Bible Books

A Book for the ’90s

The Good Book

Peter J. Gomes (New York: William Morrow & Co., 1996) xv + 383 pp., $25.00 (hardcover)

I must admit to a certain reluctance to review a book that has on its back cover glowing notices from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Marian Wright Edelman, Harvey Cox and John Kenneth Galbraith, the latter of whom calls Peter Gomes the “best loved member of the Harvard community.” Even Will Willimon, the dean of the chapel at Duke University and a person much quoted in the realms of religious talk, announces grandly that “anyone who loves the Bible, or is trying to love the Bible, will love this book.” A formidable choir of praise indeed!

Let me say at the outset that I have no intention of attempting to drown out the mighty chorus and their song of jubilant approbation. In fact, for the most part I would be happy to join them, for there is much that is worthy of praise in this book, certainly much to which I would add a hearty Amen.