Written with a capacity to reach both lay and academic audiences, Taught by God is a helpful resource for considering the process of hermeneutics but also laying the groundwork to begin or deepen meaningful reading and understanding of the Fathers and the way they interpreted Scripture. For the lay person, Dr. Smith's work is wonderful for showing how to responsibly balance the concerns of interpreting the Scriptures, and shows how the giants of past ages sought to faithfully understand the Scriptures and apply it to our lives in personal, communal, and textually accurate ways. For the academic, Taught by God offers a new light and a whole new toolbox for examining the discussions of tradition, hermeneutics, and exegesis, showing by example and by discussion the basis for solid hermeneutics which is both literal and personal. The discussion of the sensibilities and the senses of interpretation also demystifies the terminological differences between the Fathers and modern academics, recognizing that our ancestors in the Faith have much to teach us if we are willing to slow down and seek to understand what they mean. This book has potential for use in hermeneutics courses to encourage discussion, a patristics course or discussion to build up or deepen an understanding of the Fathers, and offers a whole new yet familiar set of questions for the reader of Scripture. If you are looking for a new book to develop your perspective on the Fathers, challenge and refine your biases when reading the Scriptures, or even just seek to grow as a reader of Scripture, Taught by God is a great choice to get started or continue your journey!