Description: How can people taking diametrically opposing positions on contemporary issues--dividing both religious communities and society--quote the Bible in support of their views? What does it mean to make a claim that the Bible says or teaches something? Why appeal to the Bible at all? Whose interpretation is the right one? If you've felt confused about the Bible's role or authority in such controversies, this book may help. The author draws upon his more than forty years of pastoral ministry and seminary teaching experience as he examines the Bible--what it is (and isn't), how it came to be a sacred text for Jews and Christians, what kind of authority it has, and how that authority is used or misused. He does not attempt to take a position on the controversial issues themselves, but argues for understanding the Bible as a community product, arising out of the historical life of communities of faith, that then exerts a shaping or normative power in those communities through time, and asks how the Bible and the "Word of God" may be related in constructive ways. Endorsements: "The many claims and counterclaims about the Bible and what it says mask all sorts of prior questions and assumptions. With pastoral wisdom and scholarly insight, Kalajainen gets behind the noisy claims to identify the important questions and lurking assumptions. He illuminates complexity rather than pretending it does not exist." --Anthony B. Robinson, President, Congregational Leadership Northwest "Larry Kalajainen has given us a clear and compelling analysis of the various ways we read--and often misread--the Bible. This book is enormously helpful to individuals who want to learn how to approach the Bible. It is particularly important, however, for those who want to read the Bible with others. It provides a foundation for respectful, fruitful dialogue among people with different--sometimes very different--perspectives." --Martin B. Copenhaver, Senior Pastor, Wellesley Congregational Church "The Bible tells a story. The Bible has a story. Understanding what the Bible says requires understanding both of these stories. Larry Kalajainen has provided an indispensable resource for anyone seeking such understanding. His approach to the Bible as 'a witness to the encounters with the Word of God by real people and communities' creates a context for reflection on the Bible that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching." --David J. Wood, Senior Minister, Glencoe Union Church "Larry Kalajainen combines solid biblical and historical scholarship with personal insight and pastoral experience to provide Christians with a deeper understanding of the way the Bible came to be and the ways it speaks to us. This book will be a helpful resource for thoughtful people who wrestle with what it means to apply the truth of Scripture to their lives." --James A. Harnish, Senior Pastor, Hyde Park United Methodist Church About the Contributor(s): Larry Kalajainen, in his forty-one years of parish ministry, has served churches in Malaysia, France, and the United States. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in four seminaries and the University of Paris. He has a PhD (Drew University) in biblical studies with a concentration in New Testament and Early Christian Origins and has published several books using the Bible as a resource for spiritual formation.