Although I've studied his later works, I enjoy the writing style of Leland Ryken's How to Read the Bible as Literature much more. As Professor R. B. Allen of Western Seminary said of the book, '...[it will] increase or knowledge about the Bible...enable us to read the Bible with renewed appreciation and excitement and to give us ultimately a more profound grasp of its truths.'
Because I love Jesus Christ, I love the Bible. Appreciation, excitement and a profound grasp of the Bible's truths are certainly goals worth pursuing.
Ryken compares and contrasts expository and literary writing. The story of Cain and Abel illustrates the commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill.' The definition of neighbor, whom Jesus commanded we love as ourselves, was explained in such a way so that nobody could misunderstand in the parable The Good Samaritan. So...we pray for enemies that despitefully use us, do good to them that hate us, because Jesus taught us it is the most mature and spiritually advanced way for His disciples to act. In doing so, we emulate His character.
