The Divinely Sinful Saints is a work of alternative Christian scripture study penned by author Con Trong Bui. Written as a kind of guide which can be read alongside the Bible for those seeking its deeper, more considered meanings, Bui presents a scriptural discussion which is accessible from the non-religious level through to the devout. Asking questions around the solemn ‘word of God’ which so many believe without question, the considerations presented in this read-along guide take some of the most popular concepts and phrases and ask us to use our intellect to fill in the blanks. Important questions about the origins of God and the human race are asked and answered.

This is a very open-minded and philosophical study of the Bible which may not be to everyone’s taste, but is also highly respectful and positive regarding the Christian faith despite its investigative take. I think it would be particularly useful for young people and those coming to read the Bible for the first time. Author Con Trong Bui raises similar questions to those which children might first ask in Sunday School, such as ‘Where did God live before Heaven was built?’ Questioning these automatic beliefs is a great exercise which Bui advocates for advancing faith, and the passages which accompany such considerations are well selected, quoted from the King James' version of the Bible. Overall, The Divinely Sinful Saints presents an intriguing study of scripture from an alternative, critical, yet equally devout lens, paving the way for a more modern version of Christian thought.

The Divinely Sinful Saints by Con Trong Bui is an intelligent book that considers the core message of the Bible and asks questions that engage readers in dialogue with their notions of Christianity. In this book, the author takes a critical look at the teachings of Christianity or some of the beliefs that Christians have grown to embrace without rational scrutiny, and considers the symbolic message of the Christian Scriptures. The author points out several passages and some of the key messages in the scriptures that are contradictory to its central message, some that don’t even offer a strong basis for Christian ethics, and some that are downright cruel. So, how does one read the Bible in a way that allows them to grasp its essential message and use it to transform their life?

In the opening pages, the author explains what this book is all about: “In this book, we will review many scriptures in the Bible to examine the beliefs that most Christians have.” The author has kept that promise and has done in-depth analysis of some of the key passages from both the New and the Old Testaments, inviting readers to go beyond the literal interpretation of the Scriptures and to consider key elements like context, symbolism, history, culture, and authorship when reading the Scriptures. Con Trong Bui comes across as an expert in scripture and offers compelling arguments and exposes on the scriptures while proposing the right attitude of mind to have when reading scriptural texts. The Divinely Sinful Saints is packed with insight, an eye-opener for readers who are open-minded and who care about the truth more than their sense of belonging to a religious group. The prose is accessible and the ideas so logically arranged that they offer a great opportunity for self-evaluation, growth, and discovery.