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Asking Better Questions of the Bible: A Guide for the Wounded, Wary, and Longing for More
Too often when we come to the Bible, questions make us uncomfortable. But questions are often a good thing. When we stop viewing the Bible through the lens of our own agendas and ask the questions the Bible is asking, something extraordinary happens. We form a new and deeper way of thinking about Scripture and understanding the Bible. As we do, we move further into the depths and mystery of God.
Asking Better Questions of the Bible is a journey into the original conversation of the inspired Text. In it, Marty Solomon (a host of The BEMA Podcast and the founder of the BEMA Discipleship ministry, a branch of Impact Campus Ministries) explores all the different portions of Scripture, examining how each is unique in structure and intent.
When we ask the questions the Bible is asking, we will
understand the ancient Near Eastern perspective of words, numbers, and core principles like eternal life, truth, sin, and faith;recognize the literary devices and the reclamation of stories used in the Torah;read the historical books both as sources of inspiration and as cautionary tales;interpret the distinct genres in wisdom literature, such as psalms and proverbs;decipher the unique elements of prophetic literature;perceive the subversive nature of the Gospel accounts; andview the New Testament letters as inspired, authoritative interpretation of the story of God.
God can be trusted with our doubts and invites us to question. Let Asking Better Questions of the Bible show you a better way forward for interpreting Scripture.
Asking Better Questions of the Bible is a journey into the original conversation of the inspired Text. In it, Marty Solomon (a host of The BEMA Podcast and the founder of the BEMA Discipleship ministry, a branch of Impact Campus Ministries) explores all the different portions of Scripture, examining how each is unique in structure and intent.
When we ask the questions the Bible is asking, we will
understand the ancient Near Eastern perspective of words, numbers, and core principles like eternal life, truth, sin, and faith;recognize the literary devices and the reclamation of stories used in the Torah;read the historical books both as sources of inspiration and as cautionary tales;interpret the distinct genres in wisdom literature, such as psalms and proverbs;decipher the unique elements of prophetic literature;perceive the subversive nature of the Gospel accounts; andview the New Testament letters as inspired, authoritative interpretation of the story of God.
God can be trusted with our doubts and invites us to question. Let Asking Better Questions of the Bible show you a better way forward for interpreting Scripture.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2023
182 people are currently reading
1483 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
March 31, 2023
This book is important because not everyone wants to listen to a podcast. This approach to reading the Bible has changed my life, and I believe in this method enough to commit the last ten years of my life to helping Marty share it. May this book find a whole new audience and open them up to the wonders of God’s story.
December 6, 2022
The Bible has been the bestselling book in the publishing industry for many years. It is the most read, researched, studied, and referred to book since the invention of the printing press. Even today, it continues to be the book of books of all time. Despite the best intentions, many people still find it difficult to read and understand the Bible, especially parts of the Old Testament. Desiring to understand the Bible better is a good thing. That is why this book has been written to help those who genuinely want to learn and obey its teachings. With his passion for teaching the Bible, author Marty Solomon writes this book to help readers ask better questions in order to learn and follow the teachings of the Bible. He begins with an affirmation of the divine inspiration of the Bible. This is a crucial presupposition because it differentiates the types of questions thrown at it. Some skeptics cast stones for the purpose of discrediting the Bible. Others manipulate questions and twist the Bible to fit their purposes. Academics can sometimes use textual criticism mechanisms that make the analysis cold and impersonal. Some laypersons comb the Bible for soundbites to pacify their fear and insecurities. However, people with a genuine desire to understand the Bible better will let the questions guide their learning and curiosity. This book is written for this group. This search for Truth begins with the presupposition that the Bible is the Word of God and is revealed to the world and especially to the people of God. The author does not settle for quick and easy explanations. In ten chapters, he gives us a framework for understanding the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In the first chapter, he lays the foundation for biblical understanding and interpretation. Some important key questions include asking about language, time, culture, and literary genres. On the latter, he reminds us that we are often not the direct subjects in the Bible. We are simply "literary tourists" trying to understand the original contexts and subjects in order to better apply the ancient texts to our world. He helps us see the difference between Eastern and Western forms of thinking. From the author's multiple trips to the Middle East, he learns first-hand the unique Eastern thinking that sees words as pictures and how meaning is packed into words. They see numbers not as quantitative measures but as symbolic or qualitative meanings. Even phrases like "eternal life," "sin," "relationship," and the need to "prove" God are understood differently. The important thing is not about converting our mindsets but to be more appreciative of cultures different from ours. This paradigm shift continues throughout the book to train the Western mind in acknowledging biblical contexts. Solomon gives us several "keys" to interpret.
- Watch how literary devices are used;
- Understand history as prophecy; to see how the books are arranged not in a linear chronological manner but according to the spiritual formation of the people of God.
- Understand prophecy not as future-telling but as mouthpieces for God at that time.
- Ask questions about whether biblical writers are writing as journalists, historians, or as prophets.
- Wisdom books are like dance relationships with different steps to meander toward Truth.
- Prophetic books are not so much a book about fortune-telling. Instead, it is about speaking to the present, learning the lessons of the past, and maintaining hope for the future.
- Understanding the prophetic books with the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why.
- Understand the unique intent of the gospel writers even as they piece together the different events, teachings, and narratives.
- Be shaped by the texts rather than let our theological orientations influence the texts.
- Understanding the different parties and what they stand for helps us understand the first-century events in the gospels, the book of Acts, and the different epistles.
- Apocalyptic literature is less about predicting the future but about God revealing of His Purposes, His Plans, and Himself, using symbols, images, visions, and so on.
- .. and many more.
My Thoughts
==============
This is a refreshing book about how to read the Bible by learning to wear the hat of the original audiences. Let me offer three thoughts. First, we need to state our presupposition up-front, just like what the author has done. Whether we are modernist scholar just looking for facts, a skeptic trying to find fault with the Bible, an unbeliever who honestly seeking truth, or a believer who has affirmed the Apostles' Creed, declaring our intent will determine how we are going to treat the Bible. For believers, this affirmation of faith in the inspired Word of God will anchor them to treat the Bible with reverence and not demote it unconsciously to some book for intellectual mining. I appreciate the way the author puts first things first when writing this book, the foundation being the divine authority and inspiration of the Bible. Our presupposition matters when it comes to asking better questions of the Bible. Many people, including academics and scholars, have begun from a position of academic arrogance and implemented a humanistic version of hermeneutical suspicion. The author is not writing to this group but to believers wanting to read the Bible well.
Second, I like the way Solomon challenges us to change our Western paradigms when reading the Bible. By first removing our non-Eastern mindset and putting on the ancient mindset of the biblical contexts, we will become better Bible readers and interpreters. Those of us who are trained in the Western world will be familiar with how we tend to read and analyze things for facts in a deterministic fashion. Solomon tells us that when trying to understand biblical texts, we cannot wear our typical Western hats to read them. We need to learn new paradigms. This is the single biggest reason to read this book. Knowing the importance of reading the Bible in context is one thing. Actually reading and asking questions about the original contexts is another. We need not just more reminders but more training in this specific area. Solomon provides this book as a guide to help us to that.
Finally, I am pleasantly surprised by the subtle twists and turns presented in the book. Not only are we challenged to remove our contemporary mindsets, but the author also urges us to adopt an Ancient Near East mindset in order to understand the contexts more clearly. From asking better questions of the Bible, there is a subtle twist that it is the Bible that is asking questions of us. As we go through the respective genres presented in the book, we learn that the key to better understanding is essentially humility to learn. By resisting the temptation to adopt modern humanistic questioning associated with data mining, we let the texts guide us instead of letting our scientific lens colour our views.
There are many other good things that could be said but I should let readers discover the treasures for themselves.
Marty Solomon studied at Boise Bible College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. He has served as a pastor and a mentor to many. He now serves at the Impact Campus Ministries headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of NavPress, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
- Watch how literary devices are used;
- Understand history as prophecy; to see how the books are arranged not in a linear chronological manner but according to the spiritual formation of the people of God.
- Understand prophecy not as future-telling but as mouthpieces for God at that time.
- Ask questions about whether biblical writers are writing as journalists, historians, or as prophets.
- Wisdom books are like dance relationships with different steps to meander toward Truth.
- Prophetic books are not so much a book about fortune-telling. Instead, it is about speaking to the present, learning the lessons of the past, and maintaining hope for the future.
- Understanding the prophetic books with the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why.
- Understand the unique intent of the gospel writers even as they piece together the different events, teachings, and narratives.
- Be shaped by the texts rather than let our theological orientations influence the texts.
- Understanding the different parties and what they stand for helps us understand the first-century events in the gospels, the book of Acts, and the different epistles.
- Apocalyptic literature is less about predicting the future but about God revealing of His Purposes, His Plans, and Himself, using symbols, images, visions, and so on.
- .. and many more.
My Thoughts
==============
This is a refreshing book about how to read the Bible by learning to wear the hat of the original audiences. Let me offer three thoughts. First, we need to state our presupposition up-front, just like what the author has done. Whether we are modernist scholar just looking for facts, a skeptic trying to find fault with the Bible, an unbeliever who honestly seeking truth, or a believer who has affirmed the Apostles' Creed, declaring our intent will determine how we are going to treat the Bible. For believers, this affirmation of faith in the inspired Word of God will anchor them to treat the Bible with reverence and not demote it unconsciously to some book for intellectual mining. I appreciate the way the author puts first things first when writing this book, the foundation being the divine authority and inspiration of the Bible. Our presupposition matters when it comes to asking better questions of the Bible. Many people, including academics and scholars, have begun from a position of academic arrogance and implemented a humanistic version of hermeneutical suspicion. The author is not writing to this group but to believers wanting to read the Bible well.
Second, I like the way Solomon challenges us to change our Western paradigms when reading the Bible. By first removing our non-Eastern mindset and putting on the ancient mindset of the biblical contexts, we will become better Bible readers and interpreters. Those of us who are trained in the Western world will be familiar with how we tend to read and analyze things for facts in a deterministic fashion. Solomon tells us that when trying to understand biblical texts, we cannot wear our typical Western hats to read them. We need to learn new paradigms. This is the single biggest reason to read this book. Knowing the importance of reading the Bible in context is one thing. Actually reading and asking questions about the original contexts is another. We need not just more reminders but more training in this specific area. Solomon provides this book as a guide to help us to that.
Finally, I am pleasantly surprised by the subtle twists and turns presented in the book. Not only are we challenged to remove our contemporary mindsets, but the author also urges us to adopt an Ancient Near East mindset in order to understand the contexts more clearly. From asking better questions of the Bible, there is a subtle twist that it is the Bible that is asking questions of us. As we go through the respective genres presented in the book, we learn that the key to better understanding is essentially humility to learn. By resisting the temptation to adopt modern humanistic questioning associated with data mining, we let the texts guide us instead of letting our scientific lens colour our views.
There are many other good things that could be said but I should let readers discover the treasures for themselves.
Marty Solomon studied at Boise Bible College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. He has served as a pastor and a mentor to many. He now serves at the Impact Campus Ministries headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of NavPress, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
November 30, 2022
2 chapters in and I just want to keep reading more. I love how Marty creates a safe space for for his readers to ask questions. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey through the BEMA podcast and was elated to find out Marty was coming out with a book. Even more opportunities to continue building my relationship with God and digging deeper into the scriptures with the Holy Spirit and Jesus as my guide. If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy of this book do it now!
December 1, 2022
This work is liberating and so needed.
It truly gives us a pathway to grasp a "high view" of Scripture without bending a knee to conservative fundamentalism. Marty's voice is so necessary in this conversation.
It truly gives us a pathway to grasp a "high view" of Scripture without bending a knee to conservative fundamentalism. Marty's voice is so necessary in this conversation.
March 16, 2023
This is a book I have anticipated for quite some time and I would say that it met my expectations. Marty writes in the same way he speaks: thoughtful and soft. His ability to handle delicate topics surrounding our traditions and the inspired Word makes this message much easier to process. I appreciate that there is no brow beating and a great sense of humility in what he writes.
If you’ve listened through the BEMA podcast, then you most likely don’t need to read this, unless you just want to support Marty. While it was well written, it was also mostly a rehash of all of the things that are talked about up through session 5. I think I was a little disappointed by this because I wanted to hear something new, but it doesn’t diminish the value of this book. It was helpful to be reminded of various things that I had forgotten about.
EDIT: One thing that I appreciate about this is that it reads like a common person wrote this. I don’t say that as a dig on Marty, but rather it makes it more accessible to the reader. One of the best parts about the book were all of the resources that were cited and put forth for further reading. I think that alone is worth buying the book.
If you’ve listened through the BEMA podcast, then you most likely don’t need to read this, unless you just want to support Marty. While it was well written, it was also mostly a rehash of all of the things that are talked about up through session 5. I think I was a little disappointed by this because I wanted to hear something new, but it doesn’t diminish the value of this book. It was helpful to be reminded of various things that I had forgotten about.
EDIT: One thing that I appreciate about this is that it reads like a common person wrote this. I don’t say that as a dig on Marty, but rather it makes it more accessible to the reader. One of the best parts about the book were all of the resources that were cited and put forth for further reading. I think that alone is worth buying the book.
December 19, 2025
“Biblical Hebrew contains roughly eight thousand words. Modern English has hundreds of thousands. What this means is while Western languages are built for precision, the Hebrew language packs a lot of depth into every single word.” Pg. 24
“We need to rid ourselves of the idea that the prophets are primarily (or even significantly) focused on making proclamations about the future. That was not the main goal of the Jewish prophet. Rather, it was the pagan world that had such infatuations with the future, and throughout the ages we have merely contributed to recreate these ideas in more evolved (and just as fallacious) forms. The irony is we often approach the prophets with the very pagan tendencies they warn us about.” Pg 97-99
“A better question is: what is each Gospel author attempting to do with their unique presentation of this good news?” Pg. 137
“Apocalyptic literature exists within a particular niche of the experience of God’s people in history and is often directed at people groups in exile or those experiencing intense persecution. When somebody—an individual or people group—is experiencing unimaginable tragedy, sheer logic and reasoning don’t translate. In the midst of deep pain or despair, we cling to ideas and experiences that seem to transcend the logic on the surface.” Pg. 172
“Our dogma, our absolute certainty in our own theological vantage point, suffocates a vibrant faith.”
Pg. 207
Acacia tree> arar bush
“We need to rid ourselves of the idea that the prophets are primarily (or even significantly) focused on making proclamations about the future. That was not the main goal of the Jewish prophet. Rather, it was the pagan world that had such infatuations with the future, and throughout the ages we have merely contributed to recreate these ideas in more evolved (and just as fallacious) forms. The irony is we often approach the prophets with the very pagan tendencies they warn us about.” Pg 97-99
“A better question is: what is each Gospel author attempting to do with their unique presentation of this good news?” Pg. 137
“Apocalyptic literature exists within a particular niche of the experience of God’s people in history and is often directed at people groups in exile or those experiencing intense persecution. When somebody—an individual or people group—is experiencing unimaginable tragedy, sheer logic and reasoning don’t translate. In the midst of deep pain or despair, we cling to ideas and experiences that seem to transcend the logic on the surface.” Pg. 172
“Our dogma, our absolute certainty in our own theological vantage point, suffocates a vibrant faith.”
Pg. 207
Acacia tree> arar bush
December 14, 2023
If you’re into the Bible, in any capacity, or if you approach the Bible in a cerebral, studious, in-depth way, this is a must read. It’s all about approaching the Bible from an Eastern perspective and it’s completely changed the way I look at the Bible. Even if you don’t dive into all the cultural and contextual nuances of the Bible, but just want a fresh perspective on the stories you’ve heard all your life, then check this out. Also listen to the BEMA podcast.
August 6, 2023
I started listening to the Bema Discipleship podcast in the spring of 2022. It ignited a fire in me to deepen my study of the Bible and opened my eyes to a different lens of how to approach reading the Text. This book is the nuts and bolts of what Marty brings to life on the podcast and I’m so happy to have it in my hands to reference and share with others. So thankful for Marty’s work and what he has created through Bema and this book.
April 28, 2024
Unfortunately, I don’t feel like this book said anything new. It felt incomplete, and every time something was brought up that I was like “oh that’s good, go on…” he moved onto a completely different point. I didn’t get any depth from this book, so it was a tough read. I most likely would have DNFd it if I wasn’t reading it with my small group.
July 19, 2023
if you haven’t listened to the BEMA Podcast, you’re missing out.
March 26, 2023
Marty Solomon is such an incredible thinker and teacher of the Bible. I love his work and I have learned so much from him and his teachings. The BEMA podcast is the best Bible study I’ve ever gone through - and my best compliment for this book is that it serves as a companion/primer to the podcast.
My favorite chapters in this book are the ones that cover the Prophets (the prophets section of the podcast is my favorite, by far), the gospels, and the epistles in the New Testament. I find his ideas about the prophets to be so deep and fresh in ways I had never thought before listening to the podcast. He does a great job of laying a quick historical background before diving into the gospels, and then he emphasizes the need of contextual understanding and authorial intent of the epistles.
I do wish this book went a little deeper, but as Marty described in the book - he’s not teaching us what to think or read but how to think and read for ourselves. I highly recommend the BEMA podcast to anyone.
Just as a short aside for myself I tend to agree with Marty on most things but don’t on his stance of the authorship and dating of the gospels. He’s one of the very few scholars who doesn’t hold the Gospel of Mark to be the first written. However I do love that he holds to his ideas and opinions after years of study has led him in a certain direction.
My favorite chapters in this book are the ones that cover the Prophets (the prophets section of the podcast is my favorite, by far), the gospels, and the epistles in the New Testament. I find his ideas about the prophets to be so deep and fresh in ways I had never thought before listening to the podcast. He does a great job of laying a quick historical background before diving into the gospels, and then he emphasizes the need of contextual understanding and authorial intent of the epistles.
I do wish this book went a little deeper, but as Marty described in the book - he’s not teaching us what to think or read but how to think and read for ourselves. I highly recommend the BEMA podcast to anyone.
Just as a short aside for myself I tend to agree with Marty on most things but don’t on his stance of the authorship and dating of the gospels. He’s one of the very few scholars who doesn’t hold the Gospel of Mark to be the first written. However I do love that he holds to his ideas and opinions after years of study has led him in a certain direction.
November 21, 2025
vividly wise. “wisdom is as big as stardust and as small as the blacksmith’s sweat beads”
February 22, 2023
Not a huge fan of the writing style, and it starts off slow, but picks up dramatically around the end of the first third and is so jam packed with goodness after that. Lots to think about from this one
July 7, 2024
Anyone with any interest in the Bible should read this book.
January 3, 2024
I love this authors heart for scripture and the spirit with which he shares what God has shown him. Many who have taken the journey to learn so much of the historical and cultural contexts of scripture have a hard time sharing that knowledge in love and humility, but Solomon does not. This book is very enlightening and a great addition to any library.
June 7, 2024
Really interesting and in enlightening book about how to interpret the Bible through the eyes of Eastern culture and in a way that no one is talking about. Highly recommend!
January 25, 2023
Wow! Only 1/3 through but already this book has been eye opening. As a modern westerner, entering the ancient eastern world of the Bible has always been a challenge. Marty encourages that learning to ask some of the questions the ancient authors/hearers/readers of the bible might have asked will help us understand the fuller message of gospel, so that we might become better "gospelers". So, first he helps us know that it's ok to ask questions, then he helps us learn how. Can't wait for the rest and will update this as it makes sense!
Update 1 Jan 20 - OK, have progressed through most of the book and Marty continues to impress. He addresses each of the major sections/genres the text presents (e.g. Torah, prophets, wisdom poetry, Gospels, letters, etc.) and gives us great insights on asking questions that will help us be better hearer/readers of our bibles. For those already interested in how to better engage our biblical text, you don't want to miss this. For those with little interest at the moment, it may challenge what we think we know about how to engage the text, and spur us on to reconsider.
Update 2 Jan 25 - Finished....whew! Well done! Marty helping us realize that while learning to ask better questions of our text and wrestle in community with the cosmos of responses is critical, that in of it itself is not the "endgame". But perhaps the idea that the wrestling will lead to trusting (even through the doubt & wonder we may encounter as we begin to ask) and transforming us into people who reflect and walk out the kingdom today, in this life, in our world.
Update 1 Jan 20 - OK, have progressed through most of the book and Marty continues to impress. He addresses each of the major sections/genres the text presents (e.g. Torah, prophets, wisdom poetry, Gospels, letters, etc.) and gives us great insights on asking questions that will help us be better hearer/readers of our bibles. For those already interested in how to better engage our biblical text, you don't want to miss this. For those with little interest at the moment, it may challenge what we think we know about how to engage the text, and spur us on to reconsider.
Update 2 Jan 25 - Finished....whew! Well done! Marty helping us realize that while learning to ask better questions of our text and wrestle in community with the cosmos of responses is critical, that in of it itself is not the "endgame". But perhaps the idea that the wrestling will lead to trusting (even through the doubt & wonder we may encounter as we begin to ask) and transforming us into people who reflect and walk out the kingdom today, in this life, in our world.
November 1, 2022
I am eager to read this book when it is released. I've followed Marty Solomon's thinking only through his audio podcasts and YouTube videos. So actually reading him in print will be a new and welcome experience. I find myself drawn in to most of his perspectives and insights, which are a doorway to a personal journey of ruthless self discovery and sometimes difficult growth in emotional maturity. I will purchase multiple copies of Marty's first book to share with the 20-somethings I coach toward a radical walk with our Maker.
February 13, 2023
I'll preface by saying I've listened to all of the BEMA podcast (that's been released so far, maybe minus a handful of "specials"). That's a lot of hours of listening.
It's hard to judge how much of that biased my reading of this book. The majority of the content I had already heard and in more detail. When I started reading the book I was worried there wouldn't be much for me.
I still found it a very worthwhile read, and would very much put it in the category of a "primer" for all the ideas that Solomon explores and hermeneutical tools he provides. The thing I appreciate the most about this book is the vast amount of additional resources and books referenced, and that you as a reader are encouraged to continue exploring. Even for books that are judicious about footnotes, I find it rare that an author would enthusiastically say: "I'm not the authority, I'm a gateway and here are the authorities."
"Asking Better Questions of the Bible" got more engaging as I read it. At first I was contemplating giving it 3 stars, but around the halfway point it started picking up for me; not sure if the writing got better or I was less confident with the material, so it felt fresher. Either way, I believe if I read this book 3-4 years ago it would have been a lot more challenging. Reading it now it is encouraging and will sit on my shelf as a quick go-to recommendation for anyone struggling to read the Bible well or realize it's relevance for our day and age.
It's hard to judge how much of that biased my reading of this book. The majority of the content I had already heard and in more detail. When I started reading the book I was worried there wouldn't be much for me.
I still found it a very worthwhile read, and would very much put it in the category of a "primer" for all the ideas that Solomon explores and hermeneutical tools he provides. The thing I appreciate the most about this book is the vast amount of additional resources and books referenced, and that you as a reader are encouraged to continue exploring. Even for books that are judicious about footnotes, I find it rare that an author would enthusiastically say: "I'm not the authority, I'm a gateway and here are the authorities."
"Asking Better Questions of the Bible" got more engaging as I read it. At first I was contemplating giving it 3 stars, but around the halfway point it started picking up for me; not sure if the writing got better or I was less confident with the material, so it felt fresher. Either way, I believe if I read this book 3-4 years ago it would have been a lot more challenging. Reading it now it is encouraging and will sit on my shelf as a quick go-to recommendation for anyone struggling to read the Bible well or realize it's relevance for our day and age.
February 5, 2023
Asking Better Questions of the Bible opened my eyes to actively seeking answers. We sometimes grow complacent and comfortable in knowing what we know, accepting what we are taught without questioning. But asking questions is ok...spiritual growth requires digging and wrestling. God is faithful and we must trust Him for answers. Our curious brains are designed to think.
Author Marty Solomon challenges the reader to set aside our Western viewpoints to examine those of the Near East where the Scriptures were written, keeping in mind the era, culture and audience. He breaks the Bible into parts and uses analogies, anecdotes and history for guidance. Solomon reminds us Jesus is our Guide and will help us as we seek better understanding. Solomon also explains aspects of the Hebrew language, context, chiasm, relationships between God and His people, types of prophets, Revelation intrigue, storytelling and wisdom, amongst many other things.
What stood out to me most (other than fascinating historical tidbits) are to remember the focus should be on who we are becoming, reflection and how to think. As an inquisitive person I'm always asking questions but now have a better grasp on how to go about it for a deeper understanding and connection.
My sincere thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this practical, thoughtfully-written and easy-to-follow book.
Author Marty Solomon challenges the reader to set aside our Western viewpoints to examine those of the Near East where the Scriptures were written, keeping in mind the era, culture and audience. He breaks the Bible into parts and uses analogies, anecdotes and history for guidance. Solomon reminds us Jesus is our Guide and will help us as we seek better understanding. Solomon also explains aspects of the Hebrew language, context, chiasm, relationships between God and His people, types of prophets, Revelation intrigue, storytelling and wisdom, amongst many other things.
What stood out to me most (other than fascinating historical tidbits) are to remember the focus should be on who we are becoming, reflection and how to think. As an inquisitive person I'm always asking questions but now have a better grasp on how to go about it for a deeper understanding and connection.
My sincere thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this practical, thoughtfully-written and easy-to-follow book.
June 10, 2025
Such a great read as I get started on my Bema podcast journey! I can't believe I hadn't heard about all this earlier, given that I've consistently attended Sunday school, Christian K-8 education, Catholic high school, and weekly church services and small groups. It feels like a no-brainer that we need to read the Bible in context and to make sure we're asking the right questions, and yet most of my education has had me stuck in the Western mindset of veracity and provability. I am so grateful to Marty for this book and for his whole podcast ministry.
Not only is the information super helpful, but Marty also writes in an accessible and engaging way that helps you understand complicated concepts without "dumbing down" the content. Although I highly recommend every Christian listen to the Bema podcast, if hundreds of podcast episodes are too intimidating or time-consuming for you, this book is an amazing summary of many key points you learn through the Bema journey. And honestly, once you read this, I think you'll be hungry for more and want to listen to the podcast anyway!
Not only is the information super helpful, but Marty also writes in an accessible and engaging way that helps you understand complicated concepts without "dumbing down" the content. Although I highly recommend every Christian listen to the Bema podcast, if hundreds of podcast episodes are too intimidating or time-consuming for you, this book is an amazing summary of many key points you learn through the Bema journey. And honestly, once you read this, I think you'll be hungry for more and want to listen to the podcast anyway!
August 12, 2025
This book is a great overview of the thought process behind the BEMA podcast and studying the Bible in its original context. I highly recommend this resource-it has had a deepened my love for God and Scripture. It encourages asking questions of the Bible and how this is what brings us closer to God. I also love that this book provides a lot of recommendations of books and other resources to study.
This quote from the book sums up what it is about:
“God doesn’t need you to become more Eastern…But it’s also important to remember that our Western perspective must acknowledge and interact with the world of the Text. Our job is to understand the original conversation, inspired by God, between the authors of the Bible and their respective audiences.”
This quote from the book sums up what it is about:
“God doesn’t need you to become more Eastern…But it’s also important to remember that our Western perspective must acknowledge and interact with the world of the Text. Our job is to understand the original conversation, inspired by God, between the authors of the Bible and their respective audiences.”
February 4, 2023
Marty has done an incredible job of introducing his reader to the complexities of hermeneutics while making it accessible and exciting to read. Not only does he reassure the reader that it’s okay to ask questions of the Bible and their faith, but he provides a framework for where to begin to, as the title says, ask better questions. This should be required reading for any introduction to biblical interpretation class (I’ll use it if I ever get the chance to teach such a course)! I most appreciate the way Marty emphasizes that the study of the Text is never merely cognitive ascent, but shapes our very being.
January 21, 2025
“A guide for the wounded, wary & longing for more.” I grew up in the fundamentalist brand of evangelicalism. I’ve changed my mind about a lot of what I was taught, but it’s been hard to find where to land. I’m deconstructing but very much still want to keep my faith. This book is a fantastic resource. Built on the foundation of loving God and loving His inspired Word, this book compassionately teaches a hermeneutic approach so many of us have been waiting for. (Hint: And this approach is not at all new!)
November 8, 2025
Just finished Marty Solomon's book, Asking Better Questions of the Bible. Solomon is a passionate Bible student and teacher, looking at the entire Bible as one narrative, and applying cultural Biblical context to the Text. As a Jew raised in an evangelical home and embracing his Jewish roots as an adult, he brings a unique perspective to Bible study. His passion isn't for you to follow him, but to learn how to dig into the text of the Bible with a more eastern perspective to find the treasures the authors have hidden. Happy treasure hunting!
January 20, 2023
Finally, a resource that summarizes the tremendously valuable tools I’ve gained from listening to the Bema podcast!
Marty Solomon is one of my favorite Bible teachers, and his first book doesn’t disappoint. He has a conversational and easy-to-understand way of writing that conveys a lot of complex information. Consistent with his method in his podcast, he continually guides in not what to think, but HOW to think when approaching the Scriptures. He offers a variety of practical tools that can help anyone interpret and understand the Bible without an advanced degree.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read the Bible but is confused or overwhelmed by the content, and to anyone who wants to know God but has been hurt by dogmatic interpretations. I liken Marty’s work to glasses that help someone see color who previously has only seen the Bible in black and white.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Marty Solomon is one of my favorite Bible teachers, and his first book doesn’t disappoint. He has a conversational and easy-to-understand way of writing that conveys a lot of complex information. Consistent with his method in his podcast, he continually guides in not what to think, but HOW to think when approaching the Scriptures. He offers a variety of practical tools that can help anyone interpret and understand the Bible without an advanced degree.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read the Bible but is confused or overwhelmed by the content, and to anyone who wants to know God but has been hurt by dogmatic interpretations. I liken Marty’s work to glasses that help someone see color who previously has only seen the Bible in black and white.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2024
I have learned a lot from Marty and his team, so I have been eager to dive into this book for a long time. “Asking Better Questions” is a great, accessible introduction that just scratches the surface of how to read and be transformed by the Scriptures. This book is a good “first step” that I would love to see in the hands of high school students to help them begin the lifelong work of knowing and living the Text.
February 13, 2023
What a great book. The chapters are accessible for anyone, yet the contents force you to dig beneath the surface and rethink assumptions (and entire systems) about how to read and study the Bible. The final chapter contrasting trees of life and death was moving. This will be a resource I return to in the future.
April 4, 2025
Every person who claims to be a Christian, was raised in the American evangelical church, is deconstructing and reconstructing their faith, or follows the teachings of Jesus at all, absolutely NEEDS to read this book.
February 9, 2023
love u Marty
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