"First HarperSanFrancisco edition"--Title page verso

"A hardcover edition of this book was published in 1996 by William Morrow and Company, Inc. A paperback edition of this book was published in 1998 by Bard Books, an imprint of Avon Books, Inc."--Title page verso

Includes bibliographical references (pages 354-375) and index.

Why are so many intelligent and compassionate people embarrassed to say they find wisdom and comfort in the Bible? Why do so many seekers turn to New Age religionsinstead of the Bible? And how as a society did we come to cede biblical interpretation to those who would use the Bible as a tool for division and exclusion? In this groundbreaking book, Peter Gomes shows how to read the Bible and what it says about the topics that concern us all, including joy suffering, evil, and goodness. He also explains what the Bible really says about women, gays and lesbians, and people of color. With compassion, humor, and insight, he gives readers the tools and understanding they need to make the ancient wisdom of the Bible a dynamic part of their modern lives.

Lambda Literary Award, 1996

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