Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes

"Do we really misread Scripture with individualist eyes? Richards and James put that question to rest . . . yes, we do! If collectivist thinking has ever seemed too complex or even unbiblical, this book can bring clarity. It is not only practical, it's a page-turner. Its scriptural insights are gems and its stories illuminating. They demonstrate the significance of collectivist thinking both in the Bible and our contemporary world, making it a vital resource for missionaries, theologians, and biblical scholars. At the same time, the book's down-to-earth style will make it popular for a broader audience."

-Jackson Wu, theologian-in-residence with Mission One, author of Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes 

"What an illuminating book! Richards and James take us on a delightful journey through the biblical world of collectivistic culture. They make concepts like kinship, honor and shame, patronage, and brokerage come to life by illustrating them richly from both Scripture and their own life experiences. Their fresh readings of biblical stories alone are worth the price of the book. But Western Christians also should prepare to be unsettled. The authors expose how often our individualistic readings of texts lead us to miss the point. Beautifully written and highly accessible, the book not only shows how Scripture reflects collective values but also how the gospel reshapes and redeems those values. Please read this book. Be challenged by it. You may never read the Bible the same way again!"

-Dean Flemming, MidAmerica Nazarene University, author of Contextualization in the New Testament