When a “simple-minded, but intelligent, native” questioned the veracity of the story of Noah and the ark, missionary John William Colenso hesitated in his response. This hesitation led him to critically examine his beliefs and the following book is the written culmination of his inward journey. Questioning the historicity of the Bible and its authors but still advocating its teachings, Colenso’s book became the focal point of controversy for its heterodox content and because of his station as an active Bishop in The Church of England. Provoking an astonishing amount of debate and condemnation, the end result is the work that forever changed his scholarly reputation and status within the church.