Wilson believes that the Bible should inspire rather than dictate to us. In support, he evokes literary figures such as Dante, Blake, Milton, Wordsworth, and Herbert, who engaged creatively with the text and produced great works in response. He notes that even non-believers were thus inspired; indeed, the book's title is drawn from a line by Yeats, who was an occultist.

It goes without saying that Western art and civilisation are founded on just such an imaginative engagement, and that literal-mindedness has always been a source of conflict and persecution. In an era of barbarism when literal-mindedness dominates education as well as public and private life, Wilson's plea is powerful and necessary. Wilson gives voice to the best of the Anglican tradition of intelligent historical and literary appreciation of the Bible. He reflects that as we read the Bible, the Bible reads us.