The Bible

[hashi92]

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

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."

[carlo]

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

[RJT]

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…”

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.

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.

[Lestat]

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.

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]

[Lestat]

Hey thanks! Never bothered to look at those before.

[NotReady]

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.