Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes

Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible

By: E. Randolph Richards, Brandon J. O'Brien

Narrated by: Tom Parks

What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example, when Western readers hear Paul exhorting women to "dress modestly," we automatically think in terms of sexual modesty. But most women in that culture would never wear racy clothing. The context suggests that Paul is likely more concerned about economic modesty—that Christian women not flaunt their wealth through expensive clothes, braided hair, and gold jewelry. By the same token, Western individualism leads us to assume that Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem. What went without saying was that they were likely accompanied by a large entourage of extended family.

Biblical scholars Brandon O'Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where modern Westerners have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own cross-cultural experience in global mission, O'Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time, and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways.

©2012 E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien (P)2023 Tantor

lots to think about

in my Western mind, I wanted more how to fix it, but loved the way it challenged me to think beyond my upbringing and culture.

Really challenges the status quo!

Love the questions this provokes and the broader perspective this encourages! The Bible is absolutely live and active… to all times and all cultures!

Illuminating

I appreciate the many excellent examples that help explain how scripture is both more complex and more interesting than it might first appear reading through Western eyes.

Paradigm Shifting!

This book challenged my thinking in so many ways! Well written and presented I plan to listen again AND get a print version! The information in this book is presented clearly and with scriptural foundation. I am recommending this book to everyone for clarity in how we read scripture!

A Must Read

I really enjoyed this book. It’s amazing how the western culture views scripture. This book is filled with insight and examples of how we misread certain verses. The author uses real life examples, as a Missionary in Indonesia, adding new depths on how we are really missing the boat! Great Book!

This book is so relevant

This book is eye opening. It has opened my eyes and is helping me understand my Bible better.

fresh perspective perhaps a paradigm shift.

The first chapter is slow, don't let that discourage you get past that and gets more interested.
this is a book I think every preacher and teacher of Christian faith in America at least if not everywhere should read whether you agree with it or disagree with it it's a perspective that needs to be heard and discussed. it leaves for further discussion perhaps from a different perspective then you would have otherwise in all areas of biblical study. That's my take

A Must-Read for Western Christians

This is a very good first step in learning to read Scripture as it was intended, and not merely through our cultural lens. I only wish I had purchased a hard copy, because there are many things worth noting in this volume. The narration, however, was pleasant, if somewhat slow.

The authors bring wonderful firsthand experience to the table -- the book is rich with examples of ways in which other cultures view the world and interpret Scripture. They add a welcome touch of humor, too, and their style made it accessible to those who are not academics.

Enlightening—the book I didn’t know I needed

A great read for increasing awareness and becoming a more global reader of the Bible.

Not at all what you think. Not at all helpful for Christian Faith

while we'll read, I hated this book. I gave it all I could to finish it, but couldn't. I stoped 2/3rds through the book and could stomach ot any longer. I was hoping for a book that shared a Biblical view point. maybe the culture of the Jewish people/ early Christians to get a better understanding of scripture. it's all about other cultures and other religions. it basically puts us down in America and says we are all wrong... maybe we should be more like the Hindu's, ancient Greeks or other " open minded" popular thinking. it is not helpful at all and I wished I didn't spend my money supporting this propaganda!