Alive to the Purpose, by Ronald A. Horton

Author Ronald Horton wants you to read the Bible.  But the way you have been reading the Bible might not be what he's talking about.  In Alive to the Purpose: The Readerly Reading of Scripture, Horton points out that "the Bible is more often studied and searched and scrutinized and analyzed and theologized and memorized and dipped into and skimmed and scanned--all worthy and important actions--than it is read, that is really read."

Dr. Horton, who taught in the English and philosophy departments of Bob Jones University for more than 50 years, demonstrates his passion for the Bible, especially for the Bible as a great work of literature.  He wants readers to learn not only to approach the Bible for scholarly or devotional purposes, but as readers.  "A readerly approach to Scripture can produce fresh insights, bringing a long stretch of narrative to life."  The bulk of the book consists of Horton telling by showing, providing narrative commentary of several passages of scripture.

Many Christians, myself included, can benefit from this reminder to slow down, paying close attention to the details and setting of the stories of scripture, and to read for full context, not taking little snippets alone.  He certainly has a gift for fleshing out the stories of scripture.  I don't know how helpful this is for the average lay reader who does not have the knowledge of the linguistic and cultural background for these stories, but by paying attention to details in the text, the reader can get at least part way to where Horton leads.

Horton has a storyteller's voice and a deep love for the Bible.  We can all learn to appreciate the Bible more by learning from him.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!