“Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes” by Richards and O’Brien: A Book Review by Vintage Virtues with Jen

First Impressions

In Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, I was struck by how easily our cultural assumptions shape our understanding of Scripture. The authors assert that to more clearly understand the Bible, we must first recognize our biases. This reinforced my belief in the necessity of the Holy Spirit and discernment when studying Scripture.

“Take the parable of the prodigal son—many assume ‘prodigal’ means ‘lost,’ focusing on his return home. Yet, in cultures familiar with famine, his wastefulness is the key detail. This book challenged me to rethink how I read Scripture, reminding me that my Western perspective isn’t the default.”

—Jen Trimble, Vintage Virtues

About the Authors

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes was written by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien. E. Randolph Richards, known as Randy, serves as the provost and professor of biblical studies in the School of Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is also a former missionary. The premise of the book begins with his experience in Australia, and he has authored numerous works on biblical studies and cultural understanding. Brandon J. O’Brien is the director of content development and distribution at Redeemer City to City in Manhattan. As an author, editor, and speaker, his work focuses on the intersection of faith and culture.

Synopsis

When we read the Bible—or any historical text—we naturally bring our own cultural biases and assumptions. The authors argue that these unconscious influences can lead to misinterpretations of Scripture. They state:

“Before we can be confident we are reading the Bible accurately, we need to understand what assumptions and values we project onto the Bible: those things that go without being said, and that make us assume that some interpretations are self-evident, and others are impossible.” (Richards & O’Brien, 2012)

Through nine key areas, the book reveals common ways Western readers misinterpret biblical texts and provides insights into how we can approach Scripture with greater cultural awareness

Before diving into the content, the authors prompt readers to consider:

What risks do you see in opening yourself up to new readings?
How ready are you to remove some cultural blinders to read the text more accurately?
Are there specific biblical passages or issues you hope to understand better after reading this book?

Key Takeaways

The book presents thought-provoking themes and examples that challenge common Western assumptions. One that particularly stood out to me was the interpretation of the prodigal son. In American culture, we often equate “prodigal” with “lost,” as in a wayward child who returns home. However, the actual meaning is “wasteful,” which has a different emphasis. In cultures that have experienced famines, this nuance is more immediately understood, whereas Americans focus more on the son being spiritually lost. Recognizing these differences enhances our reading of Scripture. The authors also provide an enlightening perspective on the church of Laodicea’s ‘lukewarm’ status, offering a cultural context that deepens its meaning.

Critical Analysis

The book’s strength lies in its cross-cultural insights, drawn from both authors’ experiences. O’Brien brings expertise in church history and historical study, while Richards, as a former missionary to Indonesia, contributes firsthand experience in engaging with different cultural lenses. Their combined perspectives lend credibility to their arguments.

The book effectively illustrates how cultural mores influence which Bible passages we emphasize and which we overlook. However, one point of concern is the authors’ use of apocryphal texts, such as The Acts of Thomas, to support their points. While their intent may have been to provide historical context, referencing non-canonical sources could be misleading to readers unfamiliar with the closed canon of Scripture. The same arguments could have been made using only biblical and historically credible references. To their credit, the authors do ground their arguments in Scripture and credible historical sources as well.

Personal Reflection

I appreciated how the book challenges readers to examine their cultural assumptions when interpreting Scripture. The authors present valuable insights, and the reflection questions are helpful. However, at times, the book seemed to labor over points that felt self-evident, making it harder to stay engaged. Additionally, the inclusion of apocryphal texts detracted from the book’s authority, as I believe their case could have been made more effectively using only Scripture and well-established historical references.

Recommendation

I would recommend this book to Christians who lack cross-cultural experience, as it offers valuable insights into how cultural perspectives shape biblical interpretation. However, I advise reading with discernment, particularly regarding references that go beyond Scripture and credible historical accounts. While the book provides meaningful takeaways, once the main points were established, I found it difficult to remain fully engaged throughout the entire read.

Final Thoughts

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes is an insightful read that encourages believers to be mindful of their cultural assumptions when approaching Scripture. While it provides a compelling case for reading the Bible with a broader perspective, readers should be cautious about sources outside the biblical canon. For those who approach the book with discernment, it serves as a valuable tool for broadening biblical understanding

Source Citation

Richards, E. Randolph, and Brandon J. O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2012.

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