"BAD GUYS IN THE BIBLE," by Dennis Gaunt, Covenant Communications, $16.99, 249 pages (nf)
"Let's just say it: Satan is a jerk" is one of the opening lines Dennis Gaunt's latest book, "Bad Guys of the Bible," uses to describe the master of evil that lures "bad guys" to do his bidding on earth.
A Utah author and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gaunt cleverly uses humor, wit, real-life experiences and the scriptures to illustrate how to avoid becoming one of the "bad guys." By using sinful scriptural accounts, Gaunt shows readers where bad choices lead and how to avoid them.
Examples include Cain, Sodom and Gomorrah, David, Goliath, Solomon, Potiphar's wife and Samson and Delilah. Using their bad examples, Gaunt draws powerful lessons about what not to do and what should be done instead.
At the end of each chapter, Gaunt includes "lessons not learned" and "lessons to learn." He writes, "By looking at the things they did wrong, we can learn to do things right. We can outsmart Satan and all his followers by being smarter than the bad guys."
Gaunt masterfully weaves pop culture quips, scriptures and history to create a book that both teaches and entertains.
"Bad Guys of the Bible" is ideal for teens and adults wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. The book delves into mature topics such as murder, sexual abuse, adultery, violence, lying and other sins — as can be expected in stories from the Bible.
Wendy Jessen is a regular contributor for familyshare.com and frequently does media reviews. Her email is wendyjessen26@gmail.com and she blogs at mormonmomofsix.blogspot.com.