Interesting Storytelling Techniques, Schizophrenic Fanbase
The Bible is a historical goldmine, worth a read purely so one understands the myriad references present in perhaps millions of texts across the world. Being written and compiled over nine-hundred years has affected the editions one has access to, for example the "recent" King James Edition, containing perhaps the inner bigotry of the old King himself filtered in. This does not detract from the main message of the story, however, since that has already been lost in translation.
The majority of the story concerns God's revelation to man. Written and serialised as part of some unknown form of distribution that is now lost to time, the effort of the author to convey a story never before seen is obvious and elegant.
The other and shorter testament is about Jesus, an incarnation of God that walks the earth and maintains peace among humans for a time. This part of the Bible is far less gory than the previous one, and is of interest to the more intellectual readers. It takes place from the perspectives of several of his followers and generally is more philosophical than the earlier one. Though through this it is made obvious the story has changed hands in terms of author, the style is greatly welcomed and refreshing.
Of course, the shortcoming of the Bible is one not at all it's fault, but must be talked about. Over the many hundreds of years since it's creation, it has gained a sizeable set of fans who defend it, quite literally, with the sword. Some level of inexplicable "defence" of this work and it's fans has led even to this very review becoming "blasphemous" for equating it to the normal standards of fiction. This detracts from the literary genius behind the book(s). If only those who use this fictitious design as a basis for their moral compass would realise they are ruining it for everyone else - in quite the same way fans of the Twilight series would if Twilight was well-written.
Ha! Clever little reviewer. I'm suprised no one else has done this one before. I'm a Christian personally but even if I wasn't you have to admit it's a ripping good story. Love the analogy of the different branches of the church being a broken fan-base. And you even managed a Twilight jab. Two thumbs up.
wellinever
19th Jun 09
Agreed with wellinever about the cleverness of the review. Although I have to say, that book has incredible pacing problems. I don't think I've seen any other book that stopped to throw genealogy at me.
WilliamWideWeb
26th Jun 09
Gee, thanks guys.
HarryBrewis
27th Jun 09
Everyone who attacks the King James Version should raed any translation made after teh New International Version, particularly "The Word."
I like the New Testament better, so thanks for the compliment about New Testament fans.
I appreciate the middle finger to Twilight.
Three Stars out of Four.
72.215.148.50
27th Jun 09
Regardless of whatever moral or historical value it may have, I can't say I've ever been impressed by the bible as a piece of literature. I've always been an extremely patient reader, but I've rarely found any book as much of a chore to read cover to cover.
Desertopa
27th Jun 09
The funny thing about the King James Version translation is that it makes the book a better piece of literature but loses some historical (if not moral) value in the process.
silver2195
27th Jun 09
The Bible continues to inspire millions today to live a better life and seek comforting words in times of trials and troubles. Even a non christian can take a bible and takeaway a million living techniques that can revolutionze his way of looking at the world and himself. From a historians point of view, it definitely is tru that all the facts in the bible have been altered, but it DOES serve a greater purpose. By the way, have you guys seen the movie called 'The man from Earth'?? There is a possible theory about how the main character himself could've been Jesus.....
195.229.235.42
18th Jul 09
58.7.64.254
22nd Jul 09
Mr. Lostman
22nd Jul 09
(edited by: Mr. Lostman)
58: I have read the Hobbit and the first LOTR book, but it was a long time ago so I didn't fully remember it. I do remember quitting in boredom though.
WilliamWideWeb
22nd Jul 09
To be honest, I found Revelations the only thing exciting in there.
Dick Richardson
26th Jul 09
190.58.41.236
11th Aug 09
The Book of Daniel is to the Old Testement what The Revelation of St. John is to the New Testement. It's got action, drama, AND crazy-looking monsters of prophesy.
Dracomicron
11th Aug 09
The Book of Daniel is like The Revelation, but the frame story isn't a possible drug trip on an island, its mob politics and a royal coup.
As a piece of literature, the Bible is best viewed as a pre-modern postmodern mindscrew with a Gainax Ending and massive cases of Anvilicousness, Authorship on Board, and Viewers are Geniuses Syndrome.
76.212.188.66
15th Aug 09
24.91.112.212
15th Aug 09
Mr. Lostman
16th Aug 09
(edited by: Mr. Lostman)
24.91.112.212
16th Aug 09
Raw Power
17th Aug 09
(edited by: Raw Power)
Wulf
17th Aug 09
(edited by: Wulf)
JapaneseTeeth
24th Sep 09
Well, this is interesting. Funny review!
OuttaTheBLAM
25th Sep 09
HarryBrewis
6th Nov 09