Is the story contained in the Bible a literal account of the creation of the universe and a factual history of the Jewish nation, including the birth of a baby in Bethlehem who was destined to die for the sins of the world, or is the true interpretation of the biblical texts symbolic and allegorical? In recent years several biblical scholars have come to believe in a metaphorical understanding of the Scriptures. What has been lacking, however, is an exegesis showing how this is so. In her doctoral dissertation, Tina Rae Collins has finally brought forth that interpretation in a brief, easily understood document. Collins shares original insights into the biblical account, gently guiding readers to an understanding of the Scriptures that will forever change the way they view the texts. She presents logical, thorough, and clear evidence for an allegorical view of the Bible. Designed to immerse readers in an in-depth study of the Scriptures, this book will, no doubt, provoke either a proclamation of "Finally Somebody has made sense of the Bible " or a "What a heretical interpretation " Each reader will have to make that decision on his or her own. Agree or disagree, one cannot simply dismiss Collins' thinking, as her exegesis of the texts, substantial footnotes, and extensive bibliography provide ample support for her view from the Bible as well as historical writings and the thinking of present-day scholars. Did you realize that early followers of Christ believed and taught a view of who Jesus was and what he did that is not even considered by most Christians today? Has the biblical story of the creation of the world confused or troubled you? Have you ever speculated about who Adam really was? Are you curious about what it means to be created from dust or to be made in the image of God? Do you know who the Serpent in the Garden of Eden was? Can you explain what Adam's death was and what its significance is to you? Do you understand when Adam really died? Are you aware that Adam and Eve's fig leaves were not taken from a fig tree? Would you be surprised to discover that God did not shed blood to make coats of skins for Adam and Eve? Did you ever wonder who Revelation's Babylon is? Are you interested to learn who the Beast is and what the number 666 means? Does truly finding out about the "end of the world" interest you? Do you ponder on what the resurrection of the dead actually involves? If any of the above questions intrigue or plague you, this may be the book you are looking for. The information you find inside its pages will not align with what you hear in church; and after reading the view expressed here, you will never be able to look at the Bible in the same way again.