Rating: 
Summary: A good overview of some Biblical history
Review: This book is well written, and easy to read. The author takes a non-biased overview of some of the historical and archaeological studies pertaining to the Bible. Of particular interest were the sections on the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the search for historical evidence of Jesus Christ. The author does an excellent job at balancing out some of the "conspiracy theories" with factual evidence of the texts themselves. The comparisons of some of the religious cults, which existed at the time the Gospels, were fascinating. The Book of John, which has often been decried as not being an eyewitness account may actually have been the first Gospel written, according to the author, due to some new cross reference with other sects at the time which place some of the language and images used by John as existing during the historical time period of Jesus. While much of the evidence may be found in other places the book is an excellent overview. Overall, this book is well researched, and well written. It is rare to find a non-biased overview of the subject matter, definitely worth the time. I would recommend this book for anyone searching for evidence of Biblical truth. The more archeology progresses, the more Biblical truths are validated, and this book does a great job of reporting that evidence.
Rating: 
Summary: A very respectful look at "objective" evidence of the Bible.
Review: This book takes the approach that the Bible can (and perhaps should) be considered in the same manner as any other ancient text. The author points out that this often is not what happens; rather that (often in the service of their own prejudices) scholars hold a double standard which demands more of Biblical text than other contemporaneous writings. The whole presentation of this book was refreshing in the respect that it paid to the three major monotheistic religions of the Middle East, and especially so the Christian tradition. Whereas many current writers seem intent on "debunking" religious belief, this book can, and does, strengthen one's faith. The archeological and historical support for Biblical scriptures is presented in a manner that can be understood easily, historiographical issues are raised and discussed, and when the evidence simply is not there (in either direction) the author says so. As a Christian, I appreciated Mr. Sheler's respect. As an educated man (doctorate and practicing psychologist) I appreciate the intelligence Mr. Sheler brought to the table. This was a very difficult task that was done well!
Rating: 
Summary: Great place to start in understanding the Bible debate
Review: When dealing with questions about the Bible and about faith, we are often only able to find extremists--whether from the right or the left. Balance is a rare commodity. I think Jeffery Sheler brings us that balance in "Is the Bible True?" He attempts (and does a very good job) at listening to what people are saying on both (or all) sides of the issues, trying to understand who they are and where they are coming from, and then trying to make sense of it all. Although at times Sheler gives his evaluation of the merits of logic one side or the other, he never does it in a way that tries to force us to think his way.As when reading any treatment that seeks to be balanced and fair, if you take a strong position on the issues one way or another, you will probably feel that your position isn't being treated adequately. There were times when I wished he would have said some things that he didn't. There were some "facts" I felt he left out, which of course would have helped "prove" my own position. No doubt, both conservative and liberal Bible readers will find reasons to be unhappy or disappointed. But if you sincerely want to learn about what different people think regarding the Bible, you'll find some interesting and helpful input. What Sheler sets out to do, he does well. For a person who is trying for the first time to understand the questions surrounding the Bible, this book will give you a good framework to begin that search. You'll want to continue from there. I'd recommend N.T. Wright's "The New Testament and the People of God" as a next (although more scholarly) step in your search. Overall, I thought it was interesting, enjoyable, understandable, and helpful.
Rating:
Summary: Great place to start in understanding the Bible debate
Review: When dealing with questions about the Bible and about faith, we are often only able to find extremists--whether from the right or the left. Balance is a rare commodity. I think Jeffery Sheler brings us that balance in "Is the Bible True?" He attempts (and does a very good job) at listening to what people are saying on both (or all) sides of the issues, trying to understand who they are and where they are coming from, and then trying to make sense of it all. Although at times Sheler gives his evaluation of the merits of logic one side or the other, he never does it in a way that tries to force us to think his way. As when reading any treatment that seeks to be balanced and fair, if you take a strong position on the issues one way or another, you will probably feel that your position isn't being treated adequately. There were times when I wished he would have said some things that he didn't. There were some "facts" I felt he left out, which of course would have helped "prove" my own position. No doubt, both conservative and liberal Bible readers will find reasons to be unhappy or disappointed. But if you sincerely want to learn about what different people think regarding the Bible, you'll find some interesting and helpful input. What Sheler sets out to do, he does well. For a person who is trying for the first time to understand the questions surrounding the Bible, this book will give you a good framework to begin that search. You'll want to continue from there. I'd recommend N.T. Wright's "The New Testament and the People of God" as a next (although more scholarly) step in your search. Overall, I thought it was interesting, enjoyable, understandable, and helpful.
Rating: 
Summary: A Limited Effort
Review: You can come to any conclusion if you carefully omit the pieces of information that conflict with your intended outcome. That's what this book does. It's a good read if you're seeking to reinforce the comfort found in your beliefs. The author states that the virgin birth story is too weird to have been made up, yet virgin birth stories already existed at the time the biblical one was written (the stories of Apollonius of Tyana, Krishna and Mithras to name a few). Evidence clearly suggests that Christianity "borrowed" these concepts from much older religions. This type of information was omitted from this work, making it, in my view a very narrow study.
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