The final twenty-two books of the Bible's New Testament receive intense scrutiny in this scholarly but accessible analysis. Dowell, a former college professor with a farming background, devoted ten years to reading and re-reading the Bible and writing an interpretation in both prose and poetry. Familiarity with the Bible aids one's understanding of this work, but it is not necessary. Dowell provides thematic summaries before delving into the essence of the books, and thoughtfully lists chapter and verse for reference. The author unrelentingly squeezes and probes controversial parts of the Bible—social issues, slavery, the role of women, contradictions in the text, and the prophecy of Revelation—as well as tackles guidelines for Christian living, interpretation of doctrines, faith under persecution, and the hope Christ brings through his victory over sin, death, and evil.

Dowell makes the Bible's old-fashioned language plain. For example, he interprets the power of faith, as discussed in Hebrews, through a multipage, rhyming poem. Two lines read: "By faith Abraham abandons his native land, venturing to one unnamed, obeying God's call / By faith Abraham and Sarah, past age, produce descendants numerous as sands and stars all." Dowell allows James to interpret Leviticus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself." James asserts Christians must not show partiality, for instance, between a plain-dressed and finely attired worshiper. James says showing partiality violates the royal law of love: "love your neighbor as yourself."

The Book of Revelation gets spicy, and Dowell's poetic interpretation of the war in Heaven is reminiscent of Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. The author's explanations of Revelation's use of symbolic numerology are thought-provoking and a bit terrifying. In short, Dowell has written an uplifting body of work that both poetically illuminates the human condition and creatively clarifies God's guidelines.

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