The Skeletons in God's Closet, by Joshua Ryan Butler

This book provides an in-depth analysis of three of the teachings in Scripture that most trouble so many of us in the West. These include the teaching of Hell, the teaching of judgment and the Old Testament accounts of "holy war" where the ancient Israelites declared war on Canaanites. This book is divided in three parts. Butler devotes the first part of his book to the Bible's teaching on Hell. He devotes the second part of his book to God's teaching on Judgment and the third part of this book is devoted to the Biblical account of the Israelite "holy war" with Canaan. Butler uses illustrations and stories throughout this book and anticipates many questions that we would ask about these matters. He shares stories from his own life.

This book is pretty much as I expected, using well-reasoned arguments from common sense, to explain what is behind these tough teachings. I found this book interesting but it seems that Butler repeats himself. It has been said, though, that good teachers are not afraid to repeat themselves, if needed, to re-enforce their lessons. Butler, being of Native American origin, uses the argument of our instinct for justice to make all wrongs right, to underscore that our holy God will finally bring justice through judgment and Hell. Until I read this book, I have never heard Hell illustrated as being a source of protection not only for the inhabitants of Heaven, but is protective even for the inhabitants of Hell itself. I was puzzled as to why Butler did not underscore the Biblical fact of the reality and uniqueness of the Church as the Body of Christ until later in the book. It seemed that, earlier in the book, other faiths were seen almost as equal to ours. But I liked Butler's use of stories and symbols to show us what he means by what he says.

I recommend this book to all Christians who have ever wondered about the difficult and hard-to-accept teachings of the Bible. They may find these teachings easier to accept, if not easier to reconcile with human logic. I even encourage non-Christians to read this book, as many of their questions about God in relation to injustice and suffering, may be answered here. Every Pastor needs to read this book so they are better-equipped to answer questions about God in relation to God and suffering, as well as to be equipped to preach on Hell and judgment, which are often neglected in pulpits. This book is too in-depth and intense for youth but maybe Butler should consider writing a youth version in the future.

I receive a complimentary copy of this book through Booklook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.