Reading the Bible

[RobertX]

I don't know how to approach reading something like the Holy Bible or the Koran, so I will ask for help.

How do you read your own religion's text? Do you read them from beginning to end, or do you read the Bible when you are in search of answers, like how to deal with certain issues that affect the mind?

Right now, I'm in a rut; I have come to a point in life that I have no control over, it's like I am not in the driver's seat when it comes to changing my destiny. I need help.

Well, enough of the sob story, I am not bitching as my financial problems aren't as bad as it was years ago, it's just that it's not changing. I am dying of chronic boredom.

Anyhow, what is the way to read the Bible in the effect that suits you guys the best? Do you read it from beginning to end like a James Koontz novel, or do you read in the order depending on what suits you best? If so, how and why?

Bye now?

[LZA]

I no longer follow a specific religion, but I was raised Protestant.

I read it once many years ago, mainly out of feeling obliged to.

NOw to be honest I'll only lookup/read specific thing which usually stems from conversation.

As much as I kid around, if you can find helpful things from it then it's worth reading.

[RobertX]

I don't follow a specific religion either.

I have respect for most religions, but I also appreciate the differences that they have.

None of the religions are similar, but they do promote different things and put together, they can be greater than the sum of the individual parts.

I've found it extremely hard to just read things from start to end, even if it's like watching a TV episodes in order of airing or a novel. Some parts are good, and some bad and boring, and I had to go through bad and boring just to reach another decent part.

Advice for that perhaps?

[LZA]

I think it's all combined with what we think we know, and stuff we don't know along with everything and nothing else. we need all the parts to see the whole. That's why if you truly believe in something, or believe in nothing, you are not wrong. It's not if it applies, it's more how it applies to you.


I would skip around... Just open up and pick a spot. If you know beginning to end doesn't work, why fight it... If you believe in something maybe it's telling you not to fight it, and also, if you believe in something that says everything happens for a reason, no matter what you do, you'll end up where you need to be.

Just a thought...

[dueda]

A guided study could be the best option; there're Bible study courses with practical routes for most needs, and many churchs or help centers will give hints for free. What may or not be good for you is to search different suggestions from academics / librarians.

[RobertX]

Point well-taken.

The Bible is a big book. It might take a year or five to finish it all the way.

[LZA]

academics .

Maybe you missed my prior post???

AHHAAHAHAHA But really, I agree. if you know how you learn/absorb info best then do that. Ya if you are serious, I forgot that getting opinions from others in a group study may be best... It's all what you fancy. Some things I can read straight, others I jump around.

The only other option I can think of (I may have already said it but am too lazy to check prior posts), but it's good to reiterate, is that they sell the KJV of the Bible in today's English. As you know, I'm not well versed in that, so forget trying to figure out the old language.

[RobertX]

The one I have is the Life Application Bible, also known as "The Green Book."

How does that measure up with the King James version?

[workerbee]

My strongest advice would be to get a comprehensively annotated copy of the Bible.  Its notes will be invaluable in explaining the many unfamiliar theological, historical and cultural references.  You want a Bible you can get down 'n dirty with, something you can really sink your teeth into!

Two outstanding choices are the Jewish Study Bible (the scholarly notes are second to none) and Robert Alter's recent translation with commentary, but of course neither includes the New Testament.

[Zenodotus_the_Ephesian]

My strongest advice would be to get a comprehensively annotated copy of the Bible.  Its notes will be invaluable in explaining the many unfamiliar theological, historical and cultural references.  You want a Bible you can get down 'n dirty with, something you can really sink your teeth into!

Two outstanding choices are the Jewish Study Bible (the notes are second to none) and Robert Alter's recent translation with commentary, but of course neither includes the New Testament.

Not that I am the best person to offer any sort of religious guidance myself (plus they only english version I would read is the KJB, as a literary monument), but taking into account that he was raised protestant but follows no specific religion, maybe he would feel more at home with the Lutheran Study Bible, perhaps with the Jewish Bibles on the side for the Tanakh.  Of course if he really wants to get his teeth down to looking at Christianity from a different perspective, there is always the Jewish Annotated New Testament
Otherwise, in terms of academic standards I guess the New Oxford Annotated Bible ranks highest among all Christian Study Bibles and I am sure it is also be guaranteed to be free from Southernbapticisms