How the Bible Actually Works

In Which I Explain How An Ancient, Ambiguous, and Diverse Book Leads Us to Wisdom Rather Than Answers—and Why That’s Great News

By: Peter Enns

Narrated by: Peter Enns

Controversial evangelical Bible scholar, popular blogger and podcast host of The Bible for Normal People, and author of The Bible Tells Me So and The Sin of Certainty explains that the Bible is not an instruction manual or rule book but a powerful learning tool that nurtures our spiritual growth by refusing to provide us with easy answers but instead forces us to acquire wisdom.

For many Christians, the Bible is a how-to manual filled with literal truths about belief that must be strictly followed. But the Bible is not static, Peter Enns argues. It does not hold easy answers to the perplexing questions and issues that confront us in our daily lives. Rather, the Bible is a dynamic instrument for study that not only offers an abundance of insights but provokes us to find our own answers to spiritual questions, cultivating God’s wisdom within us.

“The Bible becomes a confusing mess when we expect it to function as a rulebook for faith. But when we allow the Bible to determine our expectations, we see that Wisdom, not answers, is the Bible’s true subject matter,” writes Enns. This distinction, he points out, is important because when we come to the Bible expecting it to be a textbook intended by God to give us unwavering certainty about our faith, we are actually creating problems for ourselves. The Bible, in other words, really isn’t the problem; having the wrong expectation is what interferes with our reading.

Rather than considering the Bible as an ancient book weighed down with problems, flaws, and contradictions that must be defended by modern readers, Enns offers a vision of the holy scriptures as an inspired and empowering resource to help us better understand how to live as a person of faith today.

How the Bible Actually Works makes clear that there is no one right way to read the Bible. Moving us beyond the damaging idea that “being right” is the most important measure of faith, Enns’s freeing approach to Bible study helps us to instead focus on pursuing enlightenment and building our relationship with God—which is exactly what the Bible was designed to do.

A must read for Christians in a constantly changing world

This book was a breath of fresh air for anyone that has ever grappled with questions concerning modern day problems and trying to find answers within the Good Book. The book dives into its thesis head on: the Bible is a book meant to teach us wisdom for reimagining and understanding how to perceive God in a constantly changing world. Wisdom is the key to balancing a maintenance of biblical history while still keeping the infinite and awesome mystery of God’s character in a way that is fresh regardless of the age. No one will ever agree with every point or opinion in a theological book, but I reference this book often for its strong arguments laid out with ample historical context. I feel that anyone in the faith or simply interested in the Bible would love this book.

Importantly provocative

My first reaction to listening to the beginning of the first chapter was “okay what’s is this really all about?” But my curiosity propelled me to continue listen and I am glad I did! While I don’t necessarily agree with some of this author’s perspectives, I was provoked to think mor deeply and critically about my own beliefs and biblical information. I intend to listen again to study along with the Bible . This book I believe is important reading.

One of the best books ever written!

This book is wild; it redefines how to read and understand this ancient book. In many ways, it will make you more passionate to read it.

Exactly the read I needed

Along with being well read and performed this is an excellent book. I found it to be challenging and thought provoking. I have struggled recently with how to approach this ancient text that anchored my faith for so long. This book is a great guide in how to continue to respect and interact with the bible while not being a slave to the sometimes confusing and contradicting aspects of it.

Its All About Wisdom

In all of my times reading the Bible I wanted answers, Peter Enns says when you get immediate answers it doesn't command work, that makes sense to me. There are some places in the book I struggle with like Enns saying this is not a rule book, its about the journey of God's wisdom. I agree and disagree with this statement. I'm even ok with Enns calling the Bible ancient and diverse, but ambiguous I moved forward with trepidation.

Overall absolutely a good read and very informative, you will also find some comedy