Back in the 1970s a book called The Battle for the Bible was a clarion call to return to biblical fidelity. Although not perfect, many heard that call. I see Kenneth Berding’s Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book in the same vein. “This book answers the question of why we need a revival of the Bible in our generation and what it will take to see it happen” (p. 12). The author is a professor of New Testament studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.
Bible Revival is composed of a brief introduction, six major chapters, and two appendices. The six chapters include the following: (1) A Revival of Learning the Word: Confronting Distractions, Priorities, and the Pretext of Being Too Busy; (2) A Revival of Valuing the Word: Confronting Haziness, Self-Sufficiency, and the Perception That the Bible Isn’t Enough; (3) A Revival of Understanding the Word: Confronting Superficiality, Superiority, and the Assumption That It Should Come Easily; (4) A Revival of Applying the Word: Confronting Special Interests, Therapeutism, and a Lack of Dependence on the Spirit; (5) A Revival of Obeying the Word: Confronting Sentimentality, Avoidance, and the Opinion That I Have the Right to Decide; and (6) A Revival of Speaking the Word: Confronting Fear, Excuses, and the Idea That It’s the Responsibility of the Clergy. The two appendices are “The Easiest Way to Memorize the Bible” and “A Method for Attaining Bible Fluency.”
This work is clearly and concisely written (128 pp.). These two characteristics make it a good resource for classes and small groups. Each chapter concludes with a prayer and review questions to further help facilitate this purpose. I appreciate the author’s passion for and commitment to the Bible. For many who will likely read this book, Berding will probably be “preaching to the choir.” But every now and again, the choir needs to be reminded that we are in a battle for the Bible.
You can read an excerpt here. You can also access an interview with the author here.
Much thanks to Weaver Books for providing the free review copy used in this unbiased review.
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