Bible Babel

"Wide-ranging, objectively factual and written for the common reader . . . a kind of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' approach to the sacred. . . . solid, readable." —Michael Dirda, The Washington Post
Bible Babel is a lively, humorous, and very readable introduction to the Bible—what's in it, where it comes from, and how it is used in our culture today. If you've ever wondered about the origin of the Christian fish symbol; the history of the Good Book; how the Bible weighs in on contemporary political issues; or even the biblical source of pop-culture references in WALL-E or Battlestar Galactica, then this is the book for you. Bible Babel is a perfect primer for anyone interested in the Bible—secular and believing alike.


"Kristin Swenson offers a confident, well-paced, well-informed, and accessible guide to Bible basics and biblical literacy." —Walter Brueggemann, author of An Unsettling God: The Heart of the Hebrew Bible

"Finally, a book on the Bible for the rest of us! . . . Who said a book on the Good Book can't be brave, smart, and fun?" —Stephen Prothero, author of Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know―and Doesn't

"Bible Babel is a breath of fresh air. . . . Kristin Swenson's writing is brisk and lively." —Robert Alter, author of The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary

"Swenson successfully shows why, in spite of all its difficulties, the Bible remains a thought-provoking and infinite source of inspiration and debate for all kinds of people." —Publishers Weekly

"Ms. Swensen combines meticulous scholarship with an original eye and a sense of fun." —Washington Times