Anyone interested in a bible reading rainbow?

[Kharisym]

So I guess the most important topic is which version. I don't know much of anything about the biblical versions. Is there one that's easier to read than the KJV, but still influential to American politics, and also freely available?

 

[Rival]

So I guess the most important topic is which version. I don't know much of anything about the biblical versions. Is there one that's easier to read than the KJV, but still influential to American politics, and also freely available?

Most are free on the internet on sites like BibleGateway and BibleHub.

If you want a similar Bible but updated, the closest would be the NKJV, ESV or RSV.

The NRSV is said to be the most accurate these days despite some questionable gender inclusive language.

The Christian Standard Bible is good, too (NB, not the old version the HCSB).

 

[YoursTrue]

In this reading rainbow, yep!

Just saying that in the website referred to Jewish Torah reading by @Sedim Haba , I didn't find any portion where questions and comments from those reading could ask. So I'm glad when started that those participating here can ask questions and discuss what they have read. Thanks.

 

[Kharisym]

Most are free on the internet on sites like BibleGateway and BibleHub.

If you want a similar Bible but updated, the closest would be the NKJV, ESV or RSV.

The NRSV is said to be the most accurate these days despite some questionable gender inclusive language.

The Christian Standard Bible is good, too (NB, not the old version the HCSB).

How influential is the christian standard bible? I like the word standard.

 

[Rival]

How influential is the christian standard bible? I like the word standard.

It's very modern, but as they're all the same book I'm not sure it matters tbh.

 

[an anarchist]

I would like to take part. I don’t have a reliable source of internet, but I think I might be able to sporadically log on enough to contribute. Been wanting to reread the Bible to see if it could convince me to become a Christian again.

 

[InChrist]

So I guess the most important topic is which version. I don't know much of anything about the biblical versions. Is there one that's easier to read than the KJV, but still influential to American politics, and also freely available?

The New King James Version is a good alternative to the KJV with more modern English language.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I didn't see specific interest from these peeps: Brickjectivity, WindWalker, JDMS, Twilight Hue. Any of y'all joining up?


So we have a few things to decide:

1) Which translation are we reading?

2) Are we including the translator preface?

3) Are we using the catholic canon?

Sounds like some fun, maybe. I have a couple of questions and a downer comment. What are we looking for? What is the purpose of reading it? This matters and directs where the discussion is going.

I think a productive (and attainable) goal would be to focus on understanding the effect of the laws and culture: how they compare and contrast to surrounding groups of the time, how relevant they are today or not, how our own laws and ethics compare. The core of the scripture is the pentateuch's laws, and everything revolves around those and understanding them and mining them for more information including using them mystically.

Are we trying "to understand the text?" That, to me, is a plan to fail. It leads to rabbit trails. We aren't going to understand, as a group, this text. The core group of texts, the Pentateuch, is part of a teaching scheme from father to son much of which was not meant to be written, and its supposed to take a long time to grasp with many conundrums placed into it just like if an apprentice were learning from a master. A master will always say "Not yet. You're not ready to learn that." They don't explain like a book, even though they look like books. We aren't going to come to an agreement about what it means. It isn't made to be read as a book by itself.

 

[Kharisym]

I would like to take part. I don’t have a reliable source of internet, but I think I might be able to sporadically log on enough to contribute. Been wanting to reread the Bible to see if it could convince me to become a Christian again.

I'm game to have you join, but be aware I'll be reading this from an atheist view, so my insights and comments may not be productive for trying to become Christian again.

 

[Kharisym]

Sounds like some fun, maybe. I have a couple of questions and a downer comment. What are we looking for? What is the purpose of reading it? This matters and directs where the discussion is going.

I think a productive (and attainable) goal would be to focus on understanding the effect of the laws and culture: how they compare and contrast to surrounding groups of the time, how relevant they are today or not, how our own laws and ethics compare. The core of the scripture is the pentateuch's laws, and everything revolves around those and understanding them and mining them for more information including using them mystically.

Are we trying "to understand the text?" That, to me, is a plan to fail. It leads to rabbit trails. We aren't going to understand, as a group, this text. The core group of texts, the Pentateuch, is part of a teaching scheme from father to son much of which was not meant to be written, and its supposed to take a long time to grasp with many conundrums placed into it just like if an apprentice were learning from a master. A master will always say "Not yet. You're not ready to learn that." They don't explain like a book, even though they look like books. We aren't going to come to an agreement about what it means. It isn't made to be read as a book by itself.

I didn't want to put any bounds on what the conversation will be, various sections will entail different discussion. But the point you make about the pentateuch is absolutely valid and why I want to point a hard limit on how long a given chunk is discussed.

In terms of goals, I fully expect we'll go into this with different goals. For me, its about refreshing myself on a writing that's very important to my area's culture. Whole reason I'm turning this into a reading group is because this isn't the first time I've tried. The discussions themselves are to build community and keep us going, and helping each other look at things from different perspectives second.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I think it's a worthy idea, and hope it goes well.
I'm going to sit it out though...I'm already time poor, and my interest would wax and wane wildly depending on the section and discussion.

Good luck with it though!!

 

[Fool]

Most are free on the internet on sites like BibleGateway and BibleHub.

If you want a similar Bible but updated, the closest would be the NKJV, ESV or RSV.

The NRSV is said to be the most accurate these days despite some questionable gender inclusive language.

The Christian Standard Bible is good, too (NB, not the old version the HCSB).

Blueletterbible.org is also a good resource. It offers a strong's concordance; which explains the original word as understood in the Hebrew for OT and the Greek koine in the NT

 

[Fool]

I didn't want to put any bounds on what the conversation will be, various sections will entail different discussion. But the point you make about the pentateuch is absolutely valid and why I want to point a hard limit on how long a given chunk is discussed.

In terms of goals, I fully expect we'll go into this with different goals. For me, its about refreshing myself on a writing that's very important to my area's culture. Whole reason I'm turning this into a reading group is because this isn't the first time I've tried. The discussions themselves are to build community and keep us going, and helping each other look at things from different perspectives second.

I'm game. Be aware I'm a monist, gnostic, spiritual, alchemist, do not identify as exclusively Christian.

So the translation isn't that significant to me. I actually may use jewish websites for the OT. Their's is often slightly different. So Language is cultural. Ideas tend to be universal. So the vehicle isn't as important as the driver. The idea is more important than the language used to convey it.

So with love, let there be light

 

[YoursTrue]

I'm game. Be aware I'm a monist, gnostic, spiritual, alchemist, do not identify as exclusively Christian.

So the translation isn't that significant to me. I actually may use jewish websites for the OT. Their's is often slightly different. So Language is cultural. Ideas tend to be universal. So the vehicle isn't as important as the driver. The idea is more important than the language used to convey it.

So with love, let there be light

If I might say, differences of translation can be discussed when approached, but where do you think to start reading? I'm going to suggest either Genesis or Matthew. And maybe only one or two chapters at a time. With a schedule. It really can't be done too quickly.

 

[YoursTrue]

Blueletterbible.org is also a good resource. It offers a strong's concordance; which explains the original word as understood in the Hebrew for OT and the Greek koine in the NT

There are also various commentaries on blueletterbible.org. Someone at least needs to take the lead.

 

[Fool]

If I might say, differences of translation can be discussed when approached, but where do you think to start reading? I'm going to suggest either Genesis or Matthew. And maybe only one or two chapters at a time. With a schedule. It really can't be done too quickly.

I've generally read Genesis to Revelation. Just so everyone understands there are at least 6 recognized canons. I've also read some of the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha.

A chapter at a time is loaded with information. I'm with you on that.

Where we start is unimportant.

 

[Fool]

There are also various commentaries on blueletterbible.org. Someone at least needs to take the lead.

there are commentaries on most all the websites. I've read a few. Not really relevant to me. Everyone is going to interpret the information from experience. The smaller the experience the more literal, fundamental, and fantastic(fantacy) the interpretation.

The more unconditional, open minded the more practical and understanding. What use is instruction with no practical application. It's woowoo as some have labeled.

Revelation 17:7

 

[YoursTrue]

there are commentaries on most all the websites. I've read a few. Not really relevant to me. Everyone is going to interpret the information from experience. The smaller the experience the more literal, fundamental, and fantastic(fantacy) the interpretation.

The more unconditional, open minded the more practical and understanding. What use is instruction with no practical application. It's woowoo as some have labeled.

Revelation 17:7

I certainly do not agree with all commentaries but some are more interesting than others. Just mentioning that. Sometimes a commentary can be instructive also.

 

[YoursTrue]

I've generally read Genesis to Revelation. Just so everyone understands there are at least 6 recognized canons. I've also read some of the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha.

A chapter at a time is loaded with information. I'm with you on that.

Where we start is unimportant.

It isn't a quick endeavor to read in a group the Bible, and no doubt questions and comments are or should be encouraged. So I agree that one or two chapters at a time should be the way because there is so much to learn. So what would you personally prefer? Starting with Genesis or Matthew? We don't have to keep going in order once we finish a book, it depends on the sequence.
I think for the sake of clarity that the apocrypha should be later, if at all. I've never read the apocryphal books, perhaps brief summaries and comments, my main focus is on the 66 books that are generally agreed to be inspired of God.

 

[YoursTrue]

I didn't want to put any bounds on what the conversation will be, various sections will entail different discussion. But the point you make about the pentateuch is absolutely valid and why I want to point a hard limit on how long a given chunk is discussed.

In terms of goals, I fully expect we'll go into this with different goals. For me, its about refreshing myself on a writing that's very important to my area's culture. Whole reason I'm turning this into a reading group is because this isn't the first time I've tried. The discussions themselves are to build community and keep us going, and helping each other look at things from different perspectives second.

Kharisym, many people like to start at the beginning. with Genesis. Some do like to read the Gospel accounts starting with Matthew. How do you feel about this, any suggestions?