View Full Version : Who has read the whole Bible?
So I like reading a lot, and have always wanted to read the Bible.
I'm not really religious, but I hesitate to say that because many people who say that they aren't religious have great disdain for religion and look for ways to contradict or insult it. That's not me. I'm reading the Bible because I want to, not to critique it. I just wanted to get that out of the way.
So, my lady got me a Bible for my birthday in mid June of last year. I've been reading it pretty regularly since then and am about half way through now (I just finished Job tonight and have arrived at Psalms). I knew it'd be difficult and kind of daunting, so I've kept it as my secondary reading. I basically read it between books and when I want something to read on my own (my wife and I have started reading books together, so instead of reading ahead, I read the Bible).
I actually switched Bibles after I spied a box full of books next to the dumpster after the neighborhood garage sale, and rescued a great student Bible. I like this student Bible much better than the first one. It has a bunch of different reading plans, lots of various commentary in little bubbles, full color maps in the back, plenty of footnotes for conversions and alternate translations, and a good index and lists of popular passages. I am more easily able to identify famous passages, for instance, when I was reading the other Bible, I read right through the part about Joseph and the Multicolored Coat without even realizing it.
There are a lot of things about the Bible that I wasn't expecting, mainly the difference in size between the Old and New Testaments, and that Jesus doesn't even come into the picture until the Old Testament. I'm really interested to read about all the angels and demons and stuff. There have been a few angels so far, and Satan showed up for the first time in Job. It's been a tough, but rewarding read so far.
Anyone ever read the whole thing before? I'm also not following any of the reading plans and am just reading it straight through. My favorite parts so far have been Judges, Job, and Samuel.
I know growing up I read it a ton because of being involved in the church, but once sports got serious and took place on the weekends, church went to maybe twice a year around christmas and easter. Not really sure when the last time I went to church was, probably a couple years.
the bible was definitely something that helped keep me in line a bit and always had good life lessons to follow by that keep people honest, willing to help and try to live their lives really well.
iamhunter
03-06-2010, 01:09
I've read it through multiple times, but then again I am a believer.
Either way you look at it, as a piece of divine instruction, or as a piece of intelligent literature, it's a great read, and one I would recommend everyone read at least once.
I can't wait for you to get through psalms and let me know what you think.
To me, it was always one of the most riveting books of the bible.
There you have a man's (David) innermost thoughts and communication from thousands of years ago, spilled out onto a page.
It's fascinating stuff.
And believe it or not, the Old testament is chalk full of action, violence, sex, etc.
Not that it glamorizes those things, but it was about real people with real lives, and real issues.
And no matter how much the modern church often tries to suppress those inevitable facets of life,
they existed back then, and they still exist today.
cowboykjohnson
03-06-2010, 01:20
I've read most of it... not really in order but through church. I really enjoy it. It is a set of guidelines to help you get through things, and stories to put things into a good perspective. Very helpful in hard times.... I don't think you need to follow everything word by word to go to heaven or anything like that, but it sets you up to live an honest and decent life with good morals.
I really have enjoyed not having the burden of trying to "understand" anything/everything, or have to try and work it into how I live my life.
I've read it several times in two languages.
I've read it several times in two languages.
I read verses [almost] every week at church in two languages.
the bible is great but if you really want to understand some of the stories its good to have a good old commentary by your side. especially an indepth one as it will give you the background info, cultural information, etc. there are a lot of analogies, especially in the prophecies about jesus in the old testament, that are a little tricky to pick up unless you really think about it.
i agree its worth it for everyone to read once, even if you don't agree with the "religion" behind it. i am of course a christian, but i actually enjoy the history parts of the bible, as im a huge history buff and the bible has been shown time and time again to be historically accurate
Been through it many times over the years. I'm a Christian, but I have some unusual beliefs about the book that make me a heretic in most believer's eyes.
To sum up very briefly, I think the Bible is a record of God's interaction with man up to about the second century. It is inspired by God in the sense that He gave inspiration to the men who wrote and compiled it. I don't think it's necessarily the word for word utterance of God, nor is it infallible.
I do think it gives insight into the nature and character of God and how He would like us to live better than any other source available. I highly recommend it. However, it's just a book, the instruction manual, if you like. What I really recommend is Jesus. He's the answer.
I have read it and while I was growing up it was read to me and I heard it every Sunday until I moved out when I was 18. I haven't read it since.
I was like you, not too much of a believer but knew the document was important to millions of people all over the world so I thought I would read it all the way through. Congrats you got way farther than I ever did[Beer]
bellavite1
03-06-2010, 10:08
I have read quite a bit of it...
Been a long time since I have read it cover to cover, but I pick and read parts now and then.
Actually been reading my daughter's children's bible to her at night.
Thanks.. this may inspire me to read it again.
StagLefty
03-06-2010, 10:51
I'm a believer and it's always been a challenge to me to read the entire book.I've probably read most of it since the new versions have come out because reading the King James version to me was almost impossible. Great food for thought in it. What I struggle with is how so many interpertations can come out of the same verse by different readers but that's free will. There are some online programs to read it in a year but I didn't follow through with those. Good Luck and keep us posted to your progress and thoughts.
I read it cover to cover back when I was about 14. I am not really a believer either, and think that it is fallible since it is written by men and all, but I look at it as kind of a “manual”. Being 14 when I read it, I took away a few things that my parents were trying to beat into my head at the time that have helped over the years, ethics, morals and the like.
For the first time I didn't really agree with the side commentary during the Job chapters. The commentary was pointing out how Job's friend's arguments were false and didn't apply to the situation. I felt that the friends were just following standard protocol with their arguments. With the info that they had available to them, they said all the things that I would have expected them to say.
For the first time I didn't really agree with the side commentary during the Job chapters. The commentary was pointing out how Job's friend's arguments were false and didn't apply to the situation. I felt that the friends were just following standard protocol with their arguments. With the info that they had available to them, they said all the things that I would have expected them to say.
the moral to the story in job is part how to act when God "giveth and taketh away" and of course a little more about who God is, but its also about how to comfort friends and loved ones who are going through tough times. they might not have meant ill, but the way they basically blamed job for it and then tried to find some other way to explain it all just isn't how job needed to be comforted. they did it right the first few days when they simply sat there and suffered with him.
I have read it and while I was growing up it was read to me and I heard it every Sunday until I moved out when I was 18. I haven't read it since.
What he said
Colorado Luckydog
03-06-2010, 19:42
I have read it 4 times from front to back. I went to a Baptist high school and we had to read the entire Kings James version (Old and New Testament) every year. Some of it is very interesting, even if you don't believe it. Some of it is very boring, even if you do. I do believe it, every single word.
funkfool
03-06-2010, 23:10
Read it twice cover to cover during some very trying times in my youth - looking for answers, knowledge and faith.
Found much of it.
I should read it more often/again.
Thanks for bringing it up.
:-)
Wonder where my dad's bible is...
GreenScoutII
03-06-2010, 23:27
I read it cover to cover as a young teen. I refused to have anything to do with religion of any sort for a long time. It wasn't untill I began the process of converting to Catholicism as an adult that the bible began to make any sense to me.
The Bible does contain the awnsers, but a guy has to have the right frame of mind to be able to understand them.
the moral to the story in job is part how to act when God "giveth and taketh away" and of course a little more about who God is, but its also about how to comfort friends and loved ones who are going through tough times. they might not have meant ill, but the way they basically blamed job for it and then tried to find some other way to explain it all just isn't how job needed to be comforted. they did it right the first few days when they simply sat there and suffered with him.
That's pretty much what I got out it (there were a lot of side bar comments explaining nearly word for word the way you just did).
I'm most excited to read the New Testament and specifically Revelations, but as Revelations is the very last chapter, I have to read all the rest of it first, and that is what keeps me going.
I was watching a very interesting show today on the History Channel about the idea that ancient civilizations have been visited by extra terrestrials. For the most part it was a great show (got kind of lame in the second half IMO) and there was a ton of stuff about the Bible in the first half. Anyone seen it before?
I like how this thread has turned out so far, lots of positive stuff.
Pancho Villa
03-07-2010, 09:26
Before I went atheist some years ago, I was actually apprenticed to a local pastor and was planning on going to seminary, so I've read the bible several times. I have always been interested in guiding men to do the right thing - I still am. Just a large difference on what I am convinced "the right thing" is and whats in the Bible.
Regardless, though, its good to read it, especially if you're a believer. Even if you're not it gives interesting context to a lot of today's culture, as in many ways America is more religious now than it was at the time of the founding.
My analysis: the Old Testament is a great piece of literature if you can ignore or slug through the genealogy sections. The New Testament is much less so, as its purpose is more an allegorical treatise on morality than good literature.
After some extensive thinking and reading I switched to a more Aristotelian / enlightenment style "enlightened self-interest" morality. I won't derail the thread but I do think that's more in line with how Americans in general - including some of our best - act and should act.
But yes, read the bible. Learning more about your own beliefs is always good and can help encourage critical thinking skills, something people today are often lacking in the field of morality.
So my question is, after you're done reading the Bible, what do you read next? I was considering reading another religious text like the Koran or something, but I'd rather read something else, that is more Bible related.
So my question is, after you're done reading the Bible, what do you read next? I was considering reading another religious text like the Koran or something, but I'd rather read something else, that is more Bible related.
Consider this book. It's the single most profound book on theology I've ever encountered. In it, the author confronts all the extremely difficult question most people ask about God. I've been conflicted for 30 years, and this book literally set me free. It's heavy reading, quite technical, and very deep.
http://www.amazon.com/Satan-Problem-Evil-Constructing-Trinitarian/dp/0830815503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267993202&sr=8-1
If that doesn't turn you on, consider a book called "The Shack". It's a much easier, shorter read, but the author does an exceptional job of illustrating some of God's character in a novel format. My sister lost a 15 year old son a few years ago and was extremely angry with God. About a year ago she read "The Shack", and in her words it healed her relationship with Him. I'm so impressed with this book that if I were compiling the Bible today, I'd include it.
I'll have to check those books out, but I'm not really interested in that kind of angle, because I don't really have those kinds of questions. Kind of hard to explain. I'll think about it a little and see if I can't put it into words better.
StagLefty
03-07-2010, 15:07
The Shack is a great book-if your looking for some interesting perspectives look into the books by Lee Strobel-The Case for Christ,The Case for Faith etc. He was a spiritual skeptic until he started researching his books. Interesting reads I think.
Thanks for the book recommendations, they sound very interesting. I have a friend who would probably really enjoy these last two recommendations, assuming he hasn't already read them of course.
Anyone have any recommendations for more ancient texts? Like I know that the Annals of the Kings of Judah is mentioned a bunch of times. From what I understand, that book has never been recovered?
StagLefty
03-07-2010, 17:23
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Anyone have any recommendations for more ancient texts? Like I know that the Annals of the Kings of Judah is mentioned a bunch of times. From what I understand, that book has never been recovered?
Can't read it if it's never been recovered Stu ! [ROFL1]
Well, obviously not that one, but I'm sure there have got to be other books out there.
Hey Stuart,
Next time you read the Bible through, start with the New Testament first, then go back and read the Old Testament. For people who weren't "raised" or study in religion, the OT can get confusing with the different laws and stuff. It should be noted that Jesus came to rid the the world of the Laws (that no one could uphold since no one is perfect). Therefore making the only way possible of salvation was through belief in Jesus and yadda, yadda. Anyways, I've read it several time and it always seems to make more sense to me when I read the NT first, and then the OT.
As for books to read after that, you mentioned you were interested in Revelations and the end of times, etc. There is a 12 book series titled the "Left Behind Series" that are based upon the Revelation end times. The authors are phropetic studiers and they take the "signs" in Revelations and kind of come up with scenarios that would make sense in a modern world, etc... They are not study books, just good fiction and are young adult books, but still very enjoyable by older people. You can get them at the local libraries.
Thanks for the book recommendations, they sound very interesting. I have a friend who would probably really enjoy these last two recommendations, assuming he hasn't already read them of course.
Anyone have any recommendations for more ancient texts? Like I know that the Annals of the Kings of Judah is mentioned a bunch of times. From what I understand, that book has never been recovered?
Both the Jewish and Catholic versions of the bible have additional books that are not found in the more "standard" bible. Search on "apocrypha" and you'll get some hits on those books, plus other texts that are not included in any Bible I know of.
Troublco
03-08-2010, 10:16
My wife has read all the "Left Behind" books, and she thought they were great. They are based on the Revelation time period, but they're written more in an entertainment format and to get people to think a bit. +1 to what BigBear said.
I have some of the Left Behind series that I happened to collect for free. They are like books 7,8, and 9 though. That whole series is on my list, but might as well wait till I've read the Bible to start.
A lot of people suggest reading just the New Testament, but I'm not really interested in finding any answers or explanations or anything, I just want to read the whole thing. The reading plan in my Bible for reading the whole thing has you read one chapter in the Old Testament, then read a corresponding New Testament verse that refers back to the OT part. I'm sure this is a lot more entertaining way to read the Bible, but I wanted to read it the way it was printed. So far, I haven't really been confused about anything.
Well, I'm not ordained or any of that crap but if you ever want to test theological points, etc., send me a PM. I love that sort of stuff.
So far, the first question I asked was why God hated yeast so much. I asked a friend from another board who's dad is a minister (or something) and got a pretty good response back, but don't remember the reason.
I've got another friend who wants me to let him know when I've read Romans, as I guess one of his buddies favorite pastors (?) has like an hour and a half sermon on Romans alone (which I guess is pretty short). If any questions strike me, I'll definitely post them up in here.
theGinsue
03-08-2010, 15:04
the moral to the story in job is part how to act when God "giveth and taketh away" and of course a little more about who God is, but its also about how to comfort friends and loved ones who are going through tough times. they might not have meant ill, but the way they basically blamed job for it and then tried to find some other way to explain it all just isn't how job needed to be comforted. they did it right the first few days when they simply sat there and suffered with him.
I always understood the Book of Job to really be about maintaining your faith, no matter what adversities you encounter in life. God doesn't want us to be fair weather believers, he wants us to be full time believers. Since you've made it to Job, you've made it through Exodus where the people of Isreal continued to turn away from God any time they experienced any hardship - only to be punished and have God come through for them again and again, showing that his love is constant. Job is tested but keeps his faith over and over.
Okay, I'll quit my preaching and leave it to the pro... Pistol Packing Preacher who is curiously silent here.
I'm reading "The Daily Bible" in NIV translation again right now. It has 365 daily readings broken down to be able to read the whole thing in one year. It also has commentary and things to think on. The good part of this is that is cuts-&-pastes things into chronological order so you don't re-read about the same events over and over which (from a timeline perspective) can get confusing.
Driftwood
03-08-2010, 15:06
So far, the first question I asked was why God hated yeast so much. I asked a friend from another board who's dad is a minister (or something) and got a pretty good response back, but don't remember the reason.
I don't study theology as much as I used to, but I believe leavening was symbolic of sin. There's a difference when it comes to symbolic laws vs. moral laws.
Here is the answer I got when I asked about the unleavened bread:
In the Old Testament comes up in the context of Israel being delivered from Egyptian bondage. They
were to leave Egypt in a hurry and their readiness to leave in a hurry was in part related to eating unleavened bread, as they wouldn't have to wait for the bread to rise.
Sometimes leaven also symbolized sin or evil and this
is involved in their later practices of making sure their
is no leaven in the house.
This figure of sin also comes out in 1 Corinthians 5 were Paul makes a connection with the Passover feast of the Old Testament and its fulfillment in
Jesus Christ. There he is talking about disciplining a
fellow Christian for his involvement in sin. He says
they need to purge out the leaven, meaning this man
needs to be put out of the church for his sin with the goal of his turning from his sin and being welcomed back into the church. The point of the figure is if
the sin isn't dealt with in the church, it will spread
like leaven leavens a whole lump of dough.
Never read it, never will. Ain't my thing.
Half Live
03-09-2010, 12:17
I read the whole the bible in my bible lit class at Chatfield Senior High School (a public school).
Seamonkey
03-10-2010, 02:38
I grew up in the church and have read the bible several times. Life happened and I was unable to continue that path nor do I believe in any organized religion anymore. That's something everyone needs to find on their own.
Thomas Paine's "Age of Reason" is Paines critizim of the bible. He wrote some good arguments for American Independence and was well known in his day.
You can read some of his work here: http://www.ushistory.org/Paine/
Joseph Campbell wrote a lot of books on mythology and it's place in our society/culture. His best known book is the hero with a thousand faces but I haven't gotten to it yet. I've read a couple of his other books and he's got some good ideas on the need for mythology, the different religions and such. He's a bit too much on the Eastern Religions for me but it's good reading.
His site: http://www.jcf.org/
The Shack is a great book-if your looking for some interesting perspectives look into the books by Lee Strobel-The Case for Christ,The Case for Faith etc. He was a spiritual skeptic until he started researching his books. Interesting reads I think.
This... both great reads, also Hank Hanegraaff and the Christian Research Institute has some great resources
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