Local Opinion Editorials

OUR GOD- GIVEN SENSES – The Book Nook

OUR GOD-GIVEN SENSES: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NINE HUMAN SENSES INTEGRATED WITH A STUDY OF THE BIBLE
by Gary A. Burlingame
Healthy Life Press, 978-1-9392-6773-3
PB, 102 pages, $12.99

Burlingame links the Bible to our modern understanding of the human senses. The study gives a light overview of senses, such as taste, pain, and balance, and it supplies many lists of Bible verses that refer to these senses. The main portion of the study is Burlingame’s insight on how science adds additional layers of application to these verses.

The study is intended as a companion to Burlingame’s previously written book on the human senses. Those who enjoy looking up many scriptures and coming to their own conclusions will appreciate this study, since it does not offer a reading schedule nor any fill-in-the-blank questions to answer.

However, the study has two aspects that might hinder readers. Burlingame does not quote experts in the fields of science or biblical studies—apparently relying on his own knowledge for his insights. Also, the organization of the study is sometimes confusing. There are lists of Bible verses scattered for no apparent reason throughout certain chapters, as well as at the end of each chapter.

I would give this study a rating of 2 out of 5. This study will be most meaningful to Christians age 16 and older who are already familiar with biblical metaphors such as “aroma of Christ” and “salt of the earth.” The book will solidify readers’ respect for God’s creation. It will reveal to readers that the Bible is chock-full of analogies about and references to the human senses.

Kathleen O’Malley is a professional writing major at Taylor University and a freelance writer for Church Libraries, WBCL Radio, The Waynedale News, and The Aboite Independent.