The Right and Wrong Uses of the Bible

"The Right and Wrong Uses of the Bible" by Richard Heber Newton is a study from the 1800s that looks at how to understand and use the Bible, especially when new ideas and questions are being raised. The book wants to figure out the right and wrong ways to use the Bible's teachings. Newton believes the Bible is important for building good morals and values, but he notices that people are reading it less and less. He argues against treating the Bible as a perfect, literal book, which he calls "bibliolatry" and instead, he pushes for a smarter, more reasonable way of understanding it that still respects its spiritual meaning without being overly old-fashioned; he prepares to explore the Bible using historical facts and critical thinking, guiding readers to a balanced understanding.