Biblical Fracking

Christian theology has lacked a tradition resembling Jewish midrash (inquiring or expounding) to explore beyond the literal texts of Scripture. Francis H. Wade fills that gap with Biblical Fracking: Midrash for the Modern Christian. As he writes in the introduction, Biblical fracking, in the spirit of its historical roots and its geological namesake, means reaching into the cracks and crevasses of the biblical narrative to extract the richness that lurks there. All forms of fracking have potential for benefit as well as abuse. Wade leads us on the narrow path to where we can hear God's word in fresh ways. For example, he asks readers to consider how Sarah felt when Abraham left to sacrifice their only son, Isaac. What was it like to have the quixotic Peter as a husband, or to have a brother like Jesus? Was Judas Iscariot simply the venal betrayer, as commonly caricatured, or was he a devoted disciple who tried to force Jesus' hand? In these and other expositions, Wade reveals Scripture's celebrated and obscure figures with empathy, designed to enrich our understanding of the Bible's saints and sinners, people much like ourselves. Frank Wade has spent a lifetime with the foundational stories of Scripture, which makes him an agile guide to the cracks that open up at these deep layers of the Bible. Whether fracking strikes you as a good thing or a bad thing, here is a book that will open your mind.--Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of OthersFrank Wade provides fresh insight into biblical stories we have long read without giving them second thought. His interpretations are both original and sound. . . . Reflecting on Biblical Fracking will deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith.--John C. Danforth, former United States Senator from MissouriThis book is an invitation for an adventure in experiencing the Scriptures through a different lens--fresh, imaginative, and new.--Samuel T. Lloyd, former Dean of the Washington National CathedralFor the readers of Biblical Fracking, the familiar people, words, and situations of the Bible take on new depth and meaning as the author probes familiar situations with respect, insight, and humor. Get acquainted with the Bible as newly alive.--Bonnie Anderson, Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological SeminaryFrank Wade has written a little gem of a book that does wonderful things. With imaginative questions, a sparkling writing style, and much good humor, he offers an array of revelatory encounters with biblical characters both great and small--from Abraham to Zipporah.--James P Wind, retired president of the Alban Institute, and author of Places of WorshipFrancis H. Wade is a graduate of The Citadel and Virginia Theological Seminary. He served congregations in his native West Virginia for seventeen years before twenty-two years at St. Alban's Parish on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. He has taught at two seminaries and twice served as chaplain to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Previous books include The Art of Being Together and Transforming Scripture, as well as several sermon anthologies.