The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible
The Bible is a story of divine love, full of mercy, justice, and grace.

In The Book of Love, acclaimed author and psychologist Richard Beck offers a bold and compassionate reimagining of how we read the Bible. Drawing from personal experience, theological insight, and psychological depth, Beck challenges the fear—based, legalistic interpretations that have long dominated many Christian traditions. Instead, he invites us to approach Scripture through the lens of love—God's love for humanity and our call to love one another.

The book journeys from Beck's own faith journey to a sweeping exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, and the writings of the early church. Along the way, Beck addresses pressing questions about biblical violence, human dignity, suffering, and salvation. He weaves together stories of historical figures like Dorothy Day and Maximilian Kolbe with theological reflections on figures such as Augustine and George MacDonald, all while grounding his insights in the radical teachings of Jesus.

The Bible is not a rulebook or a weapon, but a story of divine love that calls us to mercy, justice, and grace. The Book of Love is both a critique of harmful religious interpretations and a hopeful vision for a more loving, inclusive, and transformative faith.

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The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible
The Bible is a story of divine love, full of mercy, justice, and grace.

In The Book of Love, acclaimed author and psychologist Richard Beck offers a bold and compassionate reimagining of how we read the Bible. Drawing from personal experience, theological insight, and psychological depth, Beck challenges the fear—based, legalistic interpretations that have long dominated many Christian traditions. Instead, he invites us to approach Scripture through the lens of love—God's love for humanity and our call to love one another.

The book journeys from Beck's own faith journey to a sweeping exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, and the writings of the early church. Along the way, Beck addresses pressing questions about biblical violence, human dignity, suffering, and salvation. He weaves together stories of historical figures like Dorothy Day and Maximilian Kolbe with theological reflections on figures such as Augustine and George MacDonald, all while grounding his insights in the radical teachings of Jesus.

The Bible is not a rulebook or a weapon, but a story of divine love that calls us to mercy, justice, and grace. The Book of Love is both a critique of harmful religious interpretations and a hopeful vision for a more loving, inclusive, and transformative faith.

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The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible

The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible

by Richard Beck
The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible

The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible

by Richard Beck

Hardcover

$28.99 
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    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on May 19, 2026

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Overview

The Bible is a story of divine love, full of mercy, justice, and grace.

In The Book of Love, acclaimed author and psychologist Richard Beck offers a bold and compassionate reimagining of how we read the Bible. Drawing from personal experience, theological insight, and psychological depth, Beck challenges the fear—based, legalistic interpretations that have long dominated many Christian traditions. Instead, he invites us to approach Scripture through the lens of love—God's love for humanity and our call to love one another.

The book journeys from Beck's own faith journey to a sweeping exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, and the writings of the early church. Along the way, Beck addresses pressing questions about biblical violence, human dignity, suffering, and salvation. He weaves together stories of historical figures like Dorothy Day and Maximilian Kolbe with theological reflections on figures such as Augustine and George MacDonald, all while grounding his insights in the radical teachings of Jesus.

The Bible is not a rulebook or a weapon, but a story of divine love that calls us to mercy, justice, and grace. The Book of Love is both a critique of harmful religious interpretations and a hopeful vision for a more loving, inclusive, and transformative faith.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781506496733
Publisher: Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date: 05/19/2026
Pages: 270
Product dimensions: 5.75(w) x 8.75(h) x (d)

About the Author

Richard Beck is professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, where he also lives. He is a popular blogger and speaker and the author of several books, most recently Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age. His published research also covers topics as diverse as the psychology of profanity and why Christian bookstore art is so bad. Beck leads a Bible study each week for inmates at a maximum—security prison.

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