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kstephensreads's review
5.0
This book is a quick, easy introduction to the literary genres of Scripture. With a non-intimidating, conversational tone, Anyabwile makes the genres of the Bible easier to understand and helps the beginner find a footing for how to approach them - literarily.
Each chapter ends with a guided exercise to help the reader put the concepts she has explained into practice. The questions are neither too intimidating nor overly simplistic and would be excellent to use in group discussion, as well. I am also considering using this as a homeschool resource with my high school students to further their own understanding of how to rightly understand and apply the Scripture.
If a reader wants to go on to deeper reading and understanding of genres, the bibliography in the back is a treasure all of its own with great resources for further study.
As a women’s ministry director I’m always on the lookout for quality, yet approachable, tools to help women to become better students of the Word, and Literarily is a great one to add to the shelf!
Each chapter ends with a guided exercise to help the reader put the concepts she has explained into practice. The questions are neither too intimidating nor overly simplistic and would be excellent to use in group discussion, as well. I am also considering using this as a homeschool resource with my high school students to further their own understanding of how to rightly understand and apply the Scripture.
If a reader wants to go on to deeper reading and understanding of genres, the bibliography in the back is a treasure all of its own with great resources for further study.
As a women’s ministry director I’m always on the lookout for quality, yet approachable, tools to help women to become better students of the Word, and Literarily is a great one to add to the shelf!
vbarrett17's review
informative
slow-paced
4.0
The reason I wanted to read this book was for the purpose it was written: to be able to understand the different genres of the bible, so I can study God's Word more accurately in the way the authors intended.
I think Kristie Anyabwile did a great job! She clearly defined the genres and dove deep into the literary devices that marked each genre. I learned so much from her, and it made me feel like a student in an english class (which I thought was very fun)! Also, she did a great job of tying each genre study into the main theme of the bible as a whole: the beautiful, redemptive plan of Jesus Christ ♡
With that being said, I could not give this work 5 stars because (though I can't blame her) the author sprinkled in her Calvinistic theology, which I do not find biblical. I know soteriology is a hot topic debate within the Christian community, and I do not want to cause any division because this debate is a secondary issue. In fact, I would encourage anyone to read this work if they are interested in expanding their personal or group bible studies by understanding the biblical genres! However, I would also proceed with caution if you are not familiar with Calvinism or the different stances in the soteriology debate.
I think Kristie Anyabwile did a great job! She clearly defined the genres and dove deep into the literary devices that marked each genre. I learned so much from her, and it made me feel like a student in an english class (which I thought was very fun)! Also, she did a great job of tying each genre study into the main theme of the bible as a whole: the beautiful, redemptive plan of Jesus Christ ♡
With that being said, I could not give this work 5 stars because (though I can't blame her) the author sprinkled in her Calvinistic theology, which I do not find biblical. I know soteriology is a hot topic debate within the Christian community, and I do not want to cause any division because this debate is a secondary issue. In fact, I would encourage anyone to read this work if they are interested in expanding their personal or group bible studies by understanding the biblical genres! However, I would also proceed with caution if you are not familiar with Calvinism or the different stances in the soteriology debate.
kristenterhune's review
3.0
I was hoping for more in-depth chapters. It felt like Anyabwuile didn’t think her readers were very smart or could handle very much content.
Our church women’s Bible study used this book for a group study and the questions at the end of each chapter led to great discussion. I don’t think it would have been worth reading alone. Three stars are mostly for the questions to work through each genre otherwise would have been 1 or 2 stars.
Our church women’s Bible study used this book for a group study and the questions at the end of each chapter led to great discussion. I don’t think it would have been worth reading alone. Three stars are mostly for the questions to work through each genre otherwise would have been 1 or 2 stars.
whats_katie_reading's review
4.0
Discover the richness of Scripture by reading it Literarily, not just literally. The Bible, though unified, encompasses diverse genres across its 1,500-year span. Bible teacher Kristie Anyabwile highlights the importance of understanding these genres, showcasing their unique styles in eight categories. From Law to Apocalyptic, each genre contributes to the epic story of God's revelation. Instead of homogenizing the Bible, embrace its multifaceted message and method, allowing it to transform your heart and guide your life in today's complex world.
This is an excellent overview of the main biblical literary genres and how their design enhances our understanding. I also really loved how the book included examples of how other forms of literature demonstrate the literary purpose. For example, some parts of apocryphal literature have similarities to fantasy. While this is not a how-to guide for inductive Bible study, it does a great job of providing simple background information for how to understand the Bible as a book. It’s not as in-depth as “How to Read the Bible for All its Worth,” but that’s the beauty of this little book. It’s an easy, accessible overview of biblical literary styles to help you engage more with Scripture.
I listened to the audiobook and it wasn’t anything special. I’d grab a physical copy or ebook instead.
Perfect for you if you like:
Bible study
Scripture context
Studying literature
Similar to:
How to Read the Bible for All it’s Worth by Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart
Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays
The Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew & Michael W. Goheen
This is an excellent overview of the main biblical literary genres and how their design enhances our understanding. I also really loved how the book included examples of how other forms of literature demonstrate the literary purpose. For example, some parts of apocryphal literature have similarities to fantasy. While this is not a how-to guide for inductive Bible study, it does a great job of providing simple background information for how to understand the Bible as a book. It’s not as in-depth as “How to Read the Bible for All its Worth,” but that’s the beauty of this little book. It’s an easy, accessible overview of biblical literary styles to help you engage more with Scripture.
I listened to the audiobook and it wasn’t anything special. I’d grab a physical copy or ebook instead.
Perfect for you if you like:
Bible study
Scripture context
Studying literature
Similar to:
How to Read the Bible for All it’s Worth by Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart
Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays
The Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew & Michael W. Goheen
jedster247's review
4.0
Great starting point regarding one of the most important keys to understanding the Bible.
leahpfinn's review
5.0
Literarily is a terrific, easy to read guide to the Bible's literary genres. Kristie starts each chapter with an engaging 'hook' that helps draw the reader into the rest of the chapter. She clearly and concisely explains what genres are, how the Bible contains a variety of genres, and why we should consider those genres as we study God's word. Her approach is upbeat-- she does not assume the reader knows anything, or everything, but she never condescends to the reader.
This book is a solid introduction to biblical genres and how to approach bible study 'literarily'. At the end of each chapter about a different genre, there are questions and exercises you can work through to help you 'build' those muscles. It would be a great book to work through in a small group or individually. Most importantly, though, Kristie encourages readers to equip themselves to know God's word FOR themselves, rather than assuming what others have taught or said. Because, the "purpose [of the Bible] is to reveal the mystery of Christ to a fallen world so that those who read it would have their hearts transformed." (p.33)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.*
This book is a solid introduction to biblical genres and how to approach bible study 'literarily'. At the end of each chapter about a different genre, there are questions and exercises you can work through to help you 'build' those muscles. It would be a great book to work through in a small group or individually. Most importantly, though, Kristie encourages readers to equip themselves to know God's word FOR themselves, rather than assuming what others have taught or said. Because, the "purpose [of the Bible] is to reveal the mystery of Christ to a fallen world so that those who read it would have their hearts transformed." (p.33)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.*
tris111's review
5.0
"As you can probably tell from the dozens of book reviews I have written, I love to read, and reading has been one of my favorite hobbies ever since I was a child. I like to read all kinds of different books, from Christian living and theology to classic fiction and mystery, from nonfiction and memoir to dystopian and romantic suspense.
I read different types or genres of books for different reasons. If I want to grow in a particular area of my faith, I’ll pick up a Christian living book. If I want to read something engaging and entertaining, I’ll grab a fun novel. If I want to learn about something in culture or politics, I’ll choose some nonfiction. And if I’m looking for an easy, comfort read, I’ll turn to a book I’ve read many times before.
Every book genre is different from the others, and they each have a particular style and purpose. And it’s the same with the Bible. The Bible is one book, but it contains several different genres with completely different styles, tones, and features. As Kristie Anyabwile argues in her new book, Literarily, knowing the genre of each biblical book is the only way we can truly understand the messages of the Scriptures..."
Continue reading my review at tristanycorgan.com/blog-literarily !
I read different types or genres of books for different reasons. If I want to grow in a particular area of my faith, I’ll pick up a Christian living book. If I want to read something engaging and entertaining, I’ll grab a fun novel. If I want to learn about something in culture or politics, I’ll choose some nonfiction. And if I’m looking for an easy, comfort read, I’ll turn to a book I’ve read many times before.
Every book genre is different from the others, and they each have a particular style and purpose. And it’s the same with the Bible. The Bible is one book, but it contains several different genres with completely different styles, tones, and features. As Kristie Anyabwile argues in her new book, Literarily, knowing the genre of each biblical book is the only way we can truly understand the messages of the Scriptures..."
Continue reading my review at tristanycorgan.com/blog-literarily !