Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them
2 journalers for this copy...
I'm pretty far from Christian, but this book still sounded fascinating
I remember picking this up at the grocery store -- I think it was the cover, intrigued me.
In any case -- I am NOT a Christian, not even close, however, with that stated, here are my thoughts on this excellent book:
She has the chapters (a prologue, a chapter devoted to each "Bad Girl", and an epilogue) seperated into the fiction story -- the Bible's version (with amusing comments ala Elvira or perhaps Mystery Science Theater provided by her) -- the lessons learned from the fable -- and questions for discussion. Nice. I didn't read the questions for discussion -- but the other stuff was nice.
The book is sprinkled with quotes, both from the Bible and from without -- I had a few I particularly liked (even one from the Bible, go figure)
"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned,
Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." -- William Congreve
"That money talks I'll not deny,
I heard it once: It said 'Goodbye'" -- Richard Armour
"The rooster may crow, but the hen delivers the goods." -- Ann Richards
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment....Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
And the lessons I took from the "Bad Girls" (I keep putting them in quotes because she includes Michal in that category, and she was not bad -- misguided. Loved her father. Infatuated young thing? not bad)
From Eve: Avoid the blame game (always good advice, and something people really need to pay more attention to -- just because your child listens to Rock, or watches TV or plays video games does not excuse his/her actions -- or yours for that matter...take some responsibility already! geeesh)
From Potiphar's Wife (is it odd that the Bible doesn't give some of these women names?): Surround ourselves with support
and Confession beats a cover-up (just ask Nixon)
From Lot's Wife: Stuff is temporary (now while I do love my stuff, and would have a very hard time letting it go - it is stuff...my life and the lives of my loved ones is much more important)
From the Woman at the Well: Never be afraid to ask questions (how many teachers have said this very thing??)
From Delilah: The love of a man is to be treasured
(I will add...the love of anyone is to be treasured -- it is a rare gift for anyone to give you their love)
From Sapphira: Learn to give when nobody's looking (anonymous charity is a special thing --)
From Rahab: Our past does not determine our future
From Jezebel: No one wants to work for a witch (my addition is, a bitch really not a witch persay, if you treat those who serve you poorly, they will remember -- and I don't just mean those who are lucky enough to afford SERVANTS -- the waitress you were mean to, remember she sees your food before you do...)
From "The Sinful Woman" (the one who annointed Jesus' feet with her tears and dryed them with her hair): People will talk, no matter what we do
I would also like to commend the author, not only is she a really good story teller, and able to make the Bible interesting and understandable, but she is a former Bad Girl, and isn't afraid to say that sometimes she still missteps. She is honest and human, and a "religious freak" by her own admission. Refreshing that.
In any case -- I am NOT a Christian, not even close, however, with that stated, here are my thoughts on this excellent book:
She has the chapters (a prologue, a chapter devoted to each "Bad Girl", and an epilogue) seperated into the fiction story -- the Bible's version (with amusing comments ala Elvira or perhaps Mystery Science Theater provided by her) -- the lessons learned from the fable -- and questions for discussion. Nice. I didn't read the questions for discussion -- but the other stuff was nice.
The book is sprinkled with quotes, both from the Bible and from without -- I had a few I particularly liked (even one from the Bible, go figure)
"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned,
Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." -- William Congreve
"That money talks I'll not deny,
I heard it once: It said 'Goodbye'" -- Richard Armour
"The rooster may crow, but the hen delivers the goods." -- Ann Richards
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment....Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
And the lessons I took from the "Bad Girls" (I keep putting them in quotes because she includes Michal in that category, and she was not bad -- misguided. Loved her father. Infatuated young thing? not bad)
From Eve: Avoid the blame game (always good advice, and something people really need to pay more attention to -- just because your child listens to Rock, or watches TV or plays video games does not excuse his/her actions -- or yours for that matter...take some responsibility already! geeesh)
From Potiphar's Wife (is it odd that the Bible doesn't give some of these women names?): Surround ourselves with support
and Confession beats a cover-up (just ask Nixon)
From Lot's Wife: Stuff is temporary (now while I do love my stuff, and would have a very hard time letting it go - it is stuff...my life and the lives of my loved ones is much more important)
From the Woman at the Well: Never be afraid to ask questions (how many teachers have said this very thing??)
From Delilah: The love of a man is to be treasured
(I will add...the love of anyone is to be treasured -- it is a rare gift for anyone to give you their love)
From Sapphira: Learn to give when nobody's looking (anonymous charity is a special thing --)
From Rahab: Our past does not determine our future
From Jezebel: No one wants to work for a witch (my addition is, a bitch really not a witch persay, if you treat those who serve you poorly, they will remember -- and I don't just mean those who are lucky enough to afford SERVANTS -- the waitress you were mean to, remember she sees your food before you do...)
From "The Sinful Woman" (the one who annointed Jesus' feet with her tears and dryed them with her hair): People will talk, no matter what we do
I would also like to commend the author, not only is she a really good story teller, and able to make the Bible interesting and understandable, but she is a former Bad Girl, and isn't afraid to say that sometimes she still missteps. She is honest and human, and a "religious freak" by her own admission. Refreshing that.
Thanks innae, this looks very interesting!
This has been sitting on my shelf for too long so it is time for it to get moving again. Sent to someone who requested it via BookMooch.com.
