The Bible
 

Whether you're a believer or not, there's no denying that the bible is the single most widely read piece of literature in history. I've decided it's about time I read it. Cover to cover. I would be remiss to have never read such an important and magnificant book. I also read "A tale of Two Cities", for much the same reason.

It's probably inevitable that I'll get to parts that I won't understand. If this happens, I'm wondering if someone on here would be kind enough to help me out?

IMPORTANT: Whatever explanation you provide, I'll immediately accept it and move on. I am NOT looking to get into debates or prove any points. I just want to make sure I'm understanding what I'm reading. If someone would be willing to do this (should I need it), I would greatly appreciate it. I'm not sure it would be acceptable to post such questions on here as this is not (supposed to be), a religion forum. Also, like I said.. I'm not looking to have it opened to debate. On the contrary... I want to form my own opinions especially without atheisitic bias.

I'm going to begin reading after the 1st. I'll admit that I'm going into it thinking I'll be reading about the greatest fictitious saga ever told. I can't help this based on what I (think) I already know the contents to be. But I'm going to maintain an open mind throughout. I am not going to "scoff". When I'm done (if anyone's interested), I'll report back on what I was able to glean from the most popular literature ever written. This is just something I want to do for myself. So no snide comments please.

One last question: I have a copy of a Catholic bible that says the Gregorian edition. It was my father's and I think given to him as a child. It's like 50 years old and I believe it contains both the old and new testaments. It's a big red book and beautifully bound. Would this be the right one to read for a Catholic? Is this sufficient to get the gist from most bibles? Thanks.

Re: The Bible
 

i think you should probally ask a preist or go to bible study classes. im pretty sure you will get conflicting interpretations. basically everybody interprets things differently thats why there is so many christian denominations.

Re: The Bible
 

Or use the wikipedia/google.

Re: The Bible
 

You are going to get differing interpretations from different christians. The fruit of the reformation. So if you ask certain questions you will get a debate here. And Jews would often interpret passages in the OT differently than christians.

I am not familiar with a Gregorian edition, but it is probably an edition of the Douay-Rheims version that was in use in English speaking countries for about 300 years. The version I like best is the New Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition. If you want to read it online you can use the link below, which also has other translations.

There are also editions in print that have footnotes to explain various things, like the New American Bible that I also have. For more technical matters regarding biblical interpretation, I use the Jerome Biblical Commentary, though some of its views are not 100% correct IMO. Nonetheless, it is an exhaustive reference.


Bible Translations

Re: The Bible
 

Well, I'm not interested in taking a class or even studying it for that matter. But perhaps talking to a priest regarding questions I have, might not be a bad idea though. Thanks.

Also, I thought the different Christian denominations all had different versions of the bible? I could be wrong.

Re: The Bible
 

Most protestant denominations traditionally used the King James Version, and most fundamentalists still do. That however was a flawed translation in that it placed poetic beauty of language over a more correct literal translation in many cases, and also simply inserted non-scriptural elements in some cases like the doxology at the end of the Lord's Prayer (for thine is the kingdom . . .) that is not considered by biblical scholars to be truly part of the scripture.

Re: The Bible
 

hashi92 suggested talking to a priest. Wouldn't a priest have to have a good idea on how to interpret any questions I might have? My kids go to religious school and I know a priest there. I'd just feel very awkward having a priest explain questions to my kid's atheistic father. Like you, few are able to take an atheist seriously when he wants to learn about religious doctrine.

Thanks for the link. I have a hard time reading books online (it's hard on the eyes). Maybe if I can tone my monitor down it will be worth a try. And before I even read the very first page....

Am I to understand that interpretations are not important? If Christians can disagree amongst each other, I honestly don't understand how you (or anyone), can be so sure that you're exact interpretation is the correct one. Either such interpretations can't be important, or God is really putting us through a rigorous IQ test. How can God limit His Kingdom of Glory to only those intellectually capable of sifting through such complicated writings and arriving at the exact right answers over other like-minded pious people who mistakenly got it all wrong?

But now I'm back to debating. I just want to get this out of the way before I start reading so I can keep an open mind.

Re: The Bible
 

if you ask a priest you will get one (his) interpretation. if you ask the forum you will get numerous some will agree some wont. debates will probally occur.

Re: The Bible
 

The point I have made here to protestants is that the very fact of differing interpretations means that there needs to be an authentic interpreter of scripture, and obviously I think that is the Catholic Church. But some interpretations aren't important, i.e. they concern the "details" that David is always criticising some believers for emphasizing too much over the core beliefs. And with the Catholic Church to properly interpret, the the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God are not limited to only those with enough intelligence and a detailed knowledge of scriptural matters.

Regarding talking to a priest, not all catholic priests are fully orthodox in their views, and some go to far the other direction (more catholic than the pope), plus it will likely prove an imposition to have to continually go to someone and ask questions as you read through the bible.

So my suggestion is that you purchase a new bible with footnotes and cross references, and if you really want to be diligent and have a thorough reference, the above mentioned Jermome Commentary. However, I will be happy to answer your questions here as well to the best of my ability using those references, if you want a catholic view.

Re: The Bible
 

Different interpretations are important to read.
The first english bible was very controversial, a lot of people at the time believed that the english language could not capture the wholeness of the message.

I'm not sure of the actual figures but I know that the english translation contained far less words than the original text. people have studied the original text and put every effort into capturing the meaning of the original text while presenting a text that is relevant and understandable. I can't speak for all translations and not being a catholic I can't suggest one. I read the NKJ (new king james), NIV(new international version) and the message(a paraphrase written in contemporary language). I find that reading the three side by side give me a good understanding of any passage. May not be liked by catholics though...I'm not sure.

Re: The Bible
 

people have been misinterpreting the bible for hundreds of years. imagine all the misinterpretations of the oral traditions which the bible is based on.

Re: The Bible
 

These misinterpretations that you imagine are disproven by fact. The number of bibles that have been made and the uncanny consistency between them even though seperated for a long time shows a very careful and accurate recording of the text from the oral tradition.

"Scholars Norman Geisler and William Nix conclude, the new testament, then, has not only survived in more manuscripts than any other book from antiquity, but it has survived in a purer form than any other great book - a form that is 99.5 percent pure."

Re: The Bible
 

Different interpretations are important to read.
The first english bible was very controversial, a lot of people at the time believed that the english language could not capture the wholeness of the message.

This is a qoute from you. Isnt this saying that the bible has been misinterpreted?

Re: The Bible
 

oral tradition is also not very accurate. as time goes on things get added, subtracted and even exaggerated.

Re: The Bible
 

If you read a written work it will have an effect on you in the region of thought, feeling and will. Being aware that a work can affect you would be the first observation.

The bible, likewise, will do the same, and with this in mind you will obtain the effects of the written word.

Interpretations usually lead to a dogmatic approach to this "living bible". If you see a sculpture of Michaelangelo or a painting by Raphael the effect will be apparent but not necessarily intellectually cognate. See it as a work of art, read, and go on with your life.

This work will certainly enrich your life but be careful to treat it like a book which "tells you" what to do. Treat it like a drink of water, you may not know how the water does it's work, but it certainly will.

carlo

Re: The Bible
 

Not at all.
Different languages are structured completely differently. There is only one word for love in english, the same word is used for saying "I love chocolate", "let's make love", "I love you". Other languages contain many more discriptive words than the english language. It was controversial at the time because it was considered a harsh language, not one fit for The Book. Because there were less words, does not mean it was misinterpreted, just interpreted.
Hence the need for different translations.
The largest need for different versions though is because language changes over time. People nowdays need to be able to understand it so it is translated and interpreted very very carefully to be contemporary and relevant to it's readers.

Re: The Bible
 

Stat,

FWIW, I have the New American Bible that I like. It has footnotes that help with some of the text.
The footnotes aid in understanding what the text is talking about.* It, also, is less cumbersome than the big red one that most Catholics families (mine included) had - very nice looking book, btw.

You might find the Old Testament a bit tedious - like when I try to read poetry - I don’t get it. The New Testament is an easier read. (I am not sure you shouldn’t read the NT first.) A lot of the OT is considered prophesy to the NT.

Most (not all) priests I know have a good handle on the subject matter. In seminary they are usually taught well. But, just like in any field you will find those who are not very adept.

I’ll try to help with any questions. As far as debate, I hope we don’t get bogged down in the idiosyncrasies of different Christian interpretations. From your point of view, I don’t think the different theologies should matter all that much.

I do agree that one should become acquainted with the text. I have a big list of classical literature that I have yet to tackle, so I understand your quest.

Best of luck and good reading.

RJT

*e.g. Footnote from Genesis chapter 1:5: “…God’s creative activity is divided into six days to teach the sacredness of the Sabbath rest on the seventh day…”

Re: The Bible
 

Hiya Lestat,

Seems like a good idea. I have read it from first to lage page twice, and read some excerpts at other times. Some part are really beautiful litterature (The Psalms come to mind). I enjoyed the OT much more, as it was less didactic and more exotic. Some part are unfortunately very boring.. Be weary on the first encouter with the word begat... it tends to go on for a while. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I also have read the Koran, completely as well, and the Bhagavad-Gita, parts of the Vedas, parts of the Bahai's texts and parts of the Buddhist canonical and non canonical writings, as well as a smattering of more minor writings considered of special metaphysical importance by their respective believers.

Yes, I think it is a great journey in the mind of man. I hope you enjoy it, as much as I did.

Re: The Bible
 

Here's an... interesting... interpretation of Revelations. I hesitate to recommend it, as it may offend some of you (especially panels 2 and 3 of part 1), but personally I thought it was great.

Re: The Bible
 

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Btw- Can you tell me how to attach a link like you just did? I still don't know how to do that, or post a picture.

Re: The Bible
 

For links, click on "URL" under Instant UBB Code. For pictures, click on "Image." In both cases, follow the prompts. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: The Bible
 

I would recommend

Bible Gateway

for many translations as well as linked cross-references and very good search functions. My preference is the New American Standard as I believe it comes closer to real translation rather than an interpretation than any other text. Even so, some interpretation is inevitable. If you want to really dig there are inter-linear texts online which give the original language with a literal English translation. You can take the original word and use a lexicon.

I would also recommend using google frequently. There are many sites online that discuss Bible passages.

Re: The Bible
 

Hey thanks! Never bothered to look at those before.