Who Stole My Bible?

By Rev. Jennifer Butler

With a title like “Who Stole My Bible?” one might think that this book would be solely focused on how the Bible has been mis-interpreted in recent years by different areas of the church. And while there is a bit of that, there is much more to be found in this challenging, yet hopeful book by Rev. Jennifer Butler. Through her selection of notable passages of Scripture, Rev. Jennifer highlights how the importance of justice is the heart of what God reveals in the scriptures. For me, I was personally quite taken by the author’s creative and beautiful use of the ancient practice of lectio divina to start each chapter. Chapter nine’s meditation on John’s time at Patmos was particularly moving as Butler weaves John’s struggles of being in exile into the visions and symbols that make the Book of Revelation so powerful.

While I come from a different Christian tradition, I found much to reflect on due to the author’s ability to connect the lectio portion of each chapter with a modern justice-focused application. One does not have to agree with every point the author makes to be able to appreciate what she does. This book was a helpful perspective-shift for me and a reminder that the scriptures retain a power to call forth change in our hearts and society. Today we need to see, once again, that the Bible is a book that calls forth liberation for those in bondage. Rev. Butler’s contribution to this need is greatly appreciated.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.