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Lives of Unforgetting: What We Lose in Translation When We Read the Bible, and A Way of Reading the Bible as a Call to Adventure
"When you translate radical or subversive texts into the language of Empire, you eventually get Imperial texts. In this book, we will take a close look at what has been lost."
The ancient Greek word for “truth” means unconcealing or unforgetting. Yet today many ideas and stories that were once critical to how early Christians understood, practiced, and defended their faith often remain “hidden in plain sight” in our Bibles. These ideas are concealed from us by the distance between languages, between eras, and between cultures—yet they are so worth unconcealing and unforgetting. In this book,
The forgotten women who co-founded ChristianityWhether the first-century church thought there was a hellWhat happens when you realize that in Greek, faith is a verbWhy gender in the Bible is more complicated than we thinkWhich concepts our modern tradition takes for granted that would have been alien to the original readers (like homophobia)
We have also forgotten that to read the Bible is to receive an invitation to adventure—to encounter the impossible, to move mountains, to walk on water. Instead, we have been taught to read the Bible tamely, to make no choices, to risk no questioning of our tradition. What would happen if we took the adventure? If we readers walked out into the wilderness toward God, leaving home far behind? If we stepped out of the boat of our received tradition, out onto the crashing waves?
Let’s find out.
The ancient Greek word for “truth” means unconcealing or unforgetting. Yet today many ideas and stories that were once critical to how early Christians understood, practiced, and defended their faith often remain “hidden in plain sight” in our Bibles. These ideas are concealed from us by the distance between languages, between eras, and between cultures—yet they are so worth unconcealing and unforgetting. In this book,
The forgotten women who co-founded ChristianityWhether the first-century church thought there was a hellWhat happens when you realize that in Greek, faith is a verbWhy gender in the Bible is more complicated than we thinkWhich concepts our modern tradition takes for granted that would have been alien to the original readers (like homophobia)
We have also forgotten that to read the Bible is to receive an invitation to adventure—to encounter the impossible, to move mountains, to walk on water. Instead, we have been taught to read the Bible tamely, to make no choices, to risk no questioning of our tradition. What would happen if we took the adventure? If we readers walked out into the wilderness toward God, leaving home far behind? If we stepped out of the boat of our received tradition, out onto the crashing waves?
Let’s find out.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2019
142 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Stant Litore
49 books216 followersStant Litore is the author of Ansible, The Running of the Tyrannosaurs, The Zombie Bible, and Dante’s Heart. Besides science fiction and fantasy, he has written the writers’ toolkits Write Worlds Your Readers Won’t Forget and Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget, as well as Lives of Unstoppable Hope and Lives of Unforgetting, and has been featured in Jeff Vandermeer’s Wonderbook: An Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction. He has served as a developmental editor for Westmarch Publishing and holds a Ph.D. in English. He lives in Aurora, Colorado with his wife and three children and is currently at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 23, 2019
Stant Litore is a liberal Christian. I am a conservative/libertarian atheist, albeit one with a bit of a soft spot for religious art and storytelling. I read this book partly as a fan of its author's fiction, partly because I'm interested in the idea of reading the Bible as a call to adventure, and partly to see where I might find myself in agreement with Stant's arguments and where we might differ. After all, people tend to associate Christianity with political conservatism and atheism with liberalism or even far-left politics, so it was a point of genuine curiosity to see whether our somewhat reversed roles would place us largely in agreement or in irreconcilable disagreement. It's been argued by others that Christians and atheists often make the same mistake with regards to reading the Bible: they both take it literally and disagree only on whether it's true or false. I appreciate this book's approach to treating the Bible as if it has something interesting to tell us *regardless* of whether or not we take it literally.
Overall, I'm pleased to say that the book's arguments make a lot of sense--but not entirely so, and therein lies the crux of the criticisms I'll offer in a moment. As someone who appreciates the art of storytelling and has a general curiosity about the distant past, the book provided a fascinating glimpse into the stories that have shaped our culture and the linguistic choices that have been made when translating the Bible. If the entire book consisted of these linguistic, literary, and historical vignettes, I would easily give this a five-star review.
However, the author's politics do shine through in ways that are often more harmful than helpful. Offhand comments comparing KKK robes to MAGA hats (p. 26), insisting that some people value the American flag more than the lives of African American people (p. 299), or otherwise praising the political left and denigrating the political right add little to the book's thesis but serve only to alienate more conservative readers.
Much of the book's argument is centered on the idea that we should read the Bible exegetically (extracting meaning from the text) rather than eisegetically (imposing external meaning upon the text). While literature (religious or otherwise) has value regardless of which approach one takes to reading it (and likely we gain the most value from any text when we are able to mix a bit of both approaches), this is an admirable goal. Particularly in a culture in which the Bible is taken by many to be the literal word of God, stripping the text of our cultural biases and trying to make new discoveries from the text itself seems a worthwhile occupation and to the extent that this book encourages that exercise, it should be applauded. However, the author does not always live up to this stated goal, and his interpretations (while often music to my own ears) struggle to convince the reader that they are the correct interpretations.
Even still, I think many of the interpretations presented in the book are likely fundamentally correct (or at least arguably so). However, in some of those cases even while presenting a reasonably-convincing argument for a particular Biblical interpretation, the author's (politicized) interpretation of our own culture gets in the way of applying the Biblical text to our own lives. For instance, the second chapter's praise of the "woman of valor" is a strong argument muddied by the author's insistence that modern culture is far more reluctant to accept such women than I think it is. In fact, the author frequently makes the mistake of taking a more pessimistic view of modern society than I think is justified.
Despite these flaws, the book overall provides a lot of interesting and thought-provoking material. Understanding the proper meaning of the word "sin" (to miss the mark) or the translation of "parakletoi" (advocates) is useful for both religious and non-religious readers. And Christian and atheist readers alike will benefit from learning about some alternative interpretations to certain Biblical passages regardless of whether or not they agree with those interpretations. I do recommend reading this book even if readers from the political center or right will often find certain aspects frustrating. Though the removal of some political bias in favor of more depth in the argument in favor of reading the Bible as a call to adventure would have made this a great book, it's a good book even as it is.
Overall, I'm pleased to say that the book's arguments make a lot of sense--but not entirely so, and therein lies the crux of the criticisms I'll offer in a moment. As someone who appreciates the art of storytelling and has a general curiosity about the distant past, the book provided a fascinating glimpse into the stories that have shaped our culture and the linguistic choices that have been made when translating the Bible. If the entire book consisted of these linguistic, literary, and historical vignettes, I would easily give this a five-star review.
However, the author's politics do shine through in ways that are often more harmful than helpful. Offhand comments comparing KKK robes to MAGA hats (p. 26), insisting that some people value the American flag more than the lives of African American people (p. 299), or otherwise praising the political left and denigrating the political right add little to the book's thesis but serve only to alienate more conservative readers.
Much of the book's argument is centered on the idea that we should read the Bible exegetically (extracting meaning from the text) rather than eisegetically (imposing external meaning upon the text). While literature (religious or otherwise) has value regardless of which approach one takes to reading it (and likely we gain the most value from any text when we are able to mix a bit of both approaches), this is an admirable goal. Particularly in a culture in which the Bible is taken by many to be the literal word of God, stripping the text of our cultural biases and trying to make new discoveries from the text itself seems a worthwhile occupation and to the extent that this book encourages that exercise, it should be applauded. However, the author does not always live up to this stated goal, and his interpretations (while often music to my own ears) struggle to convince the reader that they are the correct interpretations.
Even still, I think many of the interpretations presented in the book are likely fundamentally correct (or at least arguably so). However, in some of those cases even while presenting a reasonably-convincing argument for a particular Biblical interpretation, the author's (politicized) interpretation of our own culture gets in the way of applying the Biblical text to our own lives. For instance, the second chapter's praise of the "woman of valor" is a strong argument muddied by the author's insistence that modern culture is far more reluctant to accept such women than I think it is. In fact, the author frequently makes the mistake of taking a more pessimistic view of modern society than I think is justified.
Despite these flaws, the book overall provides a lot of interesting and thought-provoking material. Understanding the proper meaning of the word "sin" (to miss the mark) or the translation of "parakletoi" (advocates) is useful for both religious and non-religious readers. And Christian and atheist readers alike will benefit from learning about some alternative interpretations to certain Biblical passages regardless of whether or not they agree with those interpretations. I do recommend reading this book even if readers from the political center or right will often find certain aspects frustrating. Though the removal of some political bias in favor of more depth in the argument in favor of reading the Bible as a call to adventure would have made this a great book, it's a good book even as it is.
August 24, 2022
This is a really interesting and enjoyable book about reading the Bible, what we've lost in translation, and how the message of both the Old and the New Testaments has been altered by both the difficulties of translation between different languages, and different cultures. While Jews still read the Jewish Bible in Hebrew, Christians read it in translation. And while no translation can ever be perfect, in many instances in the Bible, the early translations, made at a time much closer to at least the New Testament, and with more communication between Christians and Jews who were often still part of the same communities, have continued to influence our translations as the meanings attached to critical words and phrases have changed.
One example is the phrase, "woman of virtue." The original, Litore explains, is closer to "woman of valor." "Virtue" is from the Roman word "virtu," which was much closer, thought not exact, to the sense of the original Hebrew.
When the first English translations were made, "virtue" still carried something of the more martial Roman meaning. But those early English translations, and especially the King James Bible, have continued to influence subsequent translations. "Virtue" remained in the phrase, while the meaning of "virtue" in English changed and lost its martial flavor. We read "virtue" now as meaning, especially as applied to women, chaste and faithful.
That's one example of how our translations have unintentionally misrepresented the role and status of women in both the Old and the New Testaments. It's a recurring point throughout the book.
Another recurring and important theme is that nothing in the New Testament reflects the harsh, judgmental approach of some of our more, I'll say politically vocal Christian sects. The New Testament in particular is all about welcoming the stranger, the refugee, the poor, the ill. It's about accepting people and helping them, not judging and excluding them. It's about joyous sharing, not about condemning people who live differently.
There's more, as a part of this, about the different way gender was understood and treated. Jesus and his disciples lived in the midst of a very Greekified culture, where homosexuality was pervasive, and never said a word about it.
I'm not equipped to write a truly knowledgeable analysis of this book, but I found it both enjoyable reading, and enlightening.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
One example is the phrase, "woman of virtue." The original, Litore explains, is closer to "woman of valor." "Virtue" is from the Roman word "virtu," which was much closer, thought not exact, to the sense of the original Hebrew.
When the first English translations were made, "virtue" still carried something of the more martial Roman meaning. But those early English translations, and especially the King James Bible, have continued to influence subsequent translations. "Virtue" remained in the phrase, while the meaning of "virtue" in English changed and lost its martial flavor. We read "virtue" now as meaning, especially as applied to women, chaste and faithful.
That's one example of how our translations have unintentionally misrepresented the role and status of women in both the Old and the New Testaments. It's a recurring point throughout the book.
Another recurring and important theme is that nothing in the New Testament reflects the harsh, judgmental approach of some of our more, I'll say politically vocal Christian sects. The New Testament in particular is all about welcoming the stranger, the refugee, the poor, the ill. It's about accepting people and helping them, not judging and excluding them. It's about joyous sharing, not about condemning people who live differently.
There's more, as a part of this, about the different way gender was understood and treated. Jesus and his disciples lived in the midst of a very Greekified culture, where homosexuality was pervasive, and never said a word about it.
I'm not equipped to write a truly knowledgeable analysis of this book, but I found it both enjoyable reading, and enlightening.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
January 30, 2021
Stant's books are always beautiful to read. In everything he writes, you can feel his enthusiasm and love for everything shine through. I am not a religious person, but picked this up because it promised to answer some interesting questions about Christianity that I've often wondered, and I trusted Stant to deal with fairly and lovingly. I was not disappointed.
I found a love of language and words about how to come to terms with intent and context of the bible, but also the joy that can be found in its lessons. It invited me to examine my own prejudices and, honestly, my ignorance to better understand what Christianity was, what it is, and what it could be. Translation and interpretation is always brought up to dispute the bible, but Stant beautifully pulls out the heart of Christianity through the words, finding the peace, love, and acceptance that is its hallmark. And Stant agrees that much of that has been lost in selfishness, pride, and division (my words, not his - his are prettier).
Highly recommend
I found a love of language and words about how to come to terms with intent and context of the bible, but also the joy that can be found in its lessons. It invited me to examine my own prejudices and, honestly, my ignorance to better understand what Christianity was, what it is, and what it could be. Translation and interpretation is always brought up to dispute the bible, but Stant beautifully pulls out the heart of Christianity through the words, finding the peace, love, and acceptance that is its hallmark. And Stant agrees that much of that has been lost in selfishness, pride, and division (my words, not his - his are prettier).
Highly recommend
March 29, 2022
Wow what an impactful book this is. If I could, I would purchase a copy for every church and school library across America. If you read sacred literature, for any religion please give this book a read, because while it focuses on the Bible and Christianity, it's process may be used for any of the sacred texts. It challanges us to look beyond our programming, traditions and dogma to see the beauty of our sacred scriptures and to meet them where they are. In their historical context, in an examination of their original languages and cultures. This work can truly be view changing.
April 18, 2022
A book that re-examines some core Christian ideas by going back to the original (Greek) texts. The idea of unforgetting comes from the Greek word for truth. He presents a refreshing take on some long held ideas. Topics include: woman of valour, faith as a verb, sin as an activity, LGBTQ+ people, idolatry etc.
August 29, 2019
He has some excellent points but was very disappointed when he threw in his liberal views at the end. I felt that I have wasted my time reading most of the book and feel scammed by his liberal views at the end
August 21, 2019
An Adventure
I was inspired and liked Stant’s work very much. As the book moved forward it seemed a little rushed and had more errors or omitted words but still had an impact and conveyed his ideas. There are more passages in the Bible that I would have liked him to address in his book, particularly in the defense of the LGBQT+ community. I also didn’t prefer his “pot shots” at the president and felt his writing would have more credibility without them. I did enjoy the book and would like to read more. I also plan to start looking into the original language of bible verses that trouble me in hopes there has been something left out in the translation. Thank you for giving me another perspective.
I was inspired and liked Stant’s work very much. As the book moved forward it seemed a little rushed and had more errors or omitted words but still had an impact and conveyed his ideas. There are more passages in the Bible that I would have liked him to address in his book, particularly in the defense of the LGBQT+ community. I also didn’t prefer his “pot shots” at the president and felt his writing would have more credibility without them. I did enjoy the book and would like to read more. I also plan to start looking into the original language of bible verses that trouble me in hopes there has been something left out in the translation. Thank you for giving me another perspective.
October 23, 2024
Absolutely fabulous and so eye-opening. I had this on my TBR list after seeing a few excerpts from it on FB, and I am so glad that I finally got to read the entire thing. There are so many fantastic points of view presented and I love the gentle challenge from Litore to take a new look at the Bible and to read it as a an adventure.
May 4, 2019
Truly eye opening spirit moving thought provoking heart stirring.......
And summed up by two words.....Must Read!
Many thanks Stant, your book has uplifted a weary traveler subdued by modern doctrine and teachings.
And summed up by two words.....Must Read!
Many thanks Stant, your book has uplifted a weary traveler subdued by modern doctrine and teachings.
June 21, 2021
Spells much of the progressive out. Runs out of steam in places. It's not bad but I'd step over it for other writers on similar tacks. Its also very much a book for newly deconstructing American style evangelicals.
3 stars. Wasn't bad wasn't brilliant.
3 stars. Wasn't bad wasn't brilliant.
March 19, 2023
While I’m sure many Christians will complain this book is too “woke” or liberal, I found it very thought provoking. It was really enlightening to read about the context in which Bible passages we hear all the time were written.
But then I’m a big exegesis nerd. Lol
But then I’m a big exegesis nerd. Lol
June 3, 2019
Fantastic work by a very impressive scriptorian, linguistics nerd, and historian.
November 10, 2019
Interesting book!
June 8, 2022
2nd time reading and will probably read again. Very enlightening and thought provoking.
August 9, 2025
This is a fantastic read for any new hobby theologist or linguist. Litore's views on scripture, knowledge of culture, and insight into translation as an art in and of itself are all very enlightening and engaging. This book helped me reconsider and reshape many of my own personal beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews