The Poisonwood Bible Forum

what is the meaning of the title The Poisonwood Bible?

Just as the poisonwood tree is painful, poisonous and dangerous if mishandled, so is Nathan Price's version of the bible. He mistranslates key words (because he refuses to learn anything in africa and from its people) and therefore the biblical message doesn't make sense to the people to whom he preaches. If we extend the imagery further, western Christianity (and certainly Nathan) don't understand the culture of the Congolese and accepting christianity would be harmful to their culture and society. What is good in one culture is poisonous (harmful) in another.