The Epic of Eden

A Christian Entry into the Old Testament

By: Sandra L. Richter

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Does your knowledge of the Old Testament feel like a grab bag of people, books, events, and ideas? How many times have you resolved to really understand the OT? To finally make sense of it?

Perhaps you are suffering from what Sandra Richter calls the "dysfunctional closet syndrome". If so, she has a solution. Like a home-organizing expert, she comes in and helps you straighten up your cluttered closet. Gives you hangers for facts. A timeline to put them on. And handy containers for the clutter on the floor. Plus she fills out your wardrobe of knowledge with exciting new facts and new perspectives.

The whole thing is put in usable order - a history of God's redeeming grace. A story that runs from the Eden of the Garden to the garden of the New Jerusalem. Whether you are a frustrated do-it-yourselfer or a beginning student enrolled in a course, this book will organize your understanding of the Old Testament and renew your enthusiasm for studying the Bible as a whole.

©2008 Sandra L. Richter (P)2018 Tantor

Solid, direct, respected

Comprehensive framework into which we can plug our learning over time. I appreciated the fine effort.

Survey of Biblical Context

Excellent covenental framework for interpreting the New Testament in light of the historical, literary, and sociological context of the Old Testament.

Great overview of the structure Bible

Great overview of the structure and purpose of the Hebrew Bible and how it connects to the New Testament

So Detailed

This was exactly what I needed. I thought I knew a good portion of the Bible as I have read it cover to cover in many different ways. But the parallels and insights she provides are nothing short of earth shattering and eye opening. Great insight.

Loved it so much I read it twice

The author does a great job of organizing the Old Testament around key theological frameworks (eg, the covenants) and contextualizing the stories for modern western Christians. Highly recommended! A friend who bought the book based on my recommendation devoured it in two days. We both thought it was hard to put down

Phenomenal

A worthy read for every stage and age. What you know is stirred to life over and over again, making you fall in love with the God of the Bible all over again.

The Old Testament becomes both real and relevant

I listened to Epic of Eden because my daughter had taken classes from Dr Richter and was impressed by her teaching. Little did I know that this book would have a profound impact in my life as well. Dr Richter presents the Old Testament, not by going through each book and chapter, but by placing the events according to God’s plan and covenants with His people. She shows us what those covenants meant back then, what they mean for us now, and most importantly, who God is and what He still plans for His people. It’s a book that increases understanding, challenges us, and gives us hope that God still desires to dwell with His people. This is a “must read” for all who are striving to know the will of God and who are trusting in Jesus to bridge the gap to allow us to dwell with God someday. Hope to see you there!

A wonderful resource!

This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in a deeper/fuller understanding of covenant theology.

A Great Introduction to Folks of Various Faiths

A common question I’ve thought of, and was recently asked at Bible study, is this: “Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, is the Law obsolete?” While Ms. Richter doesn’t attempt to answer this blunt question until the last part of the book “Questions and Answers,” you can clearly see, while turning some of the book’s first pages, that the Old Testament is not obsolete. In fact, it’s even more grand when seen through refocused eyes, whether they’re the eyes of one who has faith or doesn’t. She takes us through the lives of major men: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus (the New Adam), all the while looking at the culture that surrounded them, showing how they made an even greater impact than we give them credit for.

The book is intelligent, citing many notes for further reading, and her charm and wit is wonderfully portrayed by the narrator, Ms. Ward. I’m sure I’ll read and listen along to this book again!

The amazing details regarding OT and NT connections.

The simplicity of the read was helpful. Bringing common sense to OT comprehension allows for better understanding of my faith and what Jesus felt of the law and prophets and their connection to NT covenant.