The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible

The research for this book is pretty flawless and though I have taught and studied the Bible at professional level all my adult life, I learnt quite a lot, while what I already knew was ordered and put in place. The central argument is that we tend |(especially in more 'reformed' circles) to interpret the Bible in a way much influenced by rationalism and the so-called Enlightenment. This was not the thinking of the ancients, which was much more supernaturalist. I read the first two chapters with entire fascination. In the third chapter, I began to think 'I am not sure I agree with all of this.' This was more to do with his interpretation of evidence than the evidence itself, in particular his idea that, although God created the earth and declared it 'very good', it was not perfect and therefore Adam and Eve were told to subdue it. This seemed to me to pass very lightly over the theology of the Fall and God's perfect knowledge of the subsequent growth of civilisation, bad and good, and events such as world hunger, natural disasters and epidemics of sickness (such as Covid 19!). As I read on, I found this happening again, for example over his discussion of human freedom vs. predestination. I loved seeing the biblical picture emerge as he continued to discuss passages in the light of his research, but then (to me) he went further than the passage warranted in his attempts to philosophize. He made good points, but again, I wanted to argue with his conclusions. I enjoyed this, because it was quite evident that he was making me question my presuppositions and think hard about my conclusions. So, despite any reservations I might have about his more philosophical ideas, I still give this book five stars. I'd give it six stars if they were available. I haven't read all of this detailed book, because each chapter take study and thought, and I will certainly add to this review in time. These are initial thoughts which I may even have to retract later! I have certainly been stimulated to think. I am very glad I came across this author and have already bought another of his books. Truly fascinating!

This is a book that I found that once I started reading I could not put down. This is a surprising thing to say about a book that is essentially a text book. Yet you do not have to have a theology degree or ministry diploma to appreciate Michael Heiser's work. An open and enquiring mind will do, but every reader will need to be prepared to be challenged as I have discovered, it will change how we see and understand and interpret the Bible. For those readers who have been trained theologically, this book will put us back into the seminar rooms where we can exercise our brain cells and hold dialogue internally as we reengage with scripture through the perspective of the Ancient Near East. Not the predominant culture that has shaped our thinking thus far. I suspect that I will read this book a few more times to pick up on nuances that I have not yet picked up. However, before I do that I must families myself with Michael Heisers other works first.

I finally bought this book having been a listener of the Naked Bible podcast for a while. Dr. Heiser's online material should give you a good idea of what to expect from this book; it is written in plain English and the chapters are refreshingly short (which was a pleasant surprise - his vocal style can be a little long-winded and monotonous but his writing is concise). I'm halfway through currently, but Dr. Heiser steadily works through the key scripture on which his divine council worldview is based. The main point I'd like to make is that this work is easily accessible; it has generous footnotes, briefly outlining opposing arguments, referring readers to the companion site or referencing scholarly articles. I like to read these, but if you don't wish to, the book is well within the capability of any literate person. To simplify it any more would I suspect miss out some key bits of information so if you're wondering whether to get this book or "Supernatural" (which I think is the "lite" version) I'd recommend this book. I don't have a problem accepting Dr. Heiser's conclusions - they make clear many previously obscure and hard to understand passages which most Christians (including pastors and theologians!) gloss over or give unconvincing answers to. Even if you don't agree, if you're intellectually honest and a thoughtful Christian you should read this to know what the arguments are.

This is a well written book with references freely provided (including on-line extras) to back up the teachings that are presented. These cover areas that have so often been ignored or misunderstood and offer answers, that to my mind, work in a holistic manner throughout the Old and New Testament scriptures. It is refreshing to find an author who, though obviously an expert in his field, can write in a manner which is easy to read and understandable, and provide a book which is pleasingly free from typos and general bad grammar. The subject matter inevitably challenges some (or maybe many) of one's preconceived ideas or received teaching but as I have said, his case is clearly presented with references which one is encouraged to follow up on. I am now starting on my second reading of it and consulting the on-line aids provided. In reading it my most common reaction as a Christian has been of increased amazement at the high calling that God has for us, so do not think that it is some kind of dry, academic (in a bad sense) impractical, book. Highly recommended.

Unseen realm — yes really the Bible is dealing with an unseen realm. Dr Michael allows the Bible, for what it is and how it is. And He helps the reader to become an ancient Israel, middle eastern, 2nd Temple Jew and early Church believer in his book. This will open the reader’s eyes of understanding and changes the principles of interpretation of scripture. I suggest all who are seeking the “ Truth” should read this book.

Dr. Michael Heiser was not only a great investigator, but also excelled at communicating down his work to the less academic people like myself. This book helped me understand better some nuances about the spiritual world narrated in the bible.

Muy interesante. Sencillo de entender. Son nociones básicas sobre aspectos bíblicos vistos desde su contexto. Lo recomiendo para cualquier cristiano.

I can only give thanks to God, the Holy Spirit for directing me to Dr. Michael Heiser and his content. It’s a true answer to prayer. The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible made reading the Bible exciting again. I’m not an academic but that doesn’t mean non-academics aren’t interested in deeper Bible study. It also doesn’t mean non-academics can’t understand academic content. Before finding Dr. Heiser, I searched for over 30 years trying to find the type of content presented in The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. I’ve gone to church all my life. Going to church meant being there most every Sunday, Wednesday and other times as they presented themselves. I read my Bible but I couldn’t find the answers to “weird” stuff in it. The teaching I received was filtered through my Christian affiliation. But I knew there was something missing. There had to be more. In 1986, I joined a very large non-denominational church. The teaching was better but something was still missing. There was still no foundational teaching. The teaching consisted of one sermon series after another. While the sermons were good, they left a lot of unanswered questions. You weren’t invited or allowed to ask questions. And, if you were lucky enough to ask a question, you were either blown off or completely ignored. One Sunday in 2015, my pastor said, “I’m tired of us (the congregation) living in the natural. It’s time for us to start living in the supernatural!” Much like Dr. Heiser’s Psalms 82 “ah-ha” moment, I had a similar experience. I remembered thinking to myself, “Well, how are we supposed to do that because you’re certainly aren’t teaching us how.” I was bored and frustrated with going to church every week but only gaining a surface knowledge of the Bible. I was tired of asking my church leaders for answers and being ignored. That afternoon, I decided I was going to find the answers I needed. I asked God, the Holy Spirit to help me; to teach me; to guide me to the resources I needed to answer my questions. With God, be careful what you ask for. Since God, the Holy Spirit knew my limited knowledge of the supernatural world, He took me through baby steps to that end. It took about a year for God, the Holy Spirit to get me ready for Dr. Heiser. He introduced me to Dr. Heiser through a YouTube video. I was watching another video when Dr. Heiser’s sidebar video popped up. I didn’t watch it at first. But, whenever I was on YouTube, that same video kept popping up. After finally watching Dr. Heiser’s video, there were two things he said about his book that really stood out to me. He said he wasn’t “going to protect Christians from their Bible.” And, “you’ll never be able to look at your Bible the same way again.” I watched this video several times and watched interviews about the book before I decided to purchase it. After purchasing it, I could hardly wait to start reading it. Finally, it arrived and I started reading. But much like my first computer purchase, after only reading a few chapters, I put the book down. I put I down for three months! So much of what I read was contrary to what I’d learned via my Christian filters. If Dr. Heiser’s teaching was true, why hadn’t I heard any of this in my 40+ years of going to church? Why aren’t Evangelical Pastors with huge platforms teaching any of this? I was getting more and more frustrated with the teaching I received at church. Then one Sunday afternoon, God, the Holy Spirit, said to me, “You asked me to teach you and guide you to resources to answer your question. I did that. Now, what are you going to do about it.” Again, like Dr. Heiser, I had a decision to make. Was I going to continue with the “traditions of men” or was I going to allow God, the Holy Spirit lead me? I decided to follow the leading of God, the Holy Spirit and let the chips fall where they may! Since December 2016, my life hasn’t been the same. I completed the book. But, honestly, I was so overwhelmed with the revelations, I couldn’t absorb it all. I understood it all. I just couldn’t process it all. The book activated my “shut-off” filter! The book answered so many questions I’ve been trying to get answered for decades. More importantly, it caused me to ask more questions. Many times, you don’t know what you don’t know. Dr. Heiser’s thorough citing of sources gave me the option and direction to do additional research. Dr. Heiser echoes the same sentiment I came to realize about what Christians mean when they say “supernatural.” Most have “selective supernaturalism.” They accept the supernatural to the degree they have must to be a Christian. And that’s about it. In three years, I’ve learned and have a better understanding of Biblical content than I gained from 40+ years of going to church. After three years of exposure to Dr. Heiser’s books and the Naked Bible Podcast, I feel confident enough to share what I’ve learned with others. I lead a Bible study primarily using Dr. Heiser’s content. All I can say is, “Thank you, Dr. Heiser, for your hard work and dedication to Biblical coherency by writing The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. Not only coherency but also access. His work has exposed me and other non-academics to and given us access to content, academic discussions and resources many didn’t know existed.

What a great read,it brings together all things I had dared consider(out of the box things) into a seamless story of creation, the unseen and the seen to a conclusion in part and yet an open ended story which keeps my spirit and mind looking in a state of awe and wonder of what is yet to be from a believers view which lies head for us all into Eternity ahead.. Above all it has increased my reality of perspective in how much I am now a redeemed child of God and how much I truly desire to stay that way!!! God's Desires to show "His Story for all of His Creation personally and intimately"; and how from from the " Big Picture Level" right down to THE YOU & ME Level it is something akin to the BIG SCREEN BLOCKBUSTER that we all enjoy. Way more can I say, it's real, it's engrossing and should hold a prominent place in your library of must have reads!!!