Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes - by E Randolph Richards & Richard James (Paperback)

About the Book

The Bible was written within collectivist cultures, and it's easy for Westerners to misinterpret--or miss--important elements. Combining the expertise of a biblical scholar and a missionary practitioner, this essential guidebook explores the deep social structures of the ancient Mediterranean, stripping away individualist assumptions and helping us read the Bible better.

Book Synopsis

The Bible was written within collectivist cultures. When Westerners, immersed in individualism, read the Bible, it's easy to misinterpret important elements--or miss them altogether. In any culture, the most important things usually go without being said. So to read Scripture well we benefit when we uncover the unspoken social structures and values of its world. We need to recalibrate our vision.

Combining the expertise of a biblical scholar and a missionary practitioner, Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes is an essential guidebook to the cultural background of the Bible and how it should inform our reading. E. Randolph Richards and Richard James explore deep social structures of the ancient Mediterranean--kinship, patronage, and brokerage--along with their key social tools--honor, shame, and boundaries--that the biblical authors lived in and lie below the surface of each text. From Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to Peter's instructions to elders, the authors strip away individualist assumptions and bring the world of the biblical writers to life.

Expanding on the popular Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, this book makes clear how understanding collectivism will help us better understand the Bible, which in turn will help us live more faithfully in an increasingly globalized world.

Review Quotes

"Richards and James are master storytellers who bring to life the world of the Bible. By explaining the implicit cultural backdrop to biblical stories, the authors paint a rainbow of color on the black and white pages of Scripture. Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes draws on decades of international experience living in non-Western cultures and on vast biblical knowledge. Readers gain a deep and clear understanding of the Bible's stories and characters, plus a rich appreciation for the global church today. Profound insights and fun to read¬--this book delights the heart and mind!"

About the Author

E. Randolph Richards (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is provost and professor of biblical studies in the School of Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University. His many books include Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, Rediscovering Jesus, Rediscovering Paul, The Story of Israel, and Paul and First-Century Letter Writing.

Richard James (pseudonym) is a crosscultural trainer and is involved in leading church planting teams in the Middle East.