Literarily Book Review for IG
If you’ve been around this site for any amount of time, you know that I believe that theology is for everyone.
Earlier this year Moody Publishers sent me this book by Kristie Anyabwile and asked me to share my thoughts, believing that this could be a great resource for YOU! All my caffeinated confessors and theologians. 😉
Fast forward to the end of a semester and a cross-country move, I was finally able to dive in.
A few paragraphs in, I had to adjust my lens, because initially, receiving a book about the literary genres of scripture made me think this was going to be written in a more academic style. I was almost surprised by how simply it began. Truly Anyabwile’s writing has a theological foundation, but she seems to writes with accessibility in mind. Anyone can pick up this book and gain a level of insight into how the genres of the Bible can dramatically alter the way you read Scripture.
She begins with an overview of how the Bible reveals God and speaks to us. Transitioning to a brief overview of the different types of literary genres and types of writing within the Bible, to then dive deeper into each of them; law, OT narrative, prophetic/apocalyptic, poetry/wisdom, Gospel and Acts, and epistles, poetry, stories, and speeches.
After each of these deeper dives, she ends the chapter with a series of reflective questions to put your new knowledge into practice in a very practical way. And at the very end as she wraps up the book, she throws in a reminder that you already know I love; to keep context in mind!
Because of my expectation of a more academic level read, the writing style isn’t something I resonated with as it felt overly simplified at times, but again, this can make it feel like a good beginning resource.
With a topic like literary genres, which, from a scholarly standpoint, can be utterly overwhelming at times, I do believe this to be a helpful resource especially if you are just starting out in your pursuit of studying scripture more deeply. I believe this book will give you a greater level of confidence as you seek to understand scripture on a whole new level.
Side Note: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, in exchange for my opinion and review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Caffeinated Theologian 