"I intend this book to be a Christian reflection on understanding salvation as a gift -- and how this understanding might help us break free from the violence that is encouraged by acceptance of the logic of retribution." (Location 701)

The life and teaching of Jesus provides the basic criteria for interpreting the bible.

• The God of the Bible is most clearly revealed in the life and teaching of Jesus.

  • And those materials in tension with such a portrayal will be seen as less central.

The Bible presents a single basic story.

Authoritative biblical speech is grounded in content, not the official status of the speaker

"For now, I self-consciously present an argument meant to suggest more than prove." (Location 739)