46 Robert Wahler has another book that's been reviewed on here - Misreading of Judas. From what I've read, it doesn't seem like he and I would agree about many things; therefore, I think I'm going to skip this one. To each his own, I guess, but this isn't for me. Thanks.
Yes, Wahler's work is edgy and challenges many people's long-held belief systems. I read Misreading Judas as well. I find his research really interesting, but it's not for everyone. Thanks for stopping by, though.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 11:25
by kislany
Religious texts are really not my thing, however, Wahler's book seems more "open-minded" in terms of being a bit more esoteric than strictly religious from what I understand. It's interesting that I actually enjoy reading books dealing with mystic and esoteric topics, so I might check this one out if I see it on offer. Good review.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 14:42
by PGreen
Wahler's book does indeed sound enlightening and provocative. I wonder if "Saviors" could have been a copying error also. As a Bible scholar having studied Greek and Hebrew, I think this could be a very interesting book! I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the thorough review!

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 20:49
by inaramid
Very intriguing. I remember enjoying one Religious Instruction class back in college mainly because of the professor's logical, research-based approach to the Bible. This reminds me so much of that, and from everything you've said here, I'd be inclined to give this a try. I agree - this was a very thorough review!

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 21:18
by EvaDar
kislany wrote: 28 Feb 2019, 11:25 Religious texts are really not my thing, however, Wahler's book seems more "open-minded" in terms of being a bit more esoteric than strictly religious from what I understand. It's interesting that I actually enjoy reading books dealing with mystic and esoteric topics, so I might check this one out if I see it on offer. Good review.
I'm not a fan of traditional religious texts either. The author is a member of a non-religious spiritual organization in India, but he has studied Christianity quite extensively. I think his research is fascinating. Thank you for dropping in and sharing a comment.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 21:21
by EvaDar
PGreen wrote: 28 Feb 2019, 14:42 Wahler's book does indeed sound enlightening and provocative. I wonder if "Saviors" could have been a copying error also. As a Bible scholar having studied Greek and Hebrew, I think this could be a very interesting book! I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the thorough review!
It turns out there is actually quite a trove of evidence of multiple saviors. Obadiah was just one of them. But good thinking! I hope you check out the book. It is thought provoking.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 28 Feb 2019, 21:25
by EvaDar
inaramid wrote: 28 Feb 2019, 20:49 Very intriguing. I remember enjoying one Religious Instruction class back in college mainly because of the professor's logical, research-based approach to the Bible. This reminds me so much of that, and from everything you've said here, I'd be inclined to give this a try. I agree - this was a very thorough review!
I don't know many people who would read this kind of a book. So, if you do read it, let me know what you think. I find it fascinating to consider an entire paradigm could be different from what we think. More and more evidence suggests this is so. Thanks for sharing a comment.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 01 Mar 2019, 08:52
by Cecilia_L
Once again, your excellent review has piqued my interest, Eva. Great job!

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 01 Mar 2019, 12:43
by frowngoclownfish
This doesn't sound like the right book for me. My mother might like it. I'll have to suggest it to her. Thanks for the review!

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 03 Mar 2019, 19:24
by EvaDar
Cecilia_L wrote: 01 Mar 2019, 08:52 Once again, your excellent review has piqued my interest, Eva. Great job!
Thanks, Cecilia. I really appreciate you stopping by and sharing a comment.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 03 Mar 2019, 19:25
by EvaDar
frowngoclownfish wrote: 01 Mar 2019, 12:43 This doesn't sound like the right book for me. My mother might like it. I'll have to suggest it to her. Thanks for the review!
Thanks so much for stopping in and checking out my review. Much appreciated.

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 04 Mar 2019, 19:35
by Chrystal Oaks
What I recall from my study of neuropsychology is that exposure to information that challenges our preconceptions enhances our intelligence and bolsters our personal wisdom. The Bible says “Saviors” will not only surprise you - it may make you smarter.
As soon as I can I want to read this book. On a personal note, about 20 years ago, I had this overwhelming urge to start reading text providing insight about the Bible from a non-denominational perspective. I got tired of pastors telling me I had to believe a certain way or be doomed to go to hell. It has been an eye-opening journey and this book seems like it will add another perspective. Thank you for the enjoyable and informative review! :tiphat:

Re: Official Review: The Bible says Saviors -- Obadiah 1:21

Posted: 04 Mar 2019, 21:09
by EvaDar
Chrystal Oaks wrote: 04 Mar 2019, 19:35
What I recall from my study of neuropsychology is that exposure to information that challenges our preconceptions enhances our intelligence and bolsters our personal wisdom. The Bible says “Saviors” will not only surprise you - it may make you smarter.
As soon as I can I want to read this book. On a personal note, about 20 years ago, I had this overwhelming urge to start reading text providing insight about the Bible from a non-denominational perspective. I got tired of pastors telling me I had to believe a certain way or be doomed to go to hell. It has been an eye-opening journey and this book seems like it will add another perspective. Thank you for the enjoyable and informative review! :tiphat:
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective. I do think you will enjoy the book. Wahler's research is thorough. He is able to bring a holistic perspective in order to reach his conclusions. Thanks for stopping by.