Author: Joel McDurmon
Publisher: American Vision Press
Reading Level: Leisure
Format: eBook
“Noah knew: we must not judge God’s word according to society. We must judge society according to God’s word.”
Joel McDurmon is an author from Dallas, Georgia. He has written previously on the subjects of preterism, postmillennialism, the history of the United States, Christian Recostructionism and theonomy. His recent offering, Noah: The True Story, amazingly touches on all of these topics in this brief book. Though Noah: The True Story does not provide full insight into any of the topics, it does deliver an excellent introduction to each via a typological backdrop that many Bible students will be well acquainted.
The Communication
Noah: The True Story is a particularly interesting read. The genre of the book switches back and forth from history, typology and even some allegory. Though McDurmon states in the introductory notes that he will “tell you the story of Noah as realistically as possible” this story is not without significant interpretation and Biblical insight. Individuals unfamiliar with typology may struggle to understand the hermeneutic and how it is being properly applied to the Biblical texts and its application to modern times.
In general, the style of Noah: The True Story is extremely easy to read. The application to the cultural climate of today is clear and pronounced. Those that don’t share McDurmon’s worldview may find particular portions of the book disagreeable.
The Content
Noah: The True Story is quite brief in its content. Going over the developing story of Noah is neither a long or arduous task. However, for each element of Noah’s story there is a reflection into the modern world. This interesting interaction brings the content of the Biblical narrative into and, more appropriately, up against the modern day worldviews that shape Christian culture. For some McDurmon’s reading into the Biblical text may resemble a stretch of Paradise Lost proportion. Others may recognize the value of seeing this effort as a means of relating basic historical principals.
Beginning with the offspring of Adam, McDurmon walks through the progressive developments of a cheapened dominion exerted by the sons of Cain. Through its multiple stages, the seed of Cain is repetitively portrayed as having the incurable sickness of their ancestors: they strive to be God. In contrast, the seed of Seth is portrayed as slow in receiving the dominion that God had promised. And it is in response to the Lord’s “slowness” that they commit their grievous sin. All of this sets the stage for the glorious judgment and covenant redemption that is found in both Noah and his family.
Conclusion
Individuals, consciously or unconsciously, against the basic principles of Reconstructionism, theonomy and postmillennialism will find the work intriguing but unlikely to convert them to a new world view. Those interested in these subjects will find Noah: The True Story both refreshing and invigorating toward the Biblical text of Noah and current cultural conditions. Ultimately, the promises of God’s faithfulness remain and the Biblical history attests to this.
In the light of modern interpretation of these events, the emphasis on God’s judgment, redemption and plan are a breeze of fresh air that can be willfully consumed by those willing to read the Bible anew again. Given the brevity of Noah: The True Story individuals of all persuasion should be able to enjoy a Milton-like (minus the poetry) experience of the story of Noah.
