The Second Symbol: Understanding Bible Symbolism and the Parables of Jesus

What a unique style of narrating! Very different. The way you weave the Scriptures between the gems of information has a great effect. This is truly an interesting read. I put this on my watchlist and plan on reading the rest of it. When I am done I will give you more comment.
Stay Blessed,
Lynn - "The Chair"

Very interesting, and full of gems. I love what you are doing here, tho I have to admit your style, or maybe voice, is hard to follow. I like the way you are teaching, but it is almost too much for the reader. Too much meat to a babe and he will choke! Perhaps break this down into a devotional style book. Each day is dedicated to one subject. Thoroughly explain the subject, then that would end the day's study. The reader can meditate on what he has read, thoroughly digested it, and be ready to delve into more of the study the next day. it is much too much to digest in one setting, which is what I did, and it has overwhelmed me. I am putting you in my WL and giving you 6 stars. I want your writing to be seen, to be discovered, and get published! I will do what I can to make your work visible, but please consider my suggestion of making each chapter a small chunk of meat, or the reader will be turned off and quit reading, especially if they are babes. Great work!!!!!



Sincerely,
D. S. Hale
Jessup and the Teleporter

Hey Eric,

Well, this is a refreshingly modern take on the bible. Symbols and imagery are what the human brain assimilates the best, so what you are doing with this new look is great! The writing is suggestive, intelligent and thought provoking. My main comment would be: consider splitting the chapters down. 14K words in two chapters is a lot to swallow. As mentioned below, with the devotional ‘daily chunks’, one per day maybe. I would suggest limiting it to 1 or 2K per chapter, which is probably between 2 and 4 main paragraphs inc. the bible quotes.

High stars, and already on my WL!

Best Wishes for the ED,
J.

The Bible, for all its good advice, was a tome written thousands of years ago and aimed at a fearful people largely ignorant of science and the natural world. Modern readers can feel disconnected from the text at the best of times, and dismiss it as a fairy tale at worst. The book “The Second Symbol: Understanding Bible Symbolism and the Parables of Jesus” is an attempt to make sense of all the symbolism contained within.

Author Eric Anderson has taken a conversational, almost humorous take at explanation, and it works extremely well. Told in a sort of pop-up-video style, long Bible verses are quoted and then the narrator explains what it all means. While the easygoing style is fun to read, it’s also is quite informative. I found myself with a much better understanding of the verses quoted, and think that if the rest of the Bible could be similarly explained, it would lead a lot more people to admire and understand the wisdom within it.

This novel would be a best-seller in Christian book stores, and should garner a descent following in the mainstream for people who want to be less confused about the Bible. One thing I would change for this book is that the long pitch goes into a lot about church controversies and different dogmas. That could be a turnoff as it speaks to some political agenda. I would de-emphasize that side of things all-together and promote the fact that this is an enjoyable way to learn more about the Bible.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

My first impression of this was that you're a talented writer. A preface is often necessary for a book like this, and it's about as compelling of a start as it can be. I loved your first paragraph as it established two things: this will be a book filled with passion and one for thinkers. Sadly, these rarely come together. I'm excited to see if you can pull this off. So far, so good.

I'm fascinated by the voice in this. It's unique and interesting, which is essential for this type of book. I love that the narrator, in essence, is the book itself. It's a voice that makes you think and one that has a nice subtle sense of humor. I loved, "it's one of the few selling cheap" in reference to the name Judas. I actually disagree with James, and I love the conversational voice. I've read too many religious books that talk down to me. For me, your approach works.

I loved, "You must become again like little children, by having fun when you enter the Bible, and by playing along with its colorful symbols and stories." Great approach. Very Biblical to.

There are quite a few religious texts on authonomy, but this is by far the most unique, passionate, and market-ready I've come across.

I assume there's more after the second preface? It's a great opening that promises an intriguing read.

Suggestions: I'd cut "really" from "really real clouds." Have you considered trimming the first preface? It does feel rather long, and I feel like less might be more in this instance. I also agree with James that you divide this into sections to make it more accessible. I think my biggest concern is your target audience. Sadly, this will go over the head of a lot of readers, which limits its appeal. However, to best honest, I don't care. I think it's brilliant. Sure, you have a select audience, but it works, it's compelling, and it's deep.

Typos: Make sure you put your punctuation inside the quotations. For example, "...the Parables of Jesus," since that's one of... I think you have an extra word with, "with as if they'd had something to say." "Long-winded" is hyphenated.

If you're looking for a book that makes you think, I recommend this one. If it were available today, I'd buy it. It's quite brilliant. Highly rated!

Mea culpa. Here are my long overdue thoughts about your work.

This is very well written. Your style is easygoing, playful, and yet knowledgeable. Your command of and familiarity with scripture is admirable. With every word you display your love of the Bible and sincere desire to teach others the good news you have found within it. And yet, after reading all but two of the chapters posted here, (8 and 14 wouldn't load) I was left wondering when I would truly learn how to decipher the symbolism of the Bible and the teaching behind Jesus' parables. I think, perhaps, I misled myself with the title of your book, expecting to find a more linear form of instruction. For me, this read more like a series of personal revelations than an explanation of Biblical symbols. However, it was an intriguing read and though I might not agree with every thought or assertion, I enjoyed reading it. You have impacted my view on how to read the Bible and your words and thoughts will linger with me.

Kathy

Eric, congratulations on a worthy addition to the genre. This is extremely readable and easy to follow. You have a way of taking the reader on a personalised journey. It is very well constructed and applicable to most ages.
I particularly liked the mountain in the second section.
You use a clever teaching style; taking the reader from the known to the unknown, and all at the readers own pace.
If only this style was adopted in school or church, many more people would be able to explore the scriptures.
I stopped at chapter four, but will read on. This is not a book to be rushed.. I will enjoy it at my own pace.
Sheena
The Popish Plot

The Second Symbol: Understanding Bible Symbolism and the Parables of Jesus is a refreshing take on what can be a deeply subjective topic. The narrative is bordering on satire and I'm sure it will divide readers which is a shame given the intentions of the author to provide clarity to the entwined meanings of the Bible. When I saw the Table of Contents, I was compelled to start with Part II, due to the promise of intriguing subject matter. Unfortunately the bulk of writing available on authonomy is Part I, a bit if an instructional guide on understanding symbolism with a thick lick of humour. Asking readers to 'read slowly' will also probably lose a lot of the audience as, rightly or wrongly, the interpretation will be that it will be a chore to proceed.

Eric, I think you run the risk of losing most of your readers within a short period if this manuscript remains in its current format. As much as I am sure you see it in its completeness, your goal of sharing The Word and broadening the understanding of Biblical literature will be lost. I would humbly recommend that you start with Part II and weave the Symbolic interpretations in Part I into the narrative.

The humour could be deemed condescending, so a rethink on some of the more pointed insinuations might be warranted. The thoughts on Judas, his motive and role is possibly controversial - and this is a good thing. In the end, the enormous amount of knowledge and research displayed in The Second Symbol will be lost if it is not delivered in a compelling style that will attract believers and maybe convert some new ones. Eric, I will keep your novel on my WL as it shows great promise and look forward to its development over time. Best regards, Andrew Esposito / Killing Paradise

A very interesting read.
You did a lot of research into this book, it is clear to see it. You also show it with a passion of your beliefs.
The things you write are well put and described.
I am impressed with how well you write this book. It isn't overbearing either, it is Scuttle but strong.
The title is fitting and catching and the pitch has a good touch of interest to it.
Fabo work.
Toni [Cavern of Time]

Hi Eric,

I have read through Chapter 3 and I am confused and frustrated. Possibly a good thing. Your writing is good, I noticed only a couple of typos. Your MC voice is a little disconcerting. The fact you named it Judas is a little puzzling. The MC claims to be the voice between the Word and the people of the world, which appears to be somewhat arrogant. But it is very possible that I just don't get it. This approach to understanding the teachings of the Bible is very unique and different, to say the least. It seems the MC has put himself above the rest of us in his ability to read and interpret the lessons of the Bible. Yet, the great teacher makes glib remarks along the way, which makes us doubt his sincerity or his wisdom.

I was willing to give Judas the benefit of the doubt until you quoted Matthew 18-3. where Jesus says in the KJV, "Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." This passage is not about children but is about the behavior of adults. A child trusts and has an unwavering belief in their parent's ability to protect and comfort them under any circumstances or situations which might trouble them. Anyone who has had a child and had that child become fearful, whether warranted or not, has witnessed that child running headlong to their parent, wrap their arms around the parents leg and look up at the parents for guidance and comfort. Should they be afraid or not; is their question? God wants the same blind faith from us. We have to be like the child who looks up at their parent without any doubt that the parent can protect and comfort them. God is saying if we don't go to him with the same kind of love and blind faith that a child shows to his parent; then he doesn't want us with Him. If we don't go to Him as a child, then we're not his true child.

The next verse in Matthew 18-4 proves up this point. "Whoever therefore shall humble himself like this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." In other words, whoever believes the most in God with unquestioning and unwavering faith, that is the person God wants closet to Him.

I hope I have not been too critical. It may just be me. In that case, please forgive for not understanding your writing.

Good luck with this.

Sneaky

A good and great read. Very entertaining and rewarding, presented in a unique way and in a voice the like of which I have never encountered before. 6 stars and backed. And perhaps the greatest accomplishment here is that this is simply a book about how to read another book!

A little miracle.

Dear Eric
This is certainly mind bugging. I read up to Chapter 3 and I have to go somewhere else. I am just giving a brief comment to have a taster of what I think you have done. It is justice to those who could not make out our Father's messages. I enjoyed the book up to the point I got to. A very new way of telling the story of the Bible. It is so deep and captivating. As I read, I just want to go on and on as the writing is revealing Gods miracle words piece by piece. I see here that you are demystifying the Great Book. We have to pay great attention to what we are taught. Its fun, enjoyable and easy to follow, whenever. Very good. and it is worth reading. I shall come back to read some more. Thanks for introducing this new explanation of the Bible. It goes on my WL.

God bless you.

Catherine
If Only You Could Tell.

I would get rid of the copyright material which we find right at the beginning. I say we are free to quote as much of the Bible as we want without having to beg permission from publishing companies.

I think it's best to put your main material right at the beginning. This book is in part a defense of Judas. I would put the material in Chapter 9 in Chapter 1, not that I agree with everything in chapter 9. Don't fall for every bit of propaganda from Enviromentalists. I can't agree that `Drill, baby, drill' is evil. You work as a truck driver. Trucks run on diesel, which is refined from petroleum, which is drilled out of the earth. The trucking industry spews much pollution into the air and into people's lungs every year. But we all have to make a living in an honest way, and you're working an honest job, even though it's a polluting job. If `drill, baby, drill' is evil, then, by this logic, people who drive cars and trucks are evil. It's best that oil is drilled in the USA or Canada or similar nations, because, we have high enviromental standards. Who knows what sort of pollution and spills happen in places like Mexico and Brazil, Congo and Venezula, nations which have lax enviromental laws. BP blew it in the Gulf, but China is drilling off of Cuba. It's better to buy oil from BP than from China. Britain has stringent enviromental laws whereas China does not. Therefore, it is wise for nations with strict enviromental standards to drill. Now unless you want everyone to ride bicycles...

The Bible is a little ambiguous about how we are to judge Judas. I did a study of this years ago. I came to the conclusion that the Bible seems to indicate that he might not be eternally damned. At one point Jesus called Judas a devil, but then Jesus also once said to St. Peter, `Get behind me, Satan.' Judas killed himself out of remorse for what he had done in betraying Jesus. Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him `they know not what they do.' Hence, perhaps, Judas is forgiven. One theory holds that Judas wanted to force Jesus' hand, to make Him reveal Himself as the Messiah, and expedite the process by which the Messiah would overthrow Roman rule and conquer the world. Suicide is generally seen as a mortal sin, but you can't be too dogmatic about particular cases, i.e. deny Divine mercy to every suicide.

I oppose any philosophy which says the literal meaning of scripture is to be ignored in favor of a figurative interpretation. Jesus spoke in parables, and therefore, for instance, the account of the Garden of Eden and Noah's Ark may also be parables - fictions which teach spiritual truths - but I believe in the literal truth of John 14. 23-26, where Jesus says that those who love Him keep His words. Jesus and St. Paul give us many harsh words about sinners going to hell. In Matthew 5 Jesus gives us the Beatitudes as well as a discourse on hell. The hellfire scriptures are balanced, but not invalidated, by scriptures such as I Peter 4. 8 - love covers a multitude of sins. The Bible says that everyone will be judged. Some will go to heaven. Some won't. The Bible is fairly clear about how people will be judged. Recall St. Paul's words about love in I Corinthians 13. Jesus is terribly clear in Matthew 25. 31-46. I think it is all wrong to reject the literal meaning of these scriptures and scriptures like them - Galatians 1. 8, II Thess 1. 8 etc.

Dianna Lanser asked you what the bottom line was. It's best to put our most controversial material, and the defense of this material, in plain and simple language right at the beginning of our books.

Eric I tried really hard. I imagined the sky and the clouds and they were like speech bubbles, but I couldn't hear anything. I continued and found it was over my head. Not being familiar with the Bible probably didn't help.
It is a very different approach to the other similar books that I've read on here and for your originality I've high starred it.
It's very well written, edited and polished. It left me a little bewildered as to what the point of it was.
As an aid to Bible study, I can see it's merit.
Take care, Jes.

There is some amazing stuff happening here, but I have to admit, I am going to have to read it over. That is OK, that is how I also read Scripture! I will read and read and rate! Blessings!
Roslyn
Scribe-Lings, for your child like heart
"I Am" Through the Ages, for your seeking heart

My, you have done an elaborate job here. I'm fairly familiar with the Good Book, and you have a fresh take on a few things. You will surely enjoy our Bible study book as well, "The Bible I Thought I Knew" Nice job, Peter B.

I see a lot of imagination, but little in either explained reasoning or scholarship. If this is intended as a satire, I guess I miss that as well.

I’ve read chapter 2 and reread your pitch. I do understand what you’re doing, I believe, but am not sure if I’m getting much from it in regard to how I read the Bible. It seems almost like Creative Visualization for Bible reading. I do find it interesting, and would probably get more out of it if I went to the scripture while reading your book to see how you’ve linked the context.

N. LaRonda Johnson
Anticipation of the Penitent

I’ve read the 1st chapter so far. The first paragraph after the Bible quote is confusing. Here are a couple of reasons, but there are more:
“I’ve come before the rest this Book…” Do you mean “the rest of this Book”? Unsure of the phrasing.
“When my book came and saw…” Should be “and I saw…”
I can tell what you’re getting at. The most difficult thing is that you seem to be writing the way you talk or think, which doesn’t always translate into written language so easily. I do like what you’re saying though, to give everyone a benefit of worthiness, as God created us all from the beginning of his word, which was the beginning. I truly believe that’s the way we are meant to live – which is the basis of my book. I’ll continue to chapter 2 tomorrow.

N. LaRonda Johnson
http://authonomy.com/books/45790/anticipation-of-the-penitent/

I've returned to read the second section. In my opinion, it flows much better than the first does. I think if you "introduce" your narrator a bit better in the first chapter, there'll be very little that needs to be done in the second one. I would recommend that you study the "voice" of your narrative in this chapter, pondering the rhythm of it, and then just rewriting the first chapter off the top of your head, from memory, trying to stay in a similar tone. What you get from this, combine with the first chapter you have already written, and you may be able to eliminate some "bumps in the prose". :)
~Hannah

{The Second Symbol}

Eric,

I'm sorry it took so long to get in and read! I was on vacation for two weeks but I just got back a few days ago and am glad that I finally have some time to do some reading of your work! I've just finished with the Preface and am quite intrigued. You've clearly thought this out well and have done your research in The Bible to put together a good and enjoyable read. Like I said, I'm intrigued, and I think this has great potential to be a very enjoyable read. I'm glad that you've embarked on this writing and I'll return to read and comment more!

Starred highly!

Have a blessed day!

- Scott, Eden Legacy and Lazarus, Man

Well, I did read the first chapter several times, but I never did really "get" it. The changing of Scripture bothered me; adding words that aren't there in the brackets seemed odd. Brackets are supposed to only be used to clarify words that are there, not to use new ones. I'm not sure how you could rewrite it to seem less confusing; your prose was well-written and interesting, but I didn't get the connection between that and the verses. Perhaps you could just use one in each spot, instead of the ones you changed? I think that would make things more clear. Then I don't have to wonder what you're trying to do by changing things, but only wonder how you're going to tie each point together. That's the kind of question you'd rather your readers have.
There is a technical correction you could make, also:
Etiquette of verse quotations: When you’re quoting part of a verse, don’t say “John 1:1” as though it were the whole verse. Say “John 1:1a” –or b or c or d, as the case may be—but just be very specific. Also, follow each reference with a version abbreviation, so we know which one you’re using, since you gave us three to pick from.
John 1:14: I don’t understand the insertion of “a book” and the deletion of “flesh”. The Word is Jesus, not a book. And why say clouds instead of earth? Perhaps you could show your point first, then show the scriptures. Then we'd know what to look for, without the stray words.
I'd like to see this chapter expanded a little. There's just enough of you in it to give me glimmers of what you mean. Add twice as much of you. Introduce your narrator a little more. I like the energy of his speech, even though I only begin to get the gist of what he's saying. Perhaps do one verse at a time, not changed, or show the original version of the verse and say, "but I'd like to think of it as ___". This may leave less people's minds spinning.
So, although I only got through the first chapter, I can definitely see you have talent as a writer. What you're trying to be is a teacher, and this is the area you need to work on. Feel free to ask me for any clarification, as I feel I'm having a hard time expressing myself to you, and do let me know if you revise it; I'd be willing to take another look.
~Hannah

i think that this is good. To break down the word and make them in a dialogue form. I don't know exactly what point your are trying to get across or why you picked the verses that you did. Perhaps a little introduction on what you want to teach. I take it the "I" here is Jesus. You are Jesus, right? I think that when you look a verse in the Bible it means different things to you at different times. But I do like what you have done.

God Bless.

Abby

Hi, Eric. Henry Allan again. When I speak, I try to speak from my heart without embelishing things that leaves the recipient to believe that I am only trying to tell him what he wants to hear.
First, I spent more time reading your book than I ever spent on a book of the same length and at some time I intend to read it again. The next time I open the Bible I will read it with a different prospective. Thanks to you.
At this time I have to do some sole searching on the "Second Symbol". Four Stars for now.
May God Bless and guide you in your endevor.
Your friend, Henry Allen:

The Bible, for all its good advice, was a tome written thousands of years ago and aimed at a fearful people largely ignorant of science and the natural world. Modern readers can feel disconnected from the text at the best of times, and dismiss it as a fairy tale at worst. The book “The Second Symbol: Understanding Bible Symbolism and the Parables of Jesus” is an attempt to make sense of all the symbolism contained within.

Author Eric Anderson has taken a conversational, almost humorous take at explanation, and it works extremely well. Told in a sort of pop-up-video style, long Bible verses are quoted and then the narrator explains what it all means. While the easygoing style is fun to read, it’s also is quite informative. I found myself with a much better understanding of the verses quoted, and think that if the rest of the Bible could be similarly explained, it would lead a lot more people to admire and understand the wisdom within it.

This novel would be a best-seller in Christian book stores, and should garner a descent following in the mainstream for people who want to be less confused about the Bible. One thing I would change for this book is that the long pitch goes into a lot about church controversies and different dogmas. That could be a turnoff as it speaks to some political agenda. I would de-emphasize that side of things all-together and promote the fact that this is an enjoyable way to learn more about the Bible.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Although I don't claim to fully understand all that is discussed in your uploaded chapters, I intuit that you are a very brilliant individual who is a little put-off by traditional Christianty and wish to open the eyes of Christian believers to a far deeper mystery of the Bible than that which can be found in a literal reading of Scripture.

With this, I agree. The bible is a mystery full of deep, deep truths often conveyed through symbolism. You have chosen a very creative and singular way of illuminating this through word pictures and humor and serious thoughts expressed in an informal, conversational tone by a "guide" who is actually the book itself. I especially like where you bounce humor and profound ideas off of each other such as:

humor: Where the book says: "Now, since I kind of like stole a lot of this stuff from the One Who is coming after me, you may see it coming up later, and I want to warn you against yawning in His presence. Kings don't like that..." This made me laugh out loud, at the same time realizing the truth of what you said and then you followed this humorously spoken truth with a very deep insight.
insight: "Because as far as Jesus is concerned, love, laughs, and learning are the meaning of life."

While I probably don't agree totally with some aspects of your perspective, I certainly do take with me from reading this book a profound respect for your way of thinking and for the genius behind many of your ideas. Personally, I love the very informal, chatty voice of the "guide" interweaving with deep insights. I wish you the best with your work because you are truly a unique voice crying out in the wilderness! Blessings, Pat

Hello Eric,

I have had this book on my watchlist for a few days and am glad that I have finally been able to find the time to read enough of it to make an informed comment. This is a great subject and you handle it with the wisdom and sensitivity that it deserves. I agree with you that Biblical symbolism is a personal matter and it is also practical. The way that you show the miracles that can come to an individual by understanding under the words is really the key to my understanding of the texts. I am a firm believer that God has given us a mystery in the texts and there is a great need for more books that explain what lies in a simple image of a fish or walking in water. Great work. I will support this book! kind regards, Steve

A quite poetic and refreshing twist on your avarage Bible tretise, reminding us how important symbolism is in man and God's attempt to understand one another.

Good work and well written.

Adam DeThurstman
IS ISRAEL REAL

Fascinating! I will need to read this several times I think. Religions are a lifetime study for me, and I became an 'accidental buddhist" after we adopted our two Chinese daughters and spent time in China. I regularly visit the temple in Xiamen. (A wondrous place, where there is a sense of peace I found lacking in my life.) Learning that Buddhism is a philosophy rather than a "religion" gave me a clue about Christianity. It has always concerned me that blind adherence tends to garner rather hateful commentary. I don't think that was the intention of J.C and it's rather sad. I will read with an open mind... and heart. The style is unique and I hope you don't take the blind dogmatists to heart. Thank you for an inspiring and thought provoking read. I'm WL'ing this and when I've got room on the bookshelf (shortly) I'll back it. Thanks again

Eric,
Here for a read as a thank you for shelving my book. I have only read through the first chapter, or introduction as it seems to read. To me it is quite dense and hard to follow as an introduction. I'm not sure if your intended audience consists of people who are intimately familiar with the Bible or those who are just beginning a spiritual journey with Christ. It might be helpful to have this information in the introduction, and perhaps something about why you, as the author, are qualified to guide the reader through the Bible. Why should we listen to your interpretation over someone else's? I think this is a fair question, and the place to address it would be the introduction.

Best wishes
Kate
Fade

Wow, what a creative way to encourage the reader to seek spiritual knowledge. I see symbolism as a language between me and God during my mundane activities of living, and I like to perceive truth outside the box, so your style appeals to me. The two uploaded chapters are well written but after a thorough reading, I hesitate to guess where you want to take the reader. I may really like your message or I may not like it at all! Analyzing symbols is intriguing. However, but filtering out your use of non-important symbols would only make your signposts stand out clearly on the horizon.

You may want to consider:
*the use of only one highly relevant scripture in between the clouds blowing by; too many images and symbols are jumping out at us from the many scriptures you use.
*Eliminate the use of some of your personal symbols so that the pertinent ones are left to shine in the sunlight (son-light). For example, the male/female = gentile/christian analogy doesn't benefit the message but just muddies the water (you don't want a gender argument here).
*Determine what persona you are taking on as the author. Are you "the book", are you Judas, or are you part of the living spirit of Christ? I loved your book speaking to me to stop and consider the things between its pages!
I hope you post more so we can better evaluate it.
Jane>The Celestial Proposal

This book has been written in quite a unique way - the style of the writing is admired, even if I don't find it possible to agree with many of the things written! I believe the Bible is the Word of God and I also believe we meddle with it at our peril. Whilst symbolism is used in the Bible we must be careful to be guided by the Holy Spirit and not by our own imagination - or who knows where we could end up!

I do agree with your comment that we must be as children - I agree with this because the Bible tells us that such will enter the kingdom of God! You obviously know your Bible well Eric - can I respectfully, and in love, suggest you let the Word speak to you, rather than you try to speak to, or change, the Word? :)

May God Bless you as you seek Him
Margaret Weston - How do I know I know God?

Hey Eric,

Well, this is a refreshingly modern take on the bible. Symbols and imagery are what the human brain assimilates the best, so what you are doing with this new look is great! The writing is suggestive, intelligent and thought provoking. My main comment would be: consider splitting the chapters down. 14K words in two chapters is a lot to swallow. As mentioned below, with the devotional ‘daily chunks’, one per day maybe. I would suggest limiting it to 1 or 2K per chapter, which is probably between 2 and 4 main paragraphs inc. the bible quotes.

High stars, and already on my WL!

Best Wishes for the ED,
J.

Read the first chapter and scanned over the second. This is well written. I like the word paintings, the fish, the flame, all very creative elements! Although I agree that words can have more than one meaning and that the Bible is loaded with symbolism, I don't get word substitution as any type of technique for understanding the meanings behind scripture or understanding symbols in the Bible.
But it's okay if we disagree....it's still a good book and I'm glad I read it. Good luck!
Georgia
The Woman From E.A.R.L.

Eric,
This is incredible and fantastically creative. I have put you on my bookshelf and have rated you at six stars. How did you ever come up with this? All I can say is if they had taught this in sunday school I would probably be a religious person today. As it is I am going to read Matthew and John as you suggested and look for a lot of this stuff on my own. Do you plan to post more chapters? I hope so. Keep up the good work, as I'm sure you will get discovered and get published!!!
Best regards,
Samie

Eric,
You seem to be starting your own religion and inviting people to believe with you. The church were I learned to read the Bible believes that a person must believe in a more literal interpretation to take the Word of God seriously. Sure there is symbolism in the Bible but it is highly related to the literal meaning of the ideas presented in the Bible. Did your learn your ideas of Bible symbolism from a religious group?
MaryBe

Hi Eric,

I have carefully read through the two chapters you have downloaded here and even reread as you suggested. I think I must be dim. I'm not quite understanding what you are trying to say,. It seems everyone else is getting it though. With all respect, Eric, what is the bottom line? Maybe you could state that clearly at the beginning for the slow of mind like me because what I am sensing is a man putting words in the mouth of God. I hope that is not your intention. :-)

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Different than any other perspective on the Word I have seen, it reaches out to everyone and makes it real. So refreshing to see the honesty coming at you line by line.

Thank you, Jim. I've revised it to add a few devotional-type breaks, but maybe not into small enough sections. Perhaps future readers could advise me if the daily chunks I've given are still too big to chew.

I like the idea of this as a devotional -type format with divisions into nuggets of thoughts, perhaps interspaced with appropriate photos. Plenty to tickle the brain cells and deliver to a study group or refer to in a sermon. I really enjoy teasing out the symbols and forgotten meanings myself; such as the similarities between Jesus and buddha, or with Diogenes and the Stoics etc. Thank you for an hour well spent :)

Very interesting, and full of gems. I love what you are doing here, tho I have to admit your style, or maybe voice, is hard to follow. I like the way you are teaching, but it is almost too much for the reader. Too much meat to a babe and he will choke! Perhaps break this down into a devotional style book. Each day is dedicated to one subject. Thoroughly explain the subject, then that would end the day's study. The reader can meditate on what he has read, thoroughly digested it, and be ready to delve into more of the study the next day. it is much too much to digest in one setting, which is what I did, and it has overwhelmed me. I am putting you in my WL and giving you 6 stars. I want your writing to be seen, to be discovered, and get published! I will do what I can to make your work visible, but please consider my suggestion of making each chapter a small chunk of meat, or the reader will be turned off and quit reading, especially if they are babes. Great work!!!!!



Sincerely,
D. S. Hale
Jessup and the Teleporter

What a unique style of narrating! Very different. The way you weave the Scriptures between the gems of information has a great effect. This is truly an interesting read. I put this on my watchlist and plan on reading the rest of it. When I am done I will give you more comment.
Stay Blessed,
Lynn - "The Chair"

My first impression of this was that you're a talented writer. A preface is often necessary for a book like this, and it's about as compelling of a start as it can be. I loved your first paragraph as it established two things: this will be a book filled with passion and one for thinkers. Sadly, these rarely come together. I'm excited to see if you can pull this off. So far, so good.

I'm fascinated by the voice in this. It's unique and interesting, which is essential for this type of book. I love that the narrator, in essence, is the book itself. It's a voice that makes you think and one that has a nice subtle sense of humor. I loved, "it's one of the few selling cheap" in reference to the name Judas. I actually disagree with James, and I love the conversational voice. I've read too many religious books that talk down to me. For me, your approach works.

I loved, "You must become again like little children, by having fun when you enter the Bible, and by playing along with its colorful symbols and stories." Great approach. Very Biblical to.

There are quite a few religious texts on authonomy, but this is by far the most unique, passionate, and market-ready I've come across.

I assume there's more after the second preface? It's a great opening that promises an intriguing read.

Suggestions: I'd cut "really" from "really real clouds." Have you considered trimming the first preface? It does feel rather long, and I feel like less might be more in this instance. I also agree with James that you divide this into sections to make it more accessible. I think my biggest concern is your target audience. Sadly, this will go over the head of a lot of readers, which limits its appeal. However, to best honest, I don't care. I think it's brilliant. Sure, you have a select audience, but it works, it's compelling, and it's deep.

Typos: Make sure you put your punctuation inside the quotations. For example, "...the Parables of Jesus," since that's one of... I think you have an extra word with, "with as if they'd had something to say." "Long-winded" is hyphenated.

If you're looking for a book that makes you think, I recommend this one. If it were available today, I'd buy it. It's quite brilliant. Highly rated!

Hello Carl:

I read through your book and it is clear that you have a passion for your subject. As I was reading through it though, it did sometimes tend to come across as a stream of consciousness and it was difficult to follow your train of thought.

I do have a couple suggestions:
1. For your own benefit in organizing your thoughts and for the benefit of helping your readers to follow your message, you may want to create a rough chapter outline and divide the uploaded, single mega-chapter into smaller, more digestible chapters.

2. This book carries a highly informal, conversational tone. While I am sure that the purpose of this is to better connect with your readers, it tends to go too far because it makes your writing style come across as unprofessional. You may want to delete exclamations or conversational fillers like "Hey," "Um," and "Like." While they may resonate with an audience of your own generation, they tend to create communication barriers for older generations.

3. Sometimes writing is just as much about what you do not say as it is about what you do say. I think this book tends to attempt to tackle too many subjects which can comprise a book in and of themselves. One such theme in this book which warrants its own treatment in a separate book is that of environmentalism.

4. There does tend to be some angry, accusative language directed at Christians. Watch the emotionalism in your writing.

5. Shorten the title.

Keep on practicing and keep on writing!

James Revoir