Sunday, August 08, 2010

Book Review: "The Bible's Best Love Stories"

"The Bible's Best Love Stories"
by Allan F. Wright
Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press

When one mentions love stories, I’d be willing to bet that the first thing that comes to mind is not the Bible. One tends to think of romantic movies or novels. Perhaps one might think of couples one knows whose love stands out in the crowd. Yet, God is the author of love and the Bible, as the word of God, is a wonderful place to look for examples of love and role models for our own relationships. In “The Bible’s Best Love Stories,” Allan F. Wright examines some of the very human love stories contained in the pages of scripture. These stories do not show an idealistic portrayal of love. Rather they show the full range of deep emotions and all the challenges along the way. Wright does not only study the portrayal of romantic relationships, but also the love of good friends and familial relationships.

Wright begins his examination, as one might expect, with the relationship between Adam and Eve, “the world’s first lovers.” Before the first sin, they had the beauty of the ideal relationship; it was a union of the whole person – body and soul. They loved each other as God loved them. But then, they thought they knew better than God and sin came into the world. Their relationship, which had been so perfect, now was one of shame and blame. Things would never be the same for them, or us, again. We will come up short, yet we are all called to still strive for that original self-giving love that existed before sin.

Wright then turns his attention to other famous pairs of the Old Testament: Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, Abigail and David, Tobiah and Sarah, and the unnamed lovers in the “Song of Solomon.” He also explores the familial love of Joseph and his brothers and Ruth and Naomi and the bonds of friendship that existed between David and Jonathan. The New Testament features fewer romantic relationships, but Wright looks at Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, and Priscilla and Aquila. Some of Jesus’ friendships are highlighted, such as those with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, as well as his bond with Peter. His relationship with the “sinful woman’ is also examined. The relationship between Saint Paul and Barnabas, and that which existed among Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John are also looked at. While some of these stories are relatively familiar, Wright looks at them with fresh eyes, pointing out things we may have missed in the relationships and holding up certain aspects for special attention.

The Bible illustrates all the different types of love. It shows that loving anyone will require commitment and sacrifice. There is no such thing as an easy love, although some days will certainly be easier than others. Love will sometimes need to be waited for, but trust in God is paramount. Wright has done a beautiful job portraying these stories with understanding and wisdom. For each story, he offers a prayer, a relevant quote, reflection questions, and an idea for putting love into action in one’s own life. These additions help make this book ideal for a bible study or for private reflection.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Bible's Best Love Stories

15 comments:

Mike St. Pierre said...

I'm looking forward to reading Allans book after reading your review. His previous two were great!

Mike St. Pierre said...

Great review- Wrights first two books were great so I want to read this one even more!

Unknown said...

Wonderful review - my wife and I are truly blessed to have a copy of this book which has helped us in so many ways! As we read each chapter we are able to grow in love and faith. We highly recommend this to any married couple.

Mrs. Maggi said...

Insightful and compelling read. Another inspirational text from Allan Wright!

Mrs. Maggi said...

Excellent and compelling read!

Ed Moccia said...

Hi Patrice,

I came across your review of Allan's book on your blog from Allan's facebook post-- sounds like a great book! I've heard Allan speak before and I look forward to reading him as well.

Btw, I just forwarded your blog to my wife- we have 2 young boys, so I'm sure she'll be able to relate! She's always looking for good, orthodox and inspirational Catholic readings and mediations- thanks!

God-bless,

Ed Moccia
ed@spoweb.org

AuntRita said...

Thanks for such a thorough review - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. P.S. Love your blog!!!! :)

AuntRita said...

Hi Patrice - good idea to have a link from Allan's Facebook page!

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur said...

Thanks all!

Henry said...

Thanks for your review. It was very helpful. I saw your review on Allan Wright's Facebook page.

Lisa Greey Lytwyn said...

Can't wait to read the book! Allan is a great speaker and author with a zeal for evangelization! Thanks for the review!

Unknown said...

I am so glad I found your blog through alan wright's facebook page. Thanks for all of the blogs you have posted. It is hard to "blindly" find a good pick!!!!!!

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur said...

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and for stopping by!

teacher said...

Allan is one of my favorite authors. I have heard him speak quite often and I was so glad to read your review. I can't wait to read it for myself. By the way, my wife loves yor site and your blog. I came across this on Allans facebook page.
Dave

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur said...

Thanks, Dave, and thanks to your wife as well.

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