Review by Michelle Fred -- Who Told You That You Were Na...

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 12 Aug 2019, 16:39

[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 ambiguity of the Bible gives room for different interpretations. It's always interesting to read the Biblical interpretations of Bible scholars. William E. Combs is a retired Presbyterian minister with a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. His book: Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Re-examination of the Garden of Eden is a religious book that seeks to re-examine what transpired between God and Adam and Eve in the Bible. It primarily focuses on how they fell out of favor with God, the implications for mankind, and ultimately how Christians can re-establish a relationship with God through the symbolic and redemptive death of His son, Jesus Christ.

The book is structured into chapters and subchapters. At the end of each chapter, there are relevant study questions meant to test the reader's understanding. He does well to indicate that "emphasis" on quoted Bible verses is his, and not part of the original text. There is a bibliography at the end of the book for those interested in further research. There is also a column for notes at the end.

Overall, the author did a really good job of driving his point home. His writing style is clear and simple. Relevant Bible verses are quoted when needed, and the book is devoid of the preachy tone of most religious books. His writing is interspersed with remarkable personal experiences of God's miracles; these experiences are a favorite of mine because they remind me of God's miracles in my life as well.

I liked his narration of what he believes to be a typical day for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. According to him, despite the abundance of everything they need, they still had to gather their food and process them. Here is an excerpt: "They spent the last few days picking baskets of einkorn wheat heads and piling them on large mats. On one particular morning, Adam busied himself rubbing the grains between his hands to separate the wheat from the chaff, then heaping everything onto a different mat to be winnowed later in the afternoon." This narration is used to buttress his point that God created humans with inert intelligence and the ability to figure things out. The book is littered with similar stories to enhance the reader's understanding. The author clearly states that the stories are his ideas in order not to confuse a reader.

There is not much to dislike about the book; except for the few instances he repeated himself. I understand he is trying to be as clear as possible so I'm not offended by that. Also, they are whole blank pages between chapters this is unnecessary in my opinion.

In respect to editing, the book is exceptional. I spotted just two errors throughout my reading. I enjoyed the book immensely, so I have no inhibitions to giving it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It will make an invaluable resource for preachers and Christians alike. I will recommend it to all who seek a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of the Garden of Eden Bible story.

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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 14 Aug 2019, 08:13

This seems like a great resource to use to help understand the Bible better. Thank you for a wonderful review!

Wyland · Post by **Wyland** » 14 Aug 2019, 08:37

I am glad you found the author’s personal experiences relatable as they reminded you of God’s miracles in your own life. I equally felt his writing was refreshing and made the Genesis story come alive in my own life. Thanks for your wonderful review.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 14 Aug 2019, 11:28

Your introduction on the interpretation of the Bible is very true. Thanks for the enthralling review. I like the study questions that the author includes at the end of every chapter.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Aug 2019, 04:31

Prisallen wrote: ↑14 Aug 2019, 08:13 This seems like a great resource to use to help understand the Bible better. Thank you for a wonderful review!

It is. Thanks for your comment.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Aug 2019, 04:33

Wyland wrote: ↑14 Aug 2019, 08:37 I am glad you found the author’s personal experiences relatable as they reminded you of God’s miracles in your own life. I equally felt his writing was refreshing and made the Genesis story come alive in my own life. Thanks for your wonderful review.

The book sure leaves a mark. Thanks a bunch for your comment.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 16 Aug 2019, 04:35

Kibetious wrote: ↑14 Aug 2019, 11:28 Your introduction on the interpretation of the Bible is very true. Thanks for the enthralling review. I like the study questions that the author includes at the end of every chapter.

The questions are very helpful. I appreciate your comment. Thanks.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 18 Aug 2019, 08:30

Thanks for your comments on this book. You will have to write your own book about your miracles!

Misael Carlos · Post by **Misael Carlos** » 18 Aug 2019, 09:15

A life with God as the most priority is a life well-lived. Nice review!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 18 Aug 2019, 15:31

I'm not very interested in theology, so I'll probably skip this one, but it sounds like a great and well-researched book for Christians. Thanks for the review!

rumik · Post by **rumik** » 20 Aug 2019, 11:46

It's so good to see religious books that aren't overly preachy. I've heard lots of good things about this one; I am not very interested in the topic myself but I might give it a try. Thanks for the great review!

HanElizabeth397 · Post by **HanElizabeth397** » 27 Dec 2020, 06:29

I agree about the point you made about him repeating himself - although I felt that sometimes this did make him sound a little bit preachy. I felt this more so at the end rather than the beginning purely because I felt that such obvious repetition was unnecessary. But I did find the entire book quite interesting and I would be interested in reading more of the authors work in the future!