Dangerous Worlds

Mark McEntire's Dangerous Worlds is a scholarly book that yields its riches to the lay reader with only modest investment of energy. It is learned in its appeal to the wealth of narrative treatments of the biblical books of Genesis, Judges, Samuel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Matthew. It is useful in its introduction to current reading theory and narrativity. It is especially helpful theologically in each chapter's reflection segment, where McEntire helps his readers ask what difference the narrative world of each biblical book makes.

— Milton P. Horne
Professor of Religion
Executive Director, Partee Center for Baptist
Historical Studies
William Jewell College

In Dangerous Worlds McEntire demonstrates how a narrative reading of biblical books can produce fresh insights and new perspectives from these ancient texts, particularly in regard to the issues of violence and death. With clarity and sensitivity, he takes the reader on a journey through six books in the Bible (Genesis, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, Matthew, and Acts), helping the reader become aware of how the narrative structure and literary dimensions of these books shape and convey their messages. In the theological reflections throughout the book, McEntire raises intriguing and insightful connections between the world of the text and the world of the modern reader and shows how these ancient texts can still prod, challenge, and enlighten us.

— Mitchell G. Reddish
O. L. Walker Professor of Christian Studies
Chair of the Department of Religious Studies
Stetson University