Book Review: Crossing the Scriptures by Debra Chapoton
October 5, 2011 by Lillie
Crossing the Scriptures: The Amazing Bible Study by Debra Chapoton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Christians sometimes wonder if there is any value to studying the Old Testament, with its genealogies, strange laws, violence, and vengeance. The author shows how the entire Bible ties together in a beautiful tapestry of God’s truth.
In the Introduction, she writes, “The Old Testament is 39 books that tell of mankind vacillating between worshiping and obeying God and then turning away from Him and being idolatrous and immoral. Man‘s behavior requires judgment. The New Testament is 27 books declaring a message of hope: Christ has taken on our punishment (death) and paid for our sins. If we accept that he has done this, then hooray, we get out of the punishment, but if we don‘t accept it then we‘re on our own and the judgment is eternal separation from God, i.e. hell.”
There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and each of those letters is associated with three books of the Bible, books that are evenly spaced 22 books apart from each other. Chapoton shows how words and themes connect each of the three books associated with each letter in perfect symmetry. She also points out many other instances of symmetry and inter-relatedness among the books of the Bible.
Although I read the book straight through, I think it would be even more effective as a Bible study, spending more time on each Hebrew letter and the relationships among the three associated books.
Whether you’re new to Bible study or consider yourself knowledgeable about Scripture, you will likely learn many things you didn’t know. You will also come away with a greater understanding and respect for the remarkable way that God structured the Bible.
Disclosure: I received an electronic advance reading copy of the book from the author. I have not accepted any compensation for this review and made no commitment to give a favorable review. The link to Amazon.com is an affiliate link.
I’ve heard good things about Crossing the Scriptures, and now after your glowing review I’m going to have to purchase it! Thanks Lillie.
Great, Sal. As I recommended in the review, I think it is best used as a Bible study spending more time than just reading straight through.
I’m looking for an easy read of the Bible. There used to be a comic book with the old testament but I can’t seem to find it. It was easier to read because there were pictures so you would remember everything more clearly.
Elin,
There are several children’s Bibles with illustrations, and there are easy to read versions of the Bible. For example, there is one you can find if you search for “easy to read Bible” that is designed for new English speakers and uses a limited vocabulary. I’m not sure if you want a Bible in English or another language, so I won’t get too specific. But you can go to http://www.biblegateway.com and see many different Bibles in a variety of languages. You can check them out and see which you like.
What a great review! It sounds like an interesting book. I will have to check it out.
Dawn,
I’m glad the review interested you in the book.
Is interesting to get behind all the historical hard reading in the old testament, and try and make some sense from it. I hope this helps…
Bwendo,
This helps us understand how the Old Testament relates to the New Testament and how the entire Bible works together with a single message.
Sounds like an interesting and useful book. I just might have to get it. My bible study time is usually with only the bible, but there is no harm in using another source to help tie things together. Most importantly, though, we need to pray first, then let the Holy Spirit speak to us. Many people tend to thing the Old Testament doesn’t matter anymore, but it tells of the foundations for many things today, and Jesus is weaved all through every single book of the bible.
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Carl,
Excellent reminder that we need to pray before Bible study to ask the Holy Spirit to give us understanding.
Since I don’t know Hebrew or Greek, I find it helpful to learn from those who have studied the Bible in the original languages.
I have to read this book. Glad to have read your review. I have been searching for a book like this. Thanks for giving us some insight on this book Crossing the Scriptures.
Jane,
It is a wonderful Bible study. Read it more slowly than I did–I needed to finish it for the review, but it’s best to read a little at a time.
I bought the book myself, but I don’t feel ready to read it yet. In order to truly understand the value of the book, you need to know quite a lot about the Bible. Thus, I am not ready to read the book – yet.
Matilda,
The book will help you learn more about the Bible. That’s the reason to read it. You don’t need to have the knowledge in advance.
Matilda, Lillie is right. The book is meant for people who know nothing about the Bible and maybe have never read it at all, as well as those who have studied it a lifetime. The cool thing was that as I presented the material in a year long class, men and women from various backgrounds and denominations were blessed with the treasure that is our Lord’s Holy Word. He will meet you right where you are.
Thanks for clarifying this, Debra.