If the Bible gives us the Maker's instructions for human life, why are they so confusing? And how can we call it the Good Book when it glorifies war, commands ethnic cleansing, and sanctions slavery? Or are we investing it with the wrong kind of authority and bringing the wrong expectations to it?This book examines where the Bible came from, what were the purposes for which it was originally intended, and how and why it became so central to the Christian faith. It asks: Has the Bible ever in fact been the supreme authority for Christians? Was it really meant to be? The author suggests that we should give up approaching the Bible reverentially as an authority, trying to get our heads around all its problems, or - just as bad - pretending it really says the things we want it to say. The best way we can honor the Bible is by coming to it as we are and seeing it as it is. In this way we can enter into a real dialogue with it and appreciate what a marvelous, passionate, vibrant collection of writings it is.