Book Critique: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to
Better Understand the Bible
Gwane D Martin
NBST 610 D06 Hermeneutics
September 23, 2025
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................1
Summary................................................................................................................................1
Analysis..................................................................................................................................2
Above the Surface...............................................................................................................3
Just Below the Surface.........................................................................................................4
Deep Below the Surface......................................................................................................5
Conclusion..............................................................................................................................5
Bibliography............................................................................................................................7
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1
Introduction
This critique of the book “Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes” examines the cultural
biases that impact biblical interpretation. Authors E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien
discuss how Western cultural assumptions shape the way scripture is understood. The book
provides guidance for biblical interpreters to recognize cultural differences and enhance their
understanding of the Bible. The book is particularly beneficial for those seeking to understand
the cultural context of scripture and its intended audience.
They introduce key issues and conclude each chapter with thought-provoking “questions
to ponder,” encouraging readers to reflect on what they have read and consider how to apply it
to real-life situations. The book is well-structured, presenting a clear and cohesive argument
that supports the proposed process. Each chapter transitions smoothly to the next, tackling
many cultural blind spots common in Western culture. The authors draw on their personal
experiences with other cultures, which appear to provide a sharper perspective on how
Western assumptions can impede biblical interpretation. The stated goal of this book is to help
readers understand themselves through exploring cultural differences present in everyone. It
seeks to increase the interpreter’s awareness, not only to discover hidden meanings in scripture
but also to identify their own deep-seated cultural blind spots.
Summary
The authors emphasize the importance of identifying hidden cultural values that may
lead to misinterpretation of scripture. Using an image of an iceberg, the authors discuss nine
differences between Western and non-Western cultures that readers should be aware of when
interpreting the Bible.1 It also examines the shifting demographics of global Christianity and
their influence on biblical interpretation. Each chapter features personal stories and inquiry
questions designed to prompt self-reflection on cultural biases. The book examines various
1 E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien, Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes:
Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible (Downers Grove, IL:
2
cultural blind spots, including the contrast between individualism and collectivism. The book
also explains the distinctions between honor versus shame cultures and right versus wrong
cultures, illustrating how these relate to collectivist and individualist societies.
Analysis
The authors use the metaphor of an iceberg to depict cultural issues. They include above
the Surface, Just Below the Surface, and Deep Below the Surface. The cultural issues that are
“above-the-surface” are the tip of the iceberg, the part of the worldview that is visible.2 The
phrase “just-below-the-surface” refers to aspects of our worldview in which the differences
between cultures are less noticeable and, consequently, more dangerous.3 The phrase
“deepbelow-the surface” references cultural issues that lurk deep below the surface, often
subtly hidden behind or beneath other values and assumptions. These are the most difficult to
detect and, therefore, the most dangerous for interpretation.4 Although employing an iceberg
as a metaphor for cultural issues is clever, the authors do not sufficiently specify which aspects
might be lacking for the reader. After careful analysis, the reader may question which part of
their own iceberg needs more exploration.
InterVarsity Press, 2012), 16.
2Ibid., 26.
3Ibid., 94.
4Ibid., 16.
Above the Surface
These authors draw on their experiences as church leaders to highlight presuppositions
that may hinder Western biblical interpreters. They also incorporate advice from others to help
them see beyond their presuppositions. The “above-the-surface” cultural differences include
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our presuppositions and unconscious beliefs, which are visible and least likely to lead to serious
misunderstanding.2 However, if we are not aware, our assumptions about what is implied but
not said regarding cultural differences, mores, race, and language can cause us to misinterpret
the Bible. The example that the authors use is the story from Genesis 19. When most modern
readers read the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, they may
conclude that only homosexuality is being condemned and overlook clues in the text, leading
them to believe it is simply a condemnation of homosexuality and nothing more.3
In addition, our individualist assumptions also shape how we interpret scripture,
sometimes leading to misinterpretation, especially since individualism is common in the West.
As a result, it can lead to a more serious problem of misunderstanding what it means.4 The
authors mention the example from the book of Jeremiah, which states, “For I know the plans
that I have for you, declares Yahweh, plans for peace and not for calamity, to give you a future
and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, Legacy Standard Bible). This verse is often misunderstood as a
personal promise rather than being seen in its original context as God’s message to the exiled
Israelites.
Just Below the Surface
Aspects of our Western worldview where cultural differences are less apparent can be
more hazardous, as these views lie “just-below-the-surface” and are not immediately visible.5
The authors point out that the difference between collectivistic and individualistic cultures can
be an example of subtle underlying cultural issues.6 These can influence how people perceive
efficiency and employment. An individualistic perspective might focus on streamlining
processes, while a collectivistic one considers the effects on jobs and the community. The
2 Ibid., 16.
3 Ibid., 48.
4 Ibid., 100.
5 Ibid., 94.
6 Ibid., 94.
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example that the authors use is how Western readers often misinterpret the story of the jailer’s
household found in Acts 16. Western readers may assume individual decision-making processes
rather than recognizing the possibility of group conversions, which are common in collectivist
societies.
Other examples include diverse perspectives on honor and shame, as well as varied
views on time across cultures. These more profound cultural differences can lead individuals to
unknowingly impose their own values onto texts, which may cause misinterpretations.
Recognizing these underlying cultural assumptions is crucial for accurately interpreting and
applying texts, such as scripture, in diverse cultural contexts. The example they provide is that
Western readers might overlook the honor and shame undercurrents in stories like David and
Bathsheba. When we read the story of Nathan, David, and Bathsheba, Westerners tend to
assume that David was conscious of his sin because we interpret the story through a Western
lens.
Deep Below the Surface
Cultural issues that are not immediately obvious are often quietly concealed beneath
other values and assumptions. These deep below the surface cultural issues are the most
challenging to identify and pose risks to accurate interpretation. One of these hard-to-detect
cultural issues is evident in how modern readers perceive relationships. We often interpret
relationships through the lens of rules and laws, including those found in scripture. We tend to
view rules as requiring 100% adherence; if not, they are considered broken. Rules like promises
are viewed as applying equally to all, and if not, are seen as unfair. An example the authors use
to illustrate how a misunderstanding might occur is when a Western reader examines Paul’s
actions and motives. In Roman culture, the patron-client system involved patrons giving favors
and protection to clients in exchange for loyalty and services. That is why Paul avoided
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depending on gifts from the church in Corinth, fearing the influence a patron could have. He
earned his living instead.7
Another deeply rooted cultural issue is evident in how Westerners perceive financial
matters. This perspective can create challenges when interpreting the Bible. Westerners often
overlook other virtues related to finances because of the cultural emphasis on frugality, which is
often summarized by the saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”8
Conclusion
This book thoroughly supports any Bible reader in interpretation by helping them
recognize their own presuppositions and cultural biases. Each chapter describes an experience
that broadened their perspectives on Western viewpoints. Randolph and O’Brien note that,
whenever and wherever people read the Bible, they tend to interpret it through their cultural
lens. Due to this bias, readers often struggle to grasp the author’s original intent without being
aware of it. The book provides essential tools to overcome such cultural blind spots. Its wisdom
benefits anyone seeking to understand scripture as it was originally written and intended. This
engaging guide not only educates but also inspires believers passionate about knowing God
more deeply and understanding His truth as it was revealed.
7 Ibid., 164.
8 Ibid., 187.
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Bibliography
Richards, Randolph E, and Brandon J O’Brien. Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes:
Removing Cultural Blinders To Better Understand The Bible. Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2012.
