Getting the Message
What is the best way to understand the Bible? In Getting the Message, Daniel M. Doriani delivers a plan for interpreting and applying the Bible. With 14 chapters and 5 appendices in nearly 300 pages, this is a well-rounded, approachable and helpful guide to Bible study. Doriani uses the acronym CAPTOR to summarize his principles: Context, Analysis, Problems, Themes, Obligations, and Reflection.
Examples and General Principles
I was most pleased to see so many examples in this book. By showcasing his own approach with the Biblical text in sample passages, Doriani acts as a coach to give insight into your own Bible study. The first half of the book focuses on inductive study, and the book is not dry – it reads quickly and with purpose.
What I found to be most helpful were the general principles of interpretation presented in each chapter. They are clear and can be directly applied by all students of the Bible. As a teacher, I most appreciated Chapter 8: Developing Themes and Chapter 9: The Essence of Application. These chapters would help those interested in Christian worldview and providing practical points to students.
Biblical Christian Living and Building and Cultivating a Home Library
All Christians can benefit from Doriani’s principles on Biblical Christian living. Restating truths and removing common obstacles to obedience are ways to soundly apply the text. For instance, even praying for a victory in sports needs Biblical application, as “our faith should shape our conduct on the field.”
What I most appreciated was Doriani’s emphasis on building and cultivating a home library. Consulting reference works such as Bible dictionaries and study Bibles are encouraged. This book includes an appendix with suggested titles for building a basic Christian home reference library.
Authority and Power
As the times and culture change, Christians must learn to apply the Bible to new situations. This begins by rightly reading and understanding Scripture. The Bible has the authority and power to change our minds, hearts, and lives.
I received a media copy of Getting the Message and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.