Book Reviews Archives - Being Mrs. Mom™

Can I Really Trust The Bible — Can I really trust the Bible? by Barry Cooper

When I originally sat down to start reading this book, I thought that I wouldn’t like it. I wasn’t sure if it was one of those books that appeared to be pro-Christian, only for the reader to find out that it was very anti-Christian. I thought that I would have to refute many of the author’s points in my review. Needless to say, I was on guard.

From the beginning of the book. Barry Cooper jumps right in to the position that many believers, whether new or seasoned, find themselves in…trying not to be a doubting Thomas. In today’s society we have all met someone that seems more educated than we are. They seem to have thought harder and longer about the Bible and its ability to be trusted. These individuals seem to study the history of the Bible, its compilation, its human authors, and specific portions that inspire…doubt. All of these things put together can leave a believer feeling overwhelmed and at a standstill. Yet Barry Cooper takes advantage of one thing that many believers forget, the innate human ability to ask questions. In fact, God wants us to ask Him questions.

As I read through this book, I realized that it was an easy read. It was not so complicated that it would turn away a new or unbeliever, but still filled with enough “meat” to fill the desires of a seasoned one. I found that this book fed my intellectual desire to answer the questions that I had been asked over the years. I had personally asked some of these questions and researched others. Yet I found myself amazed at Mr. Cooper’s ability to sufficiently answer the question in just 80 pages. When I say answer, I really mean that he answers the question, offers an example, and a reference…just in case you want to do some research for yourself.

I have heard some of the very statements that he used in the book given as reasons why the Bible could not be trusted. I have to admit that I found myself smiling as he answered them and did not shy away from the questions that challenge our faith. As I finished the book, it felt like I had just read a page turning novel. Better yet, it felt like I knew Barry Cooper and we were discussing these questions together. I know that sounds a bit outlandish, but he really addresses topics that I have only discussed with my closest family members, friends, spiritual leaders, and God.

This is a book that I am proud to have sitting on my bookshelf. I would give it or recommend it to another person. I would let my children read it. I wish I had it years ago. It would have prepared me for the many questions that I would hear as a believer. I have studied these questions and have learned a lot over the years, but I am very thankful that I received this complementary book from the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews to review. I look forward to getting more books from The Good Book Company. Judging from this book, they have a lot to offer.

Below you will find the Booktube video that I posted on Youtube.

One of my daughter’s favorite book series is the famous Berenstain Bears. Yesterday we took a trip to Barnes and Nobles and she found what she wanted.

Like many of the other Berenstain Bears books, this one was filled with great knowledge about life and the importance of living a healthy balance life. As Precious (4), looked at the pictures, she told the story the way she thought it was happening. She said the Brother and Sister bear were watching television when they weren’t supposed to. She also became concerned when’d she saw Mama Bear talking to Papa Bear like a child. She said “he’s an adult.”

After reading the story to her she understood that the family had been watching so much t.v that they no longer enjoyed the rest of their lives. They forgot how to talk to one another and the simple pleasure of life were no longer a joy. As Mama Bear told the family that they were taking a week off of watching t.v, Papa thought that he was excluded. Although the picture portrays Mama Bear scolding Papa Bear, this isn’t really the context of the story. In the end the family finds out they they can still watch t.v while having balance in the rest of their lives.

I like this story and the message. It teaches our kids that too much t.v is to good for them or for our family. It also shows the value of family time and communication. There is even a part where the rest of the family is watching t.v while Mama reads a book. One thing that stood out to me was the fact that although she read books, when she addressed the family, Mama included herself in the problem. Gotta love Mama Bear.

The only thing that I disagree with is some of the illustration. Since this is a kids book, the pictures say a lot. There are certain photos, like the one above that make Papa look like a child. I don’t think fathers should be portrayed in this light.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars