cover image Murder-Bears, Moonshine and Mayhem: Strange Stories from the Bible to Leave You Amused, Bemused, and (Hopefully) Informed

Murder-Bears, Moonshine and Mayhem: Strange Stories from the Bible to Leave You Amused, Bemused, and (Hopefully) Informed

Luke T. Harrington. Thomas Nelson, $18.99 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-0-7852-3444-9

Novelist Harrington (Ophelia Alive) provides lighthearted interpretations of traditional Bible stories in this amusing work. Harrington, the son of a pastor, writes of his fond memories of his father telling him strange and amusing bedtime tales drawn from scripture. With references to mauling bears, poop sandwiches, and naked dancers, the Bible contains its fair share of bizarre content, Harrington notes. Hoping to inspire Christians to read “the secret, strange riches the ancient Scriptures have to offer,” Harrington includes entertaining analysis of such tales as the binding of Isaac, in his clever section “No, God Will Totally Provide a Lamb,” and the tumultuous meeting of David and Bathsheba, in “It’s Good to Be King.” Amid the weird tales, Harrington addresses biblical lessons on drunkenness, circumcision, prostitution, miracles, incest, polygamy, rape, and murder. He concludes on a serious note, assuring readers that, though the Bible never provides definitive answers regarding the existence of evil and why God allows it, 2 Corinthians 1:5 promises that when Christians suffer, Christ is with them. These wry, insightful retellings will appeal to any Christian. [em](Aug.) [/em]