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09/08/2005 11:56:06 PM · #1
So I got out my bible and I'm trying to read because it's something that I sort of want to get into...

I started out with a bit of Revelations, because of all the talk about it lately, but I'm looking for some good tips on what to read next. Or should I just start from the beginnging lol...or should I look further into reading what I already read ... I'm just sick of listening to so many different interpretations of the bible and where this means that and that means this, I want to see what it's all about for myself.

So if you know of any good spots, post them below. Please, let's just keep this one thread of mine civil, and not bash any religion or talk about even any of the religions out there or how something is fake or that is fake, if you want a discussion on anything about how something isn't true, please start your own thread. :D
09/08/2005 11:58:28 PM · #2
I suggest starting with matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the stories about Jesus and getting to know the charcter of Jesus is a good first step when it comes to reading the bible.

and then I suggest ruth, only because it's my favorit...lol
09/09/2005 12:02:31 AM · #3
Agreed, start with Matthew, Mark... Skip revelations alltogether till much, much later. It can be a very confusing part of the bible, and there are more interpretations to it than I care to admit. Rather stick to the life and teachings of Jesus. You can't go wrong there.
Psalm 27 is my favourite chapter in the Bible, been a big help and guidance to me, especially when I served in the army and got shot at a couple of times.
09/09/2005 12:03:09 AM · #4
Personally, I'm a fan of Genesis (the book, not the band).

Did you know, for example, that there are actually two creation stories in Genesis? Did you know that Man was not given permission to eat animals until after the Great Flood?

Some interesting reading. Exodus is pretty good too.

-Terry
09/09/2005 12:05:23 AM · #5
Originally posted by gi_joe05:

I suggest starting with matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the stories about Jesus and getting to know the charcter of Jesus is a good first step when it comes to reading the bible.

and then I suggest ruth, only because it's my favorit...lol


I agree with you! I also love proverbs and psalms
09/09/2005 12:06:00 AM · #6
I agree that the four gospels are a good place to start.

In the old testament, Proverbs makes for an interesting (and often humorous read).

In the old testament, chronicles and kings can be tedious and difficult ot understand, but reading King David's life story is interesting.
09/09/2005 12:07:58 AM · #7
I have a very difficult time reading the Bible. Its hard to read, and I find myself getting bored and confused more then anything.

I hope just going to Church (sometimes) is enough.

: )
09/09/2005 12:09:16 AM · #8
Originally posted by Riggs:

I have a very difficult time reading the Bible. Its hard to read, and I find myself getting bored and confused more then anything.

I hope just going to Church (sometimes) is enough.

: )


You should try the NIV version or even "The Message"--it reads liks a novel.
09/09/2005 12:11:45 AM · #9
Funny this should come up.. i just downloaded an audio bible from iTunes...
09/09/2005 12:12:23 AM · #10
hrmm yeah psalm 27 is interesting. I'm going to read more into it all tomorrow...I can barely keep my eyes open now.

Riggs: I hear you, I have the King James Version, which from what I understand is hard to follow. But I'd rather read this than something someone else interpreted you know...All my life, I've heard of the ways other people interpretate stuff in it, but now I want to get into it myself.

-----

Are there any spots ... that deal with what it says about keeping God close and watching over you? Or like the ways he may be working, but you just don't notice or whatever? That might not make sense, maybe I'll find it tomorrow if no one understands.
09/09/2005 12:12:42 AM · #11
I have to agree with gi_joe5. Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). These are narratives and when you read them, you immediately know the context of the stories. In the Old Testament, Genesis will be a good book to start, "in the beginning" says verse 1. But expect to encounter questions in your mind. That's normal. It keeps us from digging some more.

I also suggest that you get hold of a version of the Bible that is easily understood, like using plain English. NIV (New International Version) and NLT (New Living Translation) are 2 of the more popular ones.

lastly, your name is nice, same as mine. It means "beloved."

God bless.

Dave


09/09/2005 12:13:10 AM · #12
May I suggest The Jefferson Bible by the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson;

“In 1794, President Thomas Jefferson set out to uncover the essence of true religion from the Gospels by extracting Jesus' message of absolute love and service from the annunciation, virgin birth, and even the resurrection. Completed in 1819, this little book is the result of Jefferson's efforts.”
09/09/2005 12:15:53 AM · #13
Originally posted by deapee:


Riggs: I hear you, I have the King James Version, which from what I understand is hard to follow. But I'd rather read this than something someone else interpreted you know...All my life, I've heard of the ways other people interpretate stuff in it, but now I want to get into it myself.

The King James version is an interpretation of its own... the language used in it is more difficult for some to follow. The New International Version isn't quite as complex to read...

Message edited by author 2005-09-09 00:16:24.
09/09/2005 12:19:07 AM · #14
Originally posted by deapee:

Riggs: I hear you, I have the King James Version, which from what I understand is hard to follow. But I'd rather read this than something someone else interpreted you know...All my life, I've heard of the ways other people interpretate stuff in it, but now I want to get into it myself.


Bear in mind, though, that unless you can read Hebrew or Aramaic, you will be reading an interpretation regardless. If the interpretation you are reading is hard to follow, try a different one.

-Terry
09/09/2005 12:19:23 AM · #15
If you go to Project Gutenberg and search for "Bible" you should get links to free e-texts of several versions (many can be downloaded as separate chapters).

I also recommend Asimov's Guide to the Bible, Vol. I and II for tons of fascinating information about the history, science, and language of the Bible.
09/09/2005 12:19:32 AM · #16
Originally posted by deapee:

Riggs: I hear you, I have the King James Version, which from what I understand is hard to follow. But I'd rather read this than something someone else interpreted you know...All my life, I've heard of the ways other people interpretate stuff in it, but now I want to get into it myself.


If you do not want to read an interpretation then I hope you can read Greek and Hebrew.
09/09/2005 12:23:08 AM · #17
Originally posted by deapee:

I'm just sick of listening to so many different interpretations of the bible and where this means that and that means this, I want to see what it's all about for myself.


I think that idea is one of the wisest, most insightful comments I have heard in a long time. To understand something, to remember something we have to actually go to the source. If you have never been to the ocean you have two choices. You can learn a lot about the Pacific from a map and the encyclopedia, but nothing can help you understand what it is like better than actually visiting it in person. I find James and Jonah to be special and meaningful. However, the book must be taken as a whole and nothing can give you a better glimpse than to open your eyes all the way.
09/09/2005 12:23:37 AM · #18
As you see, there are so many interpretations, many don't understand so new version are made. Remember even the King James is far from complete. Many trueths and books were left out because of the inability to understand hundreds of years ago. The Bible is a compliation of many works, authors and letters. So no preaching ... the most important part of studying the Bible is the prayer during and following. If you want to beieve in the Bible you must believe in prayer to help you understand.
09/09/2005 12:27:56 AM · #19
Originally posted by PhantomEWO:

As you see, there are so many interpretations, many don't understand so new version are made. Remember even the King James is far from complete. Many trueths and books were left out because of the inability to understand hundreds of years ago. The Bible is a compliation of many works, authors and letters. So no preaching ... the most important part of studying the Bible is the prayer during and following. If you want to beieve in the Bible you must believe in prayer to help you understand.


Very well put!
09/09/2005 12:28:03 AM · #20
Originally posted by deapee:

I'm just sick of listening to so many different interpretations of the bible and where this means that and that means this, I want to see what it's all about for myself.

[/quote]

To get a better grasp on the interpretations may I suggest this book:
"And God said what? An Introduction to Biblical LIterary Forms" by Margaret Nutting Ralph. Very helpful in 'understanding' the different types of allegories, parables, and letters that the bible is made up of.

Another book that may be of interest to you is, "Where we got the bible" by Henry G. Graham.

Oh...and the bibles I use are:
The New American Bible and/or Ignatius: The Holy Bible RSVC

That way you have 'all' the books

Message edited by author 2005-09-09 00:39:12.
09/09/2005 12:30:09 AM · #21
Originally posted by deapee:

hrmm yeah psalm 27 is interesting. I'm going to read more into it all tomorrow...I can barely keep my eyes open now.

Riggs: I hear you, I have the King James Version, which from what I understand is hard to follow. But I'd rather read this than something someone else interpreted you know...All my life, I've heard of the ways other people interpretate stuff in it, but now I want to get into it myself.

-----

Are there any spots ... that deal with what it says about keeping God close and watching over you? Or like the ways he may be working, but you just don't notice or whatever? That might not make sense, maybe I'll find it tomorrow if no one understands.


Just to name one;
Psalms 23
The Lord is my shepherd...
09/09/2005 12:30:17 AM · #22
Originally posted by mandyturner:

Originally posted by deapee:

Riggs: I hear you, I have the King James Version, which from what I understand is hard to follow. But I'd rather read this than something someone else interpreted you know...All my life, I've heard of the ways other people interpretate stuff in it, but now I want to get into it myself.


If you do not want to read an interpretation then I hope you can read Greek and Hebrew.

And also Aramaic -- the Dead Sea Scrolls are written in all three languages.
09/09/2005 12:31:12 AM · #23
I think i understand what you are saying about hte KJV and interpretation.

Try the New KJV. While it is still considered evil by those who don't ascribe to any translation, it is pretty true to KJV. It gets rid of the thees and thous and -st at the end of words. Also, it puts the nouns and verbs in the order we are used to reading.

Otherwise, it remains very, very close to KJV.
09/09/2005 12:34:52 AM · #24
Hey Dave :-)
Lot's of good advice here. I'd have to agree about starting with the gospels. Another suggestion is that there are a lot of 'studies' book form and 'puter software available. I just tried a quick search for free versions, couldn't find anything quickly. I have Comptons Interactive Bible on cd-rom. It is very comprehensive and has several options to guide you in a study that suits your goals. May I also suggest that getting together with others and discussing can be a very helpful aid in your studying. I used to have a thing about 'organized religion', but after years of soul searching and actually getting involved with the church I go to now, I have arrived at new and very different opinions. I'd be happy to try and get some more info for ya. Feel free to pm me if you'd like :-)
09/09/2005 12:37:51 AM · #25
Originally posted by karmat:

I think i understand what you are saying about hte KJV and interpretation.

Try the New KJV. While it is still considered evil by those who don't ascribe to any translation, it is pretty true to KJV. It gets rid of the thees and thous and -st at the end of words. Also, it puts the nouns and verbs in the order we are used to reading.

Otherwise, it remains very, very close to KJV.

Since Judaism is based only on the Old Testament, you might want to pick up that section from a supplier of Judaica, as it's more likely to be closer to the original than the KJV. I think I've even seen them with the English, Hebrew, and transliterated Hebrew all side-by-side.
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