“The Blue Parakeet”: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, 2nd edition is authored by Dr. Scot McKnight, PhD., publication date 2018, by Zondervan.
I came across this phenomenal book as a recommendation from a dear friend (from afar 😉), Lisa D. Harper, PhD, on her podcast, “Back Porch Theology.”
My curiosity is piqued by the details in the Bible that so many teachers and preachers seem to gloss over (in my opinion, which we know doesn’t amount to much). When my eyes land on a passage and can’t seem to get past it to keep reading forward, I know it’s because I’m seeking to understand what I just read. I can be relentless at times.
Like a boomerang, I will return to the spot that captivates my attention. Why am I so fixated on these words? And perhaps, I may have read them before, but for some reason, in a specific moment in time, Holy Spirit tethers me back to investigate.
In his book, “The Blue Parakeet,” Scot McKnight dives into such passages and causes his reader to pursue that hunger and thirst for greater understanding. And I am so glad he did.
As Christ Followers, we are accountable for the faith we profess. Jesus didn’t call us to be fans ~ He called us to be Followers ~ of Him. In his book, “The Blue Parakeet,” Scot McKnight challenges his reader to understand what he / she signed up for. And quite honestly, it may take some people a few re-reads and extra Bible Study nights to accept the truths that he unveils.
You may find yourself in a quandry, scratching your head, jaw-dropped, and eyes wide open when you read this book. It may confront some of the old traditional teachings you’ve heard (and not questioned). And you may be charged with the duty to either rise up to the task of further study, or reframe the way you read the Bible going forward. But I must say, it is well worth the investigative read, and will cause you to say (throughout), “I didn’t know that!” A pivotal question will keep you grounded: Are you reading the Bible through tradition or with tradition? THIS is key, and has changed the way I read Scripture today.
With all faith-based books that I encounter, I expect to be spurred on to seek Jesus with greater intensity and passion. And this is exactly what happened.
This is a must-read for every Christ Follower.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
“Thank you, Dr. McKnight, for all the work that you do for the sake of teaching the rest of us. Please don’t stop talking or writing. You’ve opened my eyes to the blue parakeets that I didn’t know existed, and caused me to be forever grateful for the ones who blazed the trail ahead of us, spreading their wings and singing their songs.”
Titus Two 