Urban Legends of the New Testament: 40 Common Misconceptions

Urban Legends of the New Testament: 40 Common Misperceptions is an impressive work by David A. Croteau that discusses 40 "commonly circulated myths, repeated throughout the culture as common knowledge, but which isn't true."But we're talking about the infallible Word of God, right? That is correct. But according to the author, certain passages of the New Testament have become victims of the notorious Urban Legend phenomena.The titles of each chapter are the actual legends and are presented as if the author really believes what he is writing to be true. The reader will soon find out that is not the case. Croteau goes on to discuss the incorrect interpretation versus an accurate interpretation and then ends the chapter with his opinion of what the text means, followed by a practical application section.The presentation and discussion of each myth is clear, although some are harder to piece through than others. The length of the chapters vary according to the history of the myth and depth of the discussion. Topics vary from the birth, life, and crucifixion of Jesus to Paul's profession, the plan of salvation, hell, divorce, money, pastors and their families, and cults. You can pick up the book and read only the chapters that interest you, although I do encourage you to read the introduction and epilogue.The prologue discusses two types of legends: a mistaken-contains wrong information; misleading-those that need clarification. The cause and solution for urban legends of the New Testament come down to three components: Context, Greek, and Backgrounds. Croteau clearly discusses this at the end of the book and my only criticism is that I would have liked that information in the introduction. I believe it would have aided in my overall structure for comprehension.Overall, the research was fascinating and I learned—a lot.This quote from the final conclusion summarizes the purpose of this book:"In the end our goal should be to interpret Scripture as accurately as possible, to apply that interpretation to our own lives, and to be transformed by God's Word so that our lives may bring glory to the One who rescued us from an eternal destiny in hell."I highly recommend this book to all readers. Don't plan to read it in one sitting. Use it as a study guide and tool to inspire you to dig deeper into God's Word.

Another example of looking for the novel!!!!! Croatia takes his own liberties in identifying so called "urban legends." For instance, the text concerning Mary & Joseph, states that Jesus was laid in a manger, and that was "because there was no room in the inn" (wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Wherever you want to put the stable (connected, unconnected, beside, underneath, etc.), it had a manger in it (which is what animals feed out of), and there was NO ROOM IN THE INN, which means that they stayed there because there was no room in the inn. By the way, the LXX uses this same word (in Greek for 'Inn') when translating the place where Joseph's brothers stayed as found in Genesis - so apparently the word used in Luke 2:7 is a word that can be used of an "inn" for travelers. Apparently, there was room in the "INN" for them, in OT days.Also, just because the statement -- "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" - is used in the context of handling offenses & church discipline Matthew 18:20 -- DOES NOT mean that this statement only has reference to such a context. There are MANY Bible truths & principles, which are stated in a particular context, that are called up because they are truths and principles that fits that situation, as well as many other situations. ----- "I will never leave you or forsake you." "Love your neighbor as yourself. "More blessed to give than to receive." Just because they have a specific context, does not mean that the truths have only a limited meaning. These truths fit the context they as used in, as well as other contexts. To call up a biblical truth or principle, when talking about church discipline, only means that the writer (Matthew) thought that this principle or truth had import, application, instruction, etc to a situation of church discipline -- NOT that it is only true in a situation of church discipline! -- Ted Martens, Ph.D.

The title is what drew me to the book, and then the shortness of the chapters convinced me to take up this book and read it.I've read various types of theology books, but this one addresses underlying viewpoints that the average Christian assumes. While addressing these legends, the author does a wonderful job helping the reader grow in his or her biblical interpretational skills. And the author does this in a way that is both gracious and easy to understand. Even if a reader may not agree with every conclusion, I heartily recommend this book, not only for the legends it addresses, but for the opportunity to learn how to interpret the Bible.

Other than the Bible, I hesitate to use the term "must read" for a book. This one is definitely a "should read" for anyone who teaches, preaches, or wants to minister more faithfully. The book is engaging, and offers both a negative (doesn't mean this) and positive (means this) response to common urban legends of the NT. You'll be surprised by some beliefs you had that you didn't even realize were not correct, or should be adjusted. The book is also great in pointing to additional resources for further study. Pastors, seminarians, and lay people will all benefit from this book.

The inerrant, infallible Word of God has endured countless intentional assaults of misrepresentation by its enemies. Unfortunately it has also had to endure the unintentional insults of misinterpretation by its friends. Dr. Croteau has given us an excellent handbook to gently correct. His specific examples are well considered and his general principles are well established. Highly recommended.

The author handles some of the most misused scriptures very well, I was very impressed with his eye on teaching what the verses really mean as well as the context of the verses as a whole.

My church was using this book as part of a Bible study series. Very interesting read!

EXCELLENT! A MUST READ!