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Title: Complete Idiot's Guide to Biblical Mysteries by Donald P. Ryan Ph.D., Donald D. Ryan ISBN: 0-02-863831-X Publisher: Alpha Books Pub. Date: 21 March, 2000 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A biblical mysteries idiot no more
Comment: Donald P. Ryan's primer on biblical mysteries provides a broad starting point for those wanting to further investigate the "mysteries" as well as those who just find themselves attracted by the Bible's fascinating stories. In keeping with the "Complete Idiot's" tradition, Ryan's book ensures that even the biggest idiot among us will have no problem tracing the history of the world's most influential book. It appeals to the archeologist in all of us and addresses some of the biggest questions still lingering after thousands of years, including Noah's Ark and the Great Flood, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Shroud of Turin, the Ark of the Covenant, and of course, the Bible itself!
The material unfolds in a general chronological order, beginning with the Bible's origins. Part I deals with the actual writing and structure of the book. The Old Testament or Torah's stories follow in Part II, which covers the Creation (and its controversy), Genesis, and Noah and the whereabouts of his famous ark. Part III relates the Jewish enslavement and the Exodus, and Part IV is a history of Jerusalem, including insight into the current Israel-Palestine conflict. Jesus is the subject of Part V. In Part VI, Ryan examines "Lost Books and Sacred Artifacts," and the last section is devoted to the supernatural, i.e. angels, demons, and the Apocalypse.
You can see that there is much to cover, and of all the Bible's mysteries, Ryan manages to hit most of the hot topics. As this guide is an introduction, you won't get the finer details, but Ryan does a fair job of presenting a variety of viewpoints and theories, from the common to the absurd. He tries to legitimize differing opinions insomuch that each is respected, and such unbiased approach is much appreciated. Overall, this is a handy starting point that is as fun to read as it is informative.
Rating: 2
Summary: Interesting at times, but a little disappointing, too.
Comment: I'm a bit surprised that all the reviews up until now have given this book 5 stars! I bought the book expecting information on such topics as the possible locations of artificats such as Noah's Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, or on such controversial things as the Shroud of Turin. While these things were discussed (not in a whole lot of detail), at least half of the entire book was nothing more than an overview of the contents of the Bible!
I suppose that someone who is not familiar with the Bible would find this a good introduction, but anyone who has spent any time at all reading and/or studying the Bible will probably be bored and/or disappointed. The lack of depth is one reason; another reason for disappointment is that the book is written from a somewhat skeptical stance (albeit a benevolent one). Certainly the book was intended to appeal to a general audience, and I understand that. My only point is that someone who really understands the Bible is likely to be turned off.
The other thing that surprised me was the author's surprising lack of understanding when it comes to simple Biblical facts, not to mention the deeper truths of the Bible. For instance, at one point he says that James, one of the 12 apostles/disciples, was Jesus' brother. He confuses this James with the author of the book by the same name, the Pastor of the church of Jerusalem. The books of Matthew and Mark both clearly state that James the Apostle was the son of Alphaeus. (There was a second apostle/disciple by the same name, he was the brother of John, the son of Zebedee).
In another place, the author says that the early Christians celebrated the Sabbath on Sunday, instead of Friday, as the Jews had. Assuming he was talking about the weekly sabbath (the Jews celebrated other "special sabbaths," too), this was Saturday, not Friday.
And finally, while this is a common error, he also says that Jesus was executed on Friday. While this error is propogated by those who celebrate "Good Friday," it simply isn't so. Christ died no later than Thursday, probably Wednesday.
So, in summary, this book probably isn't worth the expense. If you're wanting either a book on Biblcal archaeology or a Biblical study guide there are certainly better (and more accurate) choices available.
Rating: 5
Summary: Excellent, Informative!
Comment: Keeping it brief, this is a great book with tons of interesting facts about mysteries that are in the Bible. Explanations of miracles, detailed history surrounding them. I learned an intense amount of information in this book. You don't have to be a scholar, as it was written simply. The authors did an excellent job.
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Title: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible (2nd Edition) by James S. Bell, Stan Campbell, James S., Jr. Bell, Jody P. Schaeffer ISBN: 0028643828 Publisher: Alpha Books Pub. Date: 31 July, 2002 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Life of Christ by William R. Grimbol, Desmond Mpilo Tutu ISBN: 0028638468 Publisher: Alpha Books Pub. Date: 20 October, 2000 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to the Book of Revelation by James S. Bell, Stan Campbell ISBN: 0028642384 Publisher: Alpha Books Pub. Date: 12 December, 2001 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of the Bible (Complete Idiot's Guide To...) by Donald P., Ph.D. Ryan ISBN: 0028644476 Publisher: Alpha Books Pub. Date: 01 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: The Bible for Dummies by Jeffrey C. Geoghegan, Michael M. Homan ISBN: 0764552961 Publisher: For Dummies Pub. Date: 04 October, 2002 List Price(USD): $21.99 |
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