Should I Read The Bible?

[pearl]

I would start with the Gospel in NT/QUOTE]

I disagree. If one seeks to understand the story of God and his people, Jews, Christians, Muslims, one needs to start where the story begins, Exodus.

 

[Hermit Philosopher]

Dear pcarl

I’m not sure of the OP’s current faith, but how do you feel that reading Exodus may inspire and enrich them spiritually in their daily life?

Humbly
Hermit

 

[pearl]

I’m not sure of the OP’s current faith, but how do you feel that reading Exodus may inspire and enrich them spiritually in their daily life?

Its usually best to start at the beginning. The NT has no purpose or meaning without Hebrew Scripture. And the beginning is with Exodus. As for inspiration or enrichment the Bible presents a covenant relationship with God, again beginning with Exodus. Do you ever start a book or movie in the middle or the end?

 

[ChristineM]

I am not a Jew or a Christian. In my time on RF I have seen this book torn to pieces and have often admired the logic of the arguments thrown against it. Of course when I say book I have become aware of the numerous versions, translations and alterations. Other issues such as John, Constantine, Gnosticism add to the stew.

Despite the above, of late I have become very curious. Is there any good reason for a non-believer to read it? What could I expect in terms of my growth and development? Are there any good companion/guide books for beginners?

ive come to this thread very late, i i honestly didn't know it existed until it just popped up on the new post page.

Should you (or by now, have you)?. I can only say yes, if explains such a lot about Christianity (and some about Judaism).

I have read 3 different versions of the bible from cover to cover. True, this is not how many religious folk read it which i consider using a time machine to cherry pick the best bits. However it's not all best bits, some is quite horrible and inhuman by todays (even back thousands of years ago to anyone with an inkling of what makes civilisation) standards and there are some religious people who take those bad bits to be an integral part of their faith.

 

[Hermit Philosopher]

Its usually best to start at the beginning. The NT has no purpose or meaning without Hebrew Scripture. And the beginning is with Exodus. As for inspiration or enrichment the Bible presents a covenant relationship with God, again beginning with Exodus. Do you ever start a book or movie in the middle or the end?

Dear pcarl

I personally do not read scripture like I watch film or read novels. It’s very different, I feel. But the best approach will always vary from one individual to another. I trust the OP will find their own way and that, that exact way will inspire and enrich them spiritually.

Humbly
Hermit

 

[shunyadragon]

I approach the Bible in the following ways

(1) Historical context: (A) The history of the scriptures and, myths, and related writings. (B) Written record set in history of personal beliefs, descriptions and stories within history. (2) Literary perspective to study in context literature of the culture and times. Styles and literary linguistics of the text. (3) As Hebrew scripture. (4) As Christian scripture. (5) as scripture relating other religions such as Islam and the Baha'i Faith.

 

[MNoBody]

No bias here at all...

...nope...

...none whatsoever...

...% impartiality in this post.

​

well, it is a Jewish story, so as cultural anthropologists tell us, one needs to look at such things as the people whose story it is do, in accord with the times, not how one may wish to see it according to their
pre-existing cultural biases.