Kapr debuts with a sweeping repudiation of biblical inerrancy—the contemporary belief that the Bible, being divinely inspired, is without errors or contradictions. (The implication, as Kapr frames it: “If the Bible is inerrant, then we must believe everything it says.”) A former youth pastor, Kapr writes that his theological worldview was challenged when he recognized the blindspots in his faith. After studying for years in an attempt to discern the truth, his focus shifted to asking for “more rigorous and thoughtful engagement with issues that have a profound impact on our world,” leading to this collection, which presents questions and evidence to make the case against Biblical inerrancy. He operates from a holistic approach, using research from Christian writers, historical accounts, and common knowledge of human history—in addition to Biblical references—while encouraging readers to “adjust their worldview” if necessary.

While he acknowledges that he has lost his own faith, Kapr is adamant that he does not intend to destroy what others hold dear. Instead, he hopes to provoke new thoughts or provide an alternate, cultivated engagement with faith and scripture. He argues that the Bible is indeed full of errors, citing paradoxes and contradictions, a stance that stems from his long time study of hermeneutics through exegesis, or interpreting a text based on its content. He poses seven questions that have led him to reject inerrancy, making his case methodically, persuasively, and with welcome civility.

Rather than dismantling a dominant world religion, Kapr emphasizes two major concessions: the Bible does have errors and, because the religion is important (whether one holds the beliefs or not), theologians must offer space for the discussion of the errors to better understand the text and the foundations of faith. Readers, both introductory and advanced, who are interested in hermeneutics and apologetics will delight in this compendium of Biblical references and interpretations.

Takeaway: A former youth pastor challenges the doctrine of biblical inerrancy in this civil, thoughtful treatise.

Great for fans of: Rachel Held Evans’s Faith Unraveled, Craig G. Bartholomew’s Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A