Great literature is all about human
experience. That’s precisely what makes the Bible so compelling. It is first of
all a literature book full of stories, poetry, proverbs, and parables that
offers the reader a glimpse into both God’s heart and the human heart. The
tension between good and evil runs as a consistent theme throughout with God’s
redemption ever the central story line.
With this understanding, I’ve longed
to introduce my creative writing students to a deeper understanding of the
Bible as literature. What literary tools did the writers use to convey their
thoughts and feelings? My search led me to my son-in-law, a seminary professor
and serious student of God’s Word. He referred me to a gem of a book titled How to Read the Bible as Literature . . . and
get more out of it by Leland Ryken.
In his helpful book, Ryken opens the
door to a greater appreciation of the artistic beauty of Scripture. Employing
an array of literary devices, the biblical writers take the reader on a journey
of discovery. From the epic accounts of the Exodus to the visionary literature
of Revelation, the reader experiences unity and coherence through the masterful
use of metaphor, simile, symbol, foil, hyperbole, allusion, personification,
dramatic irony, and satire, to name a few. It is precisely this dissection of
the biblical writers’ use of literary tools that Ryken contends will bring more
understanding to a passage.
For example, when the psalmist says “All
night long I flood my bed with weeping” (Psalm 6:6), he is using hyperbole, an exaggeration, not literal
fact. The writer draws upon hyperbole
to express how strongly he feels about the situation. Obviously, it is
impossible to literally flood one’s bed with tears. To imagine such a scenario
is quite comical, yet the structure is effective in communicating the writer’s
emotion.
In another instance, the psalmist uses
an allusion or historical reference.
In Psalm 33:6, he says, “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made.” The
Psalmist refers to a point in history when God spoke the world into existence.
In the New Testament, the power of
parable is prevalent. The gospel writers provide numerous accounts of Jesus’
masterful storytelling skills. According to Ryken, Jesus often “used obvious
and heightened foils (contrasts) . .
.The rich man and Lazarus, the Pharisee and publican, the generous employer and
the selfish workers, the wise and foolish virgins”(141). The parables draw a
line in the sand, if you will, forcing the reader or listener “to take sides
for or against the characters,” Ryken contends (142).
Even the New Testament epistles
(letters) make use of literary devices. Consider the aphoristic sayings of 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts
good character” and Galatians 5:9: “A little yeast works through the whole
batch of dough.” Notice the paradox
in 2 Corinthians 12:10b: “when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Consider the visionary literature of
Revelation which transcends the ordinary. Revelation is an epic work which
takes place on a cosmic stage with scenes shifting between heaven and earth.
Such a technique calls for the reader to step out of the familiar and use his
imagination. The use of symbols such
as thunder, lion, earthquake, dragon, or harvest is prevalent and can be
readily understood with the knowledge that “literary symbolism tends to be a
universal language that recurs throughout literature” according to Ryken (173).
How
to Read the Bible as Literature (203 pages) is divided into twelve chapters and
includes an appendix of the allegorical nature of the parables, an index of
persons, and an index of subjects. Each chapter provides helpful sidebars that
highlight the most significant points of the chapter. Plentiful scriptural
examples are included to illustrate each literary tool discussed. Wide margins
are designed for note taking. Further resources at the end of each chapter are
listed to enhance the reader’s understanding of specific literary devices.
How
to Read the Bible as Literature by Leland Ryken
unpacks a gold mine of literary tools and how those devices, rightly examined,
can lead to a richer understanding of God’s Word. A great resource for laymen
and clergy alike.
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SPECIAL NOTE: Sorry I'm not able to post a picture at this time. Blogger is acting up.
3 comments:
Thanks, Eileen. Other members of our Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook will be interested too, so I just highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless.
I'll have to put this on my TBR list. I try to read through the Bible from beginning to end each year...almost finished with my 13th time through. I always learn something new each year. God gives us insight to what He wants us to understand...when He wants us to understand it. This book does sound interesting.
Wonderful, Debbie! This book could very well open your eyes to see new insights from your reading.
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