Summary
This interesting book re-tells stories from the Bible from the perspective of characters in the stories. For example, there is a story entitled “Stop the Madness!” which is written from the view of Abigail. She talks about her husband being “not the nicest person in the world…Actually, he’s a big fool.” We hear what she did to save her husband’s life and how David was grateful to her for stopping him from sinning. Each story ends with a “letter” from the character putting their story into practical application and ending with questions or a challenge to change something in the reader’s life because of what they have read.
Mom Thoughts
This is an engaging story Bible that might help children view the people in the stories as real people, not just characters. It also is interesting to think of these familiar stories from their perspective. However, it is a bit unsettling to put words into the mouths of people in Scripture, and I have many concerns with the text.
Concerning saving Noah, God says, “I’m going to destroy every living thing on earth. But since you’re a good man, I’m going to save you and your family.” It’s only by God’s grace that Noah had faith, God didn’t save him because he was a “good man.”
In one of the letters to the reader from Abraham, it says, “God is your friend, too.” This is either assuming the child is saved or leaning toward universalism.
The text misapplies the title God’s child to every person, while Scripture is clear that everyone is made in the image of God, but only those who are in Christ are Children of God.
There is a line that sounds very much like works righteousness because there is no mention of the Gospel around it. “God has written down instructions in the Bible to keep us close to him. When we follow those instructions, we’ll live good lives that please God, and we won’t hurt of family and friends- or our very best friend, God.” Also, we can’t hurt God.
The examples are too numerous, but this story Bible has terrible, man-centered theology. Sin is never mentioned, instead words like “wrong things” are used. Salvation is never mentioned. In Gideon’s letter it reads,
“Clearly God was in control. Yet, God didn’t do it all by himself, either. God gave us instructions, and we followed them….When God and I work together, we can change the world.”
Yes, Gideon obeyed, but it was ALL God. This view that God needs us to do his work for the world to be changed is becoming more popular, but it’s simply not Biblical. Does God graciously allow us to be part of his work on earth? Absolutely, but God doesn’t need us. His will will come to pass regardless.
Overall, this story Bible should be avoided.