The Bible Says So - by Dan McClellan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Bible scholar and popular TikToker Dan McClellan confronts misconceptions about the Bible. The Bible is the world's most influential book, but do we really know what it says? Every day across social media and in homes, businesses, and public spaces, people try to cut debate short by claiming that 'the Bible says so!' However, they commonly disagree about what it actually does and doesn't say, particularly when it comes to socially significant issues. For instance, does the Bible say we should be on the lookout for an antichrist associated with the number 666? Does it say women shouldn't wear revealing clothing? Does it say it's okay to hit your kids? In The Bible Says So, Dan McClellan leverages his popular 'data over dogma' approach, and his years of experience in the academy and on social media, to lay out in clear and accessible ways what the data indicate the Bible does and doesn't say about issues ranging from homosexuality, abortion, and slavery to monotheism, inspiration, and even God's wife. Smart, accessible, and informative, The Bible Says So is an invaluable resource for our fractious times"--

Book Synopsis

NOW A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Bible scholar and popular TikToker Dan McClellan confronts misconceptions about the Bible.

The Bible is the world's most influential book, but do we really know what it says? Every day across social media and in homes, businesses, and public spaces, people try to cut debate short by claiming that "the Bible says so!" However, they commonly disagree about what it actually does and doesn't say, particularly when it comes to socially significant issues. For instance, does the Bible say we should be on the lookout for an antichrist associated with the number 666? Does it say women shouldn't wear revealing clothing? Does it say it's okay to hit your kids?

In The Bible Says So, Dan McClellan leverages his popular "data over dogma" approach, and his years of experience in the academy and on social media, to lay out in clear and accessible ways what the data indicate the Bible does and doesn't say about issues ranging from homosexuality, abortion, and slavery to monotheism, inspiration, and even God's wife. Smart, accessible, and informative, The Bible Says So is an invaluable resource for our fractious times.

Review Quotes

Award of Excellence, the Religion Communicators Council

"With faith-based skepticism and a hint of irreverence... The work will best serve readers hoping to resolve specific issues with how the Bible is used."
--Library Journal

"Smart and historically grounded... Combining fine-grained textual analysis with enlightening historical context, this is a valuable resource."
--Publishers Weekly

"McClellan's work is worth your time. In fact, it's a great gift. I plan to give it to my parents and in-laws."
--The Exponent II

"[McClellan's] humor and approachability are a big part of the appeal."
--Jana Reiss, Religious News Service

"McClellan's perspective is an antidote to so much that is unnecessarily harsh about our current culture--and his work serves as a map for how we can approach many of life's bigger questions and debates."
--Pulling the Thread with Elise Loehnen

"McClellan is a compelling author. And he does go for the hard bits. So, there's lots to find to engage. This book is pretty much his greatest hits. So, if you've been watching him for any time, you'll be familiar at least with his bigger themes. But this offers another angle in. It's a book well worth buying and well worth reading."
--Rev. James Ford, Unanswered Question

"This book empowers readers to engage with the Bible without fear of questioning. For anyone seeking to understand the Bible beyond literal and inerrant interpretations, Dan's work is an essential guide to finding a more compassionate and authentic connection with scripture...a much-needed resource for the deconstructing Christian."
--Karla Kamstra, TikTok's @Karla Kamstra and author of Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith

"At last, a no-nonsense, go-to guide to what the Bible can or cannot be held to endorse. Combining characteristic honesty with whip-smart knowledge and scholarly integrity, Dan McClellan tells it like it really is. Whether you're shocked or delighted by this book, I guarantee there's no better guide to what the Bible really says--and what it doesn't."
--Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Professor of Hebrew Bible & Ancient Religion, University of Exeter

"Dan reawakened my faith in the Bible... Knowing the context of the stories to the people who participated in them, and what they thought at the time, makes it so much more relevant to today for me and made the book relevant in my life again... Thanks, Dan. Buy this book."
--Joel McHale, American actor and comedian

"Dan McClellan is a myth buster and teacher extraordinaire of all things Bible. In his social media and podcasts he works to set the record straight and is unafraid to stand against the distorted interpretations that masquerade as mainstream today. His book is sure to become a classic in the category of contemporary biblical interpretation."
--Liz Bucar, Professor of Religion, Northeastern University, author of Stealing My Religion

"Dan McClellan has turned me into a Bible-lover... The hallmark of any objective, critically thinking, "I ain't got no dog in the fight, except the truth" scholar, is a desire to inform, educate, and elicit even more questions about such a powerful subject; all without malice toward his challengers.... Dan is an accomplished scholar, writer, podcaster, daily TikTok-edifier and most importantly, a total cartoon geek."
--Rob Paulsen, American voice actor

"McClellan brilliantly flicks to pieces so-called "biblical truths," waves away rigid religious dogmas, and blows our minds with what this magisterial ancient poetic text really says about living, love, sin, and life."
--Jerry Saltz, senior art critic, New York Magazine, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism

"[If] you enjoy focusing on the meaning of Bible passages by examining original languages, cultural contexts, and exploring how it was created, transmitted, and received over time, this book will no doubt interest you."
--Practical Resources for Churches

About the Author

Dan McClellan is an award-winning public scholar of the Bible. He has over one million followers on social media, and tens of thousands more tune in to his online classes and his Data Over Dogma Podcast. Dan received his PhD from the University of Exeter. He worked previously as a scripture translation supervisor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is currently an honorary fellow at Birmingham University's Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion.