Am pleased that evangelical scholars are taking a serious look at the context of our readings, within historical/cultural definitions. The Lord Jesus provided a similar kind of redirect to the people of His day by looking past the pharisaic customs, designed to aid in spiritual compliance, and pointed them to the principals which they'd represented. This book is neither exhaustive, nor complete, but it provides a template, with good questions for the reader as he or she continues his/her reading of scripture. This a good place to start. I have this in a digital version also, and would love to see it completed text by text with historical and cultural background notes for the complete Bible, and linked to electronic Bible resources, so that they match/synchronize as we read. Yes, this is a beautiful beginning. It's time we Christians get off our pious laurels, and dig deeper for the principals behind this beautiful (and divinely inspired) historical collection of books, letters, and predictive revelations that we call the Bible. Careful reading does NOT undermine the authority of scripture. On the contrary, it validates it.

Excellent read! I did not agree with the authors 100% of the time. Sometimes I perceived their analysis to have gone too far and sometimes not far enough in identifying our cultural 21st century western biases. However, whether I agreed or disagreed, the book was thought provoking and well worth the time I spent reading it. My first introduction to how much our Western modern culture impacts the lens through which we read an ancient Middle Eastern text was over 20 years ago in the book "Light Through an Eastern Window" by K. C. Pillai. (Also a recommended read) This book inspired me to take a fresh look at my own cultural biases and how they impact my Bible interpretations.

valuable perspectives for improving understanding of context, vital to appreciation and appropriate application of life leasons taught in Scripture...throughly enjoyed it!

This book was recommended by a university professor and I found it to be insightful and thought provoking.

This book is a must read. Once you see the cultural differences between "Eastern" and "Western" thought, you can't unsee it. The book is an easy read, and will be a terrific help in your understanding Scripture. Order it TODAY.