Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time

by Kristin Swenson

“Kristin Swenson offers a confident, well-paced, well-informed, and accessible guide to Bible basics and biblical literacy.” — Walter Brueggemann, author of An Unsettling The Heart of the Hebrew Bible Bible Babel, from author and religious studies professor Kristin Swenson, is a lively, humorous, and very readable introduction to the Bible—what’s in it, where it comes from, and how it is used in our culture today. If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of the Christian fish symbol; the history of the Good Book; how the Bible weighs in on contemporary political issues; or even the biblical source of pop-culture references in WALL-E or Battlestar Galatica , then this is the book for you. Readers of A. J. Jacobs’s Year of Living Biblically and David Plotz’s Good Book will enjoy Bible Babel , a perfect primer for anyone interested in the Bible—secular and believing alike.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, College

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 2010

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: An examination of the Bible, looking at the characters, places, and things as well as what it says and how it's been interpreted.

Thoughts: While I have been trying to read the Bible, there is still a lot I don't know so I appreciated this look at it. It is quite readable and while scholarly, it includes humor. I was particularly interested in the chapters situating the Bible in a historical context as history is my interest and I think it's especially important to remember that these events took place in a far different world from ours.

For me, the best chapter was discussing how the Bible can be used to support and condemn homosexuality, abortion, other controversial political issues. It was very respectful of both point of views and clarified many points to my mind.

The later chapters look at male and female characters, plants, and places. There was interesting information but at times it seemed to drag. A personal preference of mine is footnotes while this utilizes endnotes, meaning I had to keep a finger in that section while reading the actual text which was awkward.

Overall: 4.5/5. Very enjoyable; highly recommended!

Cover: It's hard to see in this picture but the little boxes are various pictures relating to Judaism and Christianity such as the Jesus Fish and the Star of David.

[W. Derek Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Informative but Biased Dive Into the Bible

I bought this book because as both a believer and as a seminary professor, I always want to learn more about the Bible. I did indeed learn more about the Bible, but I do have problems with the author’s perspective.

Many reviews of this book claim that the author presents an unbiased exploration of the Bible; I did not find this to be the case.

For example, the author consistently states that the Bible teaches that the universe was created in seven days, when the Bible clearly states that God created the world in six days, and rested from his labors on the seventh day. The author displays a naturalist/materialist worldview, in which the supernatural is categorically ruled out. The author also subscribes to the highly disputed JEDP theory of Biblical authorship, which leads her in turn to assign later dates for the different books of the Bible, including those that contain prophecies about then future events, apparently on the assumption that these events could not possibly have been foretold, since that would require supernatural foreknowledge. In addition, the author made the decision to not capitalize the word “Bible” in many places; while she does explain her rationale upfront, I still think this was a questionable stylistic choice on her part.

For those who purchase this book, I advise you to be aware of the author’s biases. It is definitely very informative, but also very biased.

[Ruth Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Enjoyed my Lenten Study!

This book was recommended by our priest as a good book to read and discuss during Lent. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it was an objective and thoroughly researched book about the Bible. It did not try to preach to me (the proverbial choir) and presented all sides of any issues. This book should be included in every church library.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Swenson is a good writer, who knows how to keep the interest of her readers. She teaches religion at VCU and I suspect that her students like her classes. For me, she made learning easy and entertaining.

For me, there wasn't a lot of new info in this book. I was raised a Lutheran and also have taken classes about religion several times in my life. However, for those who were not reared in a religious household, I would think this would be an excellent introduction to the Bible.

So much of our culture is influenced by this remarkable book, so people should appreciate this quick intro to the Bible.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

More readable than the Cliffs/Monarch Notes on the Bible (which I own). It is very objective, contemporary and includes updated scholarship, popular cultural references, misconceptions, and fun facts. I would recommend it to readers of all religious persuasions, including non-church goers like me. For serious readers, it is invaluable for its explanations of literary references alone.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good "Bible 101". Good for people who aren't particularly familiar with the bible and want to know what the heck all these people are talking about. It doesn't assume any specific religious philosophy in the reader (that's a good thing from my perspective).

[Julie Round · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cleverly balanced book that gave insight into the Bible without destroying faith but including enlightening historical connections. Personally, I didn't realise how much there was in the Old Testament. Trying to match up history and biblical writings has always been difficult but if the reader just stops and tries to put themselves into the minds of the writers it makes much more sense.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent general introduction to the Bible: how it was written, when it was written, by whom it was written, why it was written, etc. The author is expert in highlighting modern day Biblical allusions that appear in movies, television shows, and in the general public sphere. There is an excellent overview of Biblical history (how the actual Bible and its many translations came to be) as well as a highly readable overview of the Biblical narrative that includes famous charters and events, places, and ideas.

The author took great pains to avoid coming down on one side or the other of controversial and divisive religious conflicts. Were I suggest a book about the Bible to someone who had little knowledge of...well, the Bible, this would be the one. It is less scholarly than Karen Armstrong's The Bible which I enjoyed very much, but someone who isn't already well read in religion might find a bit daunting.

I heard the author of this book on NPR (I think) a few years back, and she said something that's stayed with me: she likes reading about the Bible more than she likes reading the Bible itself.

Me, too.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected a fairly simple overview of the bible's origins, authorship, contradictions and meanings and was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail presented, particularly in view of the fact that I found it relatively easy to read and absorb. I generally check out my books from the local public library, but I may just have to buy this one to help me through my personal exploration of the bible. I thought that the author did a remarkable job of presenting a balanced view that displays no favoritism to any particular point of view, be it any of the variety of Christian beliefs, the Jewish faith or even atheism. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the origins and evolution of our religious beliefs.

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book for our church's Lenten study, and it is a lively exploration—and explanation—of the Bible, its origins, and the many ways its texts have seeped into our culture in predictable and unpredictable ways.

Dr. Swenson is smart, educated, and has a quirky sense of humor that makes a heavy subject accessible and informative.

It is in no way an attempt to convince a non-believer of the Bible's worth. She makes no bones about its discrepancies, inconsistencies, and possible errors. But in telling the remarkable story of the Bible's evolution, she has gifted me with an enriched perspective that will forever add depth to what I take away from my personal reading of the holy scripture.

[James Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scholarly overview of the Christian bible. Where it came from? What does it include or exclude? What do certain things mean?

Dense with many notes. Ideal for scholars.

It won't change the die-hards.

Where does the phrase, "save the rod, spoil the child" come from? Guess what. Not the bible. Yet, to hear some, you'd think it was.

Christ does not form part of his name. Christ comes from the Greek kristos meaning annointed which is the same meaning for messiah. Both coming from the hebrew word for annointed.

It seems to me studing the bible in any level of competence is a serious undertaking.

[Bob Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much do you really know about the Bible? Do you know who wrote it? When? Why certain books are in some Bibles, but not others-- why it is important to know the context in which a Bible statement is made before trying to apply it as guidance to a different set of circumstances. This is not a "heavy" read -- but it is a very complete, easy-reading answer to many questions you may have. I highly recommend it. Ms Swenson does not write as a professor -- but as a teacher with writing skill as well as knowledge.

[KR · Rating 3 out of 5]

A broad, sweeping introduction to the Hebrew/Christian Bible; its context, authorship, compilation, history, translation, interpretation, and use from ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary American pop culture.[return][return]Less lofty than an Armstrong.[return][return]Less jaded than an Ehrman.[return][return]More trendy than a Prothero.[return][return]But in the same vein. [return][return]A very approachable and well-written introduction to basic Biblical literacy.

[David Roe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes a look at the bible from an historical perspective without trying to discount the religious perspective. I'm not particularly religious but I've always had a fascination of of the events covered in the bible and had a lot of interest in reading this book. Like the bible itself it's a very good read.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the amount of material covered, this book does an excellent job of providing an overview of the Bible. The information is well presented with little bias, which is refreshing in a time when opinions about the Bible are often filled with anger or self-righteousness. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an introduction or overview of the Bible.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide to the bible, with sections on comparing various religious bibles, ancient tomes, people, places, quotes, and sayings attributed to the Bible that really aren't there. A quick and interesting read.

[Eunkyung Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the title reads, Swenson makes sense of the Bible through all sorts of references. The book is targeted at young adults and helps understand the basis of several controversial issues regarding the Bible.

[Lisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very well researched and in my opinion an unbiased account of the history of the bible. Surprising the number of versions/translations and interpretations that are available and the number of people that contributed to it.

[Jenn A · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting, but I think I am just not as interested in biblical scholarship as I thought I might be.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing too new, but a good historical overview of what's in the Bible, as well as a look at some of the various translations.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A great resource for those interested in going deeper in terms of Bible interpretation.

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting historical information, not much depth and inadequate understanding of context. Quick read.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and worth reading but others approaching the topic have done it better.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to make sense of 66 ancient writings told by many divers people, maybe impossible as she points out.

[Cody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well as always right to the long and the short. This book does go slightly deeper than just the surface in regards to its research and information. However, it is still rather shallow. I found the writing to be somewhat dry and parts of the book are a real struggle to get through. Its commentary is dull and uninspired. In seeking to be open to the widest range of readers it, I would imagine, would alienate many faithful. Although, I do place some of that blame and responsibility upon the readers (particularly the faithful) for their own lack of education, study, and understanding of their own texts and faith for if your faith is so shaky it is jarred by the truth—can it really be faith?

Beyond the historical explanation of the Bible and its origins and development into the text we recognize today the author, Kristin Swenson, also outlines some of the “key” elements and stories of the Bible. She also devotes some time to the opposing sides of the cultural debate then explains, or tries to explain, how and why some Christians line up the way they do, often opposed by other Christians on these issues. While she never really comes out and states her bias it is not completely absent from the work for those that are engaged and know some of the language.

I can’t say the book taught me nothing, however, I can say it didn’t teach me all that much and really just expanded upon what I already knew. My biggest problem with this book is that if people really care enough about the subject to read such a book, they will likely find this dull, condescending, and something less than an enriching experience. Those who would benefit most from reading this book are not the people that are going to bother reading this book. And, those that do come across it and pick it up are likely already truly beyond what it offers and are seeking something deeper and much more mature