So, you’re skeptical about the Bible . . . well guess what: you’re not alone. The Bible is seen by many contemporary readers as intolerant, outdated, out of step with societal norms at best, and a tool of oppression at worst. In this earnest and illuminating read, millennial thought leaders and aspiring theologians Michael and Lauren McAfee are here to say: fair enough. But they’re also here to … also here to raise a few questions of their own: What if we cleared the deck on our preconceptions of this book and encountered it anew? What if we came with the understanding that our questions are welcome? And what if these pages presented less of a system to figure out, and more of a story to step into – a story with more surprising plot twists than we might think?
Michael and Lauren spent their childhoods in church and Sunday school, they spent part of their twenties finding their way in the world in New York City, and today they’re shaping their careers while pursuing doctoral studies in theology and ethics. Along the way, they’ve had to wrangle very real questions – both their own, and of their friends – about why, where, and how the most controversial book in history fits in our world today.
Not What You Think not only blows the dust off dated misperceptions of this ancient book, it engages the problems of this book head-on – the parts that make modern readers squeamish, skeptical, and uncertain. Join Michael and Lauren as they explore the nature of the Bible – an ancient mosaic of story, literature, history, and poetry – and what it means for this generation and its relationship with God. Ultimately, Not What You Think is an invitation to come and see, and be surprised.
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What a practical read from those who are living in the thick of it. Michael and Lauren make a heartfelt plea to those in their own generation (and beyond) to read the Bible for themselves instead of relying on what the media or church official tells/shows them. They come about the request with such humility, and are open to share their own tensions with the Bible; showing not even the seemingly most faithful of Christians have it all figured out. They are honest about their background and experiences with the Bible, and are very clear about the fact that it is likely different from the reader’s. The conversational tone and timely references make you feel like you are sitting around the table with friends, not reading an appeal by complete strangers. I highly recommend the audio, as I feel the heart of the writers comes to life more clearly. Having met both Michael and Lauren, I tried to go in to this read with completely impartiality, because I always write an honest review. I think they did a great job at accomplishing their goal of getting others to simply read the book with as much objectivity as they are able, and then forming an opinion based on what they’ve read, not just what they’ve experienced.
“Not what you think . . .” That intrigued me. “Might be nothing we expected yet everything we need.” That made me buy the book. Why? I’m almost 70 years old. I have children and grandchildren who are questioning what the Bible says. I question it, too, but I trust and believe what it says even when I don’t understand it all.
But I have conversations with younger people who question without faith. The jacket on the book peaked my interest further, “The Bible is seen by many contemporary readers as intolerant, outdated, out of step with societal norms at best, and a tool of oppression at worst.In this earnest and illuminating read, Michael and Lauren McAfee honestly wrestle with the relevance of this ancient book in our modern world and raise a few questions of their own.”
The very things the authors mentioned as troubling about the Bible to millennials and generation Z, I hear voiced by the younger people in my family. I want to understand the issues they are dealing with or at least be open minded enough to listen if I get the opportunity to have a discussion with them.
So I read the book. I cannot tell you how my eyes were open, how my faith was strengthened, and how the strength of my faith that offers grace, mercy, and love is exactly what our younger people need as they figure out their faith journey in a world that is ever changing and complex.
All ages will appreciate the authors fresh perspective and thorough investigation in sharing the issues that all people are facing, young and old alike, and how they can navigate through these issues. You will certainly appreciate their candor and honesty about the questions they have had. I love the invitation that they repeatedly offer to readers – seek for yourself what the Bible says, then make up your own mind what you want to do with Jesus and what He offers. Let it be a personal choice, not one gathered on the internet or from a group of friends who may or may not have encountered a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, the Lord.