Bibles Bible Studies Books

This book is helpful in explaining the Catholic faith, what we believe and why we believe it. In addition to the Holy Bible this book will help you to deepen your relationship with God. It provides the reader with clarity and opens up a better understanding of Catholic tradition that has been handed down over the centuries.

I found this a balanced approach as well as a style which maintains interest, for the RCIA adult reader as well an RCIA Coordinator. Particularly well done is the lead in to each chapter, which contains the life of a saint, thereby providing the new Catholic reader with a form of Church history which inspires and educates.

This book is very organized and easy to read. It is very informative and gives the reader more insight on the views, rituals and beliefs of the Catholic Church. It is a must for Catholics who want/need to learn more about their faith.

The US Catholic Catechism for Adults provides an easy to read and thought-provoking introduction to the Catholic faith. As a person converting to Catholicism, I have found the chapters easy to read and short. Each chapter begins with a story about an American clergy person or saint. From here, the chapters discuss key issues related to faith, sacraments, or living a moral life. The end of each chapter offers interesting discussion questions and a summary of key points. This text can be used for RCIA programs or for individuals wanting an brief introduction to the Catholic faith. For those wanting a more definitive outline of the policies of the Catholic Church (and who have a little bit more reading time), the Cathecism of the Catholic Church (about 822 pages in lenght) should provide that and more.

This catechism is an "adaptation of the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church,' and is presented to Catholics of the United States, who are members of both Latin and Eastern Churches..." although this catechism is only intended to introduce Latin Christians to Eastern traditions, since it is expected that Eastern Rites will eventually develop their own catechisms. The arrangement of the U.S. Catechism follows that of the universal catechism: the Creed, the Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer. Like the universal catechism, it also specifically addresses major aspects of Catholic faith and morality.

So if this catechism is simply an adaptation of the excellent universal catechism, then why even bother with it? I think the best reason to get the U.S. Catechism is its helpful layout and user-friendly presentation. Rather than being a series of numbered points (like the universal catechism), the U.S. Catechism is laid out more like your average non-fiction book, making it possibly more approachable than other catechisms. There are helpful gray boxes spread throughout the book that highlight points from the regular text. Each chapter begins with a biography of a major Catholic figure, many which are important to the development of American Catholicism. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, concise "doctrinal points" (i.e. what Catholics are expected to believe), meditations (from the Scriptures, Church Fathers, etc), and prayers. Appendix A is a helpful glossary of Catholic terms, and Appendix B is a collection of basic Catholic prayers. All of this means that the U.S. Catechism is a self-contained textbook, useful in a variety of Catholic adult education situations.

Overall, this is a fine catechism that certainly meets its goal of being a local adaptation of the universal catechism. While in the past, the United States Catholic Bishops have been accused of watering-down Catholic Teaching, the U.S. Catechism does not contradict, or water down, what is taught in the universal catechism. Thus, I hope that the U.S. Catechism is used regularly in RCIA classes, marriage-preparation classes, and other adult education situations. While this catechism is excellent, I would still recommend owning both the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, since the U.S. Catechism is based on these works.

This book has a lot of information not only on how to read the Bible, but also on its historical context (exegesis) and how it can apply to us today (harmenuetics.) This book has so much though that to read this book for all its worth requires a dictionary and time. If you want to learn about the Bible as well as how to read and understand it and have the time to go through it, then this book will be a great buy for you.

Great book that provides a great tool for how to get deeper into the Bible. It is easy to follow and fairly simple to see the points. They provide great examples from different passages with different translations. And using different examples on how to go through an exegesical study helps the reader to follow the process. Highly recommended.

Another book that was required for a course. Another book that would not otherwise have been purchased. Content was OK. It contained some helpful and insightful information.

The title says it all. If you want to read the Bible for all its worth, you, not only read the book, but have to have your own copy. I borrowed the book from the library and started digging into it. There were many valuable Bible verses provided to illustrate and support the important points of the author's view. In order to gain the most from the book, I would need to go through all of these references. Since I did not have the time to do this at one time, I would like to keep a copy on my book shelf. In this case, I would be able to refer to it whenever I need to. So, I decided to purchase my own copy. If you are serious about understanding the Bible, I highly recommend this book to you.

The book is an excellent journey into the word of God and will get you pointed in the right direction. Many Christians do not study the word of God in the correct context and this book rectifies a long standing problem in the Evangelical community concerning the interpretation of Scripture. I was concerned about the author's pushing the TNIV as the translation of choice for serious study of the Bible. I would have preferred that they used the NRSV with the TNIV being a strong secondary translation for study. I did appreciate the fact that they encouraged the use of Bible dictonaries and commentaries to study scripture, but I felt that thay should have done a chapter on good study bibles that can aid in understanding the text. I did feel that they interjected their opinions too much in the book and gave us their pet peeves, couched in the language of exegesis and hermeneutics. In the same vein, they did debunk a few misinterpretations on some biblical passages and they allow for healthy dissent. The most important thing is to read the Bible and this book gives a good start.

This was a good product in an easy to carry size. I bought it for my son for school and several of his friends ordered one right away. It is sturdy hardback construction but not too big for his backpack.

Every Catholic should have a copy of the Catechism. It keeps one rooted and reminded of the Truths in the Church's deposit of faith and helps serve as guide in the way we lead our everyday lives. Promulgated in 1992, matters of faith and morality are explained in the contest of today's realities and issues as we understand and encounter them.

The most important explanations and answers to one's own and other Catholics questions about his Faith are found in this comprehensive volume: Holy Tradition, real presence, doctrine of the BVM, the Paschal Mystery, etc. This CCC is the most complete and the official CCC of the Church. All other new Catechism books are (or should be) derived from this one. A bit heavy reading though. And it might take time before one finishes the entire tome and could be difficult at some portions. The language is a bit difficult especially for ordinary persons like me who have may not have had formal lessons in theology. Many words used are a bit unfamiliar. However, this should not stop anyone from reading it. A solution would be to read the Compendium or any other shorter forms of the Catechism written in simpler language. The CCC can thus be used as a "resource" or "reference" book when one wants more detailed or deeper explanation of things. Every Catholic should have at least read the CCC once as a "refresher" or introductory course.

The small-sized Doubleday printing of the 2nd edition is a handy companion to the Roman Daily Missals that provide cross references to the Catechism. It's a good copy to keep on hand for meditation or reflection purposes. (It has enough content to help in meditation.) The binding looks sturdy enough to last a long time and carry along. Convenient enough to carry around and squeeze into tiny spaces in the car.

My problem with this printed version is that the texts are too small worse with the footnotes), not at all reader-friendly. The texts are even smaller than the ones in the tiny missal I use. I can hardly see anything when I used it under subdued lighting. The publishers might have missed out some practical aspects of the Catechism's uses. If you need the Catechism for other purposes like a reference for writing or research, this printed version is a bit troublesome to use. Unlike the small missals, it doesn't stay open when you lay it out on your desk for reading. No space for writing side notes for study. Still, I purchased the copy I needed to have a copy of the Catechism (2nd edition); unfortunately, it is the only one available at Amazon when I bought it.

If not for this inconvenience and as there are many alternative copies by other publishers, I would have given it 5 stars.

I received the book in great condition! My only complaint is that it too so long to get here (2 weeks). Due to the inflation of gas prices, I'm not that upset about it getting it so late, although, I wish it could have gotten here sooner. I would buy from this company again.

How bizarre to read a 'statement of faith' based on the outline of the Apostles Creed and not the Bible. In this volume the creed appears to have taken precedence over the Bible, (except where proof-texts are needed from the Bible to force this organizations dogma). How remarkable the arrogance and how splendid the language of an organization which extorted its way into world religions through the oppression of the poor, (indulgences to build St. Marks' Cathedral), drug sales to fill its coffers, (Jesuit Black ships from Japan), wholesale killing of those who held the Bible as singly sacred, (inquisition of the original Baptists and latter reforming true Christians), and recently the abuse of likely 100's of thousands of children at the hands of pedophile priests, bishops, and cardinals. How we would do best to get back to historical Christianity and do away with the human invention of "Catholicism". Is it any wonder that Mohammed considered "Christianity" corrupt in his day and began his own religion? Now we have more corruption in yet another human religion to counter the original apostacy. What blight on humanity and disgrace to Christ Himself is this?

"If the Christians would be Christians, we would all be Christians" -Mahatma Ghandi

This Catechism clearly and thoroughly shows the teachings of the modern Roman church. If anyone wishes to learn about Catholicism, read the catechism itself rather than Protestant portrayals of Catholicism. That being said, the theology of the church is clearly in error in several points. Unlike prior tradition of the Roman church, those outside of faith in Christ are given the possibility of salvation. Protestants as well are said to be seperated brethren, though this directly contradicts the canons of Trent. Thus, the infallibility of church councils is untrue. The sections on Mariology, penance, and purgatory are in great error, though the description of the trinity is wonderful. Sadly the Roman church is very far from Biblical doctrine.

VDMA

The book was new and in excellent condition when I received it. The shipment was prompt with no delays.

I would definitely recommend this book. I was barely through the first chapter and was absolutely amazed at how much I was NEEDING to read this book. It fit my life perfectly. I love the way she words things and labels things throughout the book. About the time I would think the book couldn't match me any more perfectly, I'd read something that would fit right in once again! I'm not even finished reading it as of yet but I know it's one of those books that I will read many more times in the future! A+ recommendation!

I am so excited about this book. So many women today just don't understand the balance we need to maintain in life as women and Christians. They are unaware of the central ground of being at the feet of Jesus all the while serving in the capacity of the world we live in. JoAnna Weaver does get it and she bears her heart in her book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World."

In twelve revelation and scripture packed chapters, JoAnna takes you to the core of what you need to balance it all.... a relationship with Jesus Christ.

You'll be drawn to chapters like: "Lord, Don't You Care?", Living Room Intimacy, and Balancing Work and Worship and those are just a few. I couldn't put the book down. The message is biblical, the concepts are practical, and the way it is written is very personable and you can very easily relate to her.

I have enjoyed this book on my own, with two friends as a study, and also as a book club selection. I've read it twice and have put it on my "short list" of books to read annually. There is so much good information to help me grow in my spiritual walk with the Lord!

Written in a user friendly style. Very motivating with exccellent internal evaluations by the reader, while being gently led by the author. I would definetly reccommend this book for all women.

Although not a perfect book, this was one of the best Bible-based books I've read! Bad Girls of the Bible takes a look at ten amazing women who inspire me and encourage. At the beginning of each chapter Liz starts with a short story of each woman if she were in present-day, making it easier to relate with each woman... Liz also separates each verse in the story and shows what may really be inside each woman's heart. I couldn't put this book down! It reminded me of what small things can make us sin.. and what can bring us back to God. Entertaining, amazing, inspiring book! I encourage it for all readers!

This book tells a real world story similar to the story of each of the "Bad Girls" of the Bible, then tells the actual biblical story for each. This is followed by though-provoking questions for modern-day women to think about how we can apply this to our lives.

For women who wish to stay in a walk with God, and sometimes feel weak in today's world, this book shows that we are not abnormal, but can learn from mistakes that women made in the Bible.

I would recommend that all Godly women read this book. It will touch your life in some way. I'm sure there will be many women delivered from this book.

I actually liked this book better than I liked Slightly Bad Girls...I feel as if the Biblical characters were easier to identify with than the ones in SBD. Unfortunately, I still do not enjoy Ms. Higgs writing style--I feel as if she over simplifies too many things and the whole "girlfriend talk" just isn't my cup of tea anyway. That said, I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light devotional read.

this book is misleading in its title and anti-woman. I purchased it for use at a women's church retreat I was leading. Upon opening it I was dismayed to find it was chock full of fundamentalist mysogenist dogma meant to show how women need to remain in their "place" by exemplifying the "sinful behavior" of these women. I promptly returned the book. Buyer beware before purchasing these books.

If you have been on the fence about buying a study bible, wait no longer!
You won't be dissapointed with this one. Its easy to understand.

This is a wonderful bible, wish I would have discovered it sooner. It explains every verse. I highly recommend this bible.

NIV Application bible is really good
to helps us understand more about bible.
And encourage us to practice the value from God into our life.

I was introduced to this bible through a friend and it has been a Godsend! I am not too familiar with the information of the bible because I did not understand what I was reading. This NIV bible has eliminated that issue. It is easy to read and follow the book chapter to chapter. The concordance at the end of each page is the best tool to learn what you have just read. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone! Happy reading!

The NIV Life Application Study Bible is great BUT I've definitely appreciated upgrading to get the BEST one, which is the exact same on the inside as this product but has a genuine leather cover (rather than bonded leather) AND indexed thumb tabs to make finding the books of the Bible easier. This 'best' one is available here on Amazon for just a few dollars more -- find it, and my full review, at: NIV Life Application® Study Bible (New International Version).

Oh, it is so refreshing to have someone see things as I do and agree with me. I have been on a 10 year search for the truth. Much of what is written in the book are things that I have known for some time. However, some of it was new. It's tough to take a stand when many people are ignorant of the facts.

The book is very detailed and documents the specific locations when citing fact. It also cross-references and uses logic to conclude that many people are simply missing the point. The book doesn't go on to tell you what to believe. The book simply puts you in the right direction and gives you the freedom to reach the bottom line on your own.

Joe Kovacs has written an amusing, informative and thought-provoking book. Though not a Biblical scholar, Kovacs takes aim at myths and misunderstood passages with facts that may shock even the most ardent Bible readers. This is not an interpretation of the Bible. Kovacs simply takes at face value what is written using several of the most-read translations (King James, NIV, NLT). Stun your friends with stories you may have never heard before: the worst case of hemorroids in history; the Twenty Commandments; God's diet plan; the three Heavens; and why it's not nice to tease a bald man! This book will have you turning to your Bible with a renewed interest that goes far beyond trivia.

You will not be bored. You will not be afraid. You will be laughing, learning and enlightened! Kovacs has brilliantly exposed the meaning behind many issues that you may not realize you'd wondered about until you read this book. So much of what we take for granted as being the 'gospel' is not what the Bible says. Some issues of sin and character traits of Satan are just two of the many areas Kovacs addresses with style and humor and bible quotes. This book will change how you view God, the Word, Satan and many other 'taken for granted' faith issues.

I have just gotten this book and couldn't put it down! If you are looking for religion in this book, you really wont find it. It isn't like that. What it is however, is the Truth as God has written it! No twisting of words or verses, no out of context ideas. Just the Words as God Himself inspired the men to write.

Although most of the things in this Bible I had already known, there are some things that just made me take a look at some things I already thought I knew. The points about Heaven, death, and even the Transfiguration, puts things into perspective, thus making the rest of the stories easily understood.

So many ideas of today's Christianity is so far from what God originally said, and somewhere along the lies and falseness, we as a general have fallen for them as truth. This book will make you look at your own ideas about God, Faith, and all things Bible in a whole new light. A MUST read for all who wish to know God in Truth!!!

When a journalist takes on the Bible, you might expect a post-modern putdown of the ancient holy book. But award-winning journalist Joe Kovacs has a different take on the Holy Scriptures. He actually takes the Bible at its word and shows how many shocking misconceptions people have about it today.

In Shocked by the Bible Kovacs questions everything people think they know about the Bible. He says his book is "meant to startle you with truths you did not know were in Scripture, to get you to think with a new perspective. I'm not talking about trivial names and places no one can pronounce. I am talking about major issues, including who God is, who you are, why you were born, and your ultimate destiny" (p. xii, 2008).

Don't expect the party line of the major denominations here. Kovacs subtitles his book "The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told," and he doesn't just target the biblically illiterate like Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't. He seeks to enlighten those who "know [the Bible] well--or at least think they know it well." The book "may even tick you off to the point where you'll want to `have it out' with those who taught you--or more accurately, did not teach you--the astounding information you'll find here" (p. xii).

Kovacs makes shocking statements that he backs up with clear scriptures. Some samples:

* "For instance, if asked how many wise men were present at the Bethlehem manger when Jesus was born, most people will likely answer, `Three.' They would be wrong. The correct answer from the Bible is actually...zero!" (p. 3).

* "The Bible does not say Jesus died on Friday or rose Sunday morning. If that were the case, then Jesus Christ would have been incorrect (or as some nonbelievers suggest, lying) in twice using the phrase `three days and three nights' as the sign proving His true identity as God. Jesus died on a Wednesday, and just as He taught, rose from the dead `after three days' on a Saturday" (p. 22).

* "As shocking as this may sound, the reason we look like God and were made in His image is because we were created to be part of the actual Family of God and live with Him in eternity" (p. 149).

As serious, and as shocking, as all this sounds, Kovacs spices it up with humor and some irreverence. Though I wouldn't agree with every word in Shocked by the Bible, I admit it's the kind of book I would have liked to have written. In fact, for a moment I wondered if someone in the media department of the United Church of God where I work really wrote it. But, alas, the royalties won't be coming here.

I applaud Joe Kovacs for the courage to write a book that exposes many myths and misconceptions that have grown up about the Bible over hundreds of years. I applaud Thomas Nelson for publishing this book, when it contradicts many of the other books they publish (but not their main Book!).

As part of a church that takes the Bible literally (even Christ's command "Freely you have received, freely give" in Matthew 10:8), I was happy to see a book that takes the Bible at its word. Many of the shocking but biblical things Kovacs discusses, and more, can be found in the publications of the United Church of God like Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe? and What Is Your Destiny? I wouldn't be too shocked if Joe Kovacs did some of his research on the UCG.org Web site...not shocked, but pleased.

This book is indeed some of the best work I've read in Christian/Ufology and it is backed in scripture. We don't know exactly every detail of the coming events but we know the best detail. This work should be with every Christian believer who can chew (meat) not milk. I do believe as the God says the enemy is very deceitful and uses many tricks. Also believe that they are not from outer space at all but dwell with us on this planet. It's more marketable for them to romanticize their agenda instead of saying what is really true and that they are bound on the earth by the Almighty.

I can't imagine a better time for this book to be released. Skeptics beware! Tom's findings are extremely well-founded and researched. I was skeptical at first, and being the kind of independant person who thinks for myself and bases my own theories on my OWN researching, I often find most sholarly approaches to the paranormal activity on our planet a thin and opinionated reference at best, almost always twisting scripture to prove THEIR point. Tom has not only approached issues of Nephilim, UFOs, demon dieties and the year 2012 from an unbiased and Biblical Christian's perspective, he was also bold enough to address that there have been more recordings of this strange activity in our history than from JUST the Bible, and those other references are important. So regardless of your personal convictions, religious or otherwise, hear what Tom has to say.

Be warned. Don't be unprepared.

It was good read... interesting Theory, Shares the same ideology as Patrick Heron. SO I really like the book. I like both writers and I recommend them both

I bought this book after reading Patrick Heron's wonderful book "Nephilim and the Pyramids of the Apocolypse" and was realy disappointed.

Horn's book stays within the same theme as Heron's book, (beings mixed DNA with pre-flood humans) but for me, that is the only thing they have in common.

Where Heron's book stays within a Christian theme (the beings were fallen angels, led by Satan) Horn mixes New Age themes and it becomes a bit confusing. Horn describes both fallen angels AND super-intelligent beings from other planets. Does he think they are the same?? I really don't know. He mentions fallen angels, UFO's and ET's as if they are separate entities.

There is no message of salvation in "Nephilim Stargates". In fact, I really didn't come away with any message except something bad is coming our way and the world is ending in 2012. If I wasn't a Christian and didn't believed in salvation, I would probably come away from the book with a sense of dread and hopelessness. Maybe I misunderstood the book thinking it was Christian, so it could be my fault.

He does quote Scripture, but some of the quotes were nothing close to what I referenced in my KJV Bible. In fact, some quoted scriptures seemed to be completely rewritten, or completely misinterpreted. Very dangerous to me.

He does quote a lot from other authors and even devotes a large section to his fictional book he has written on this subject.

I would pass this one up and instead, read Patrick Heron's book I referenced above.

I can sum this book up in one sentance for you. All the Gods of old, Greek, Roman, Sumarian, and UFO's are Demons out to get you. 200 plus pages of the same thing over and over. It was a chore to finish this book. The author quotes Biblical text every other page in support of his idea. Not once mentioning the fact that Christianity has spent the last 1500 years demoizing every other religon in its quest for dominance. If you are intrested in alternative history I highly recomend works by JP Farell and Grahm Hancock.

Ehrman takes us on a journey detailing the development of the New Testament, from 2nd century manuscripts through modern day biblical scholarly attempts to piece together what the original "autograph" copy may have really said.

While contradictory and altered versions of the New Testament were known to me, the scope of those variations, and the causes for them was not. Using examples of scripture, and referencing the earliest and later manuscripts, Ehrman details instances of simple scribal errors, mistakes in Greek translations, attempts to counter "heretical" alternative Christian beliefs, reinforcement of the preferred Christian orthodoxy, demonizing Judaism, attempts to fend off pagan criticisms, and suppression of the role of women in the church hierarchy. Much of what was done, in error or with an agenda, clearly altered the intent of the writers of the bible, in some cases so significantly as to alter the original authors' perspectives of the "historical" Jesus and church doctrine.

His ability to explain to the layman the methods of textual critical research, opened up a whole new world of understanding as to how these contradictions and variances came to be and how they can be deconstructed to get a better picture of the original lost version.

That in this day and age there are people who will attempt to gloss over / ignore, or diminish the implications of these errors / alterations / contradictions, instead preferring to cling to the "word of God" dogma, is evidence of blind faith's ability to cloud reason and scholarship in defense of a beloved tradition and belief system. It attests to the strength of the religious meme, not the diminishment of scholarly facts

This is a must read for anyone with an interest in Christian scripture, regardless of where one stands on religion.

Bart D. Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why" is simply the most enlightening title I have ever read! Par with his other works, Ehrman condenses centuries of relevant biblical history into this remarkably informative and accessible volume. As one of the world's leading biblical scholars, and chair of the department of religious studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Ehrman's qualifications and experience empower him to deliver candid and noteworthy insight into the most provocative topic the world has ever known. In his luminous book, "Misquoting Jesus", Ehrman reveals the academic and historical truth about the New Testament texts and their turbulent rise to become our society's most influential--and controversial--body of spiritual knowledge. This book is sure to prove itself an imperative revelation for any Christian seeker, and a comprehensive examination of fact-versus-fiction for the inquisitive reader. "Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why" is, without doubt, one of the modern world's most significant and important contributions to the effective understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Ehrman follows up on his 2003 study of The Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by turning his eye for Biblical criticism on those books that did make it into the canon.

Ehrman talks briefly about textual criticism as applied to New Testament source manuscripts, suggesting that the currently accepted canon has been revised inadvertently and intentionally over in over 30,000 places. He provides a handful of examples, and provides a very elementary introduction to the discipline.

Not that compelling. Most interesting is his introductory biographical essay, telling of his boyhood in the Lutheran faith where Bible study wasn't encouraged, to a teenage born-again experience, to his scholarly studies which have made him pull back and refer to "born again" in quotes.

The most interesting question he raises is how to square Biblical inerrancy with textual revisions, some of which have surely taken place, although none of his main examples are faith-shattering. His point, well taken, is that if you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then having the actual words of the original writers is vitally important, and needs to be considered seriously as a theological question.

Erhman's book provides a clear and concise explanation of new testament history.

This history shows the finger prints of humanity on the authorship of the Bible.

The Bible we have today is the result of one version of early Christianity winning the battle for orthodoxy over competing factions. The victors declared the losers heretics and wrote the "word of God" to support their views.

This book is well worth reading if you are interested in the subject matter. Perhaps most refreshing about this book, despite its rather provocative title, is that Ehrman is very objective in his review of early Christian writings. I read a lot of books on the topic of religion that have been written by atheists and, while I enjoy most of these books, I have to admit that many of these authors have a tendency to be sarcastic (some might even say smarmy) when referring to the faithful. Ehrman, a former fundamentalist Christian turned agnostic, appears to respect the religious convictions of others, even if his own research caused him to change his beliefs. His interest in the subject matter seems genuine to me. I didn't get the impression that he had an agenda, other than a genuine scholarly interest to discover, to the degree possible, the truth about early Christianity and the evolution of the New Testament.

It is because of Ehrman's objectivity that I was surprised (although I shouldn't be really) that there is a book called Misquoting Truth that disputes Ehrman's research. I guess this indicates that Ehrman, who has been writing books on early Christianity for years, has achieved a level of success that brings with it a degree of notoriety.

Because I've read a number of books on early Christianity, not everything in this book was new to me, but I found quite a bit of information that I hadn't heard before. It has a logical flow, is accessible to a lay person, and is well researched and objective.

It is unlikely that fundamentalist Christians will read this book with an open mind, but I think a lot of Christians could find it very enlightening to read. I know that as a child, attending Catechism, I was either taught (or just assumed) a lot of things that I suspect many Christians believe. I always assumed that the gospels were written by men who knew Jesus (or at least had first-hand knowledge of his life) shortly after his death. I assumed that the four gospels in the New Testament were the only gospels, that they were consistent with one another, that they never changed, and that we had the originals somewhere. I assumed that all of the followers of Jesus had the same beliefs about his life, death, and resurrection.

I have come to learn that these assumptions are likely false. The gospels were written decades after the death of Jesus and its unlikely that they represent first-hand accounts of his life. There were many very different variations of early Christianity and numerous gospels and writings circulated at this time, reflecting a wide range of interpretations of who Jesus was. These writings reflect the different theological interests and competing agendas of early Christians. The four canonized gospels contradict each other (quite significantly at times) and no originals have been found. Most interesting (and the focus of this book) is how the gospels and other writings of the New Testament were altered by scribes over hundreds of years. Some changes were accidental, but many alterations were likely deliberate. Ehrman objectively analyses the probable motives behind many of these changes.

This is a very well written, well researched, discussion of this topic. I recommend this book to anyone interested in early Christian history.