View Full Version : Have you fully read the Bible?
I was wondering have any of us ever read the Bible fully? I have managed it once, I used a year reading plan and used an inter-linear KJ/RKJ Bible. It was hard going at times but well worth it. I think that every Christian should try it at least once.
Shield&Sword
10-31-2008, 12:02 PM
perhaps it doesnt matter here, but in islam a muslim must read hole Quran in a month, if he cant then he at least must read part of it every day. And the minimum is 3 days, a muslim cant finish all quran in less than 3 days (even if he is able ) because he will read without thinking about what he is reading. In ramadan whole quran recite is trasmitted on air from Mecca and most of mousques in that month finish all quran in prayers made at night.
about bible i think there are project now in italy to read the whole bible in one week, and trasmit it on air by RAI channel. I dont know when it will start or if it did start.
mayneverhave
10-31-2008, 03:17 PM
I read a good portion of it when I was younger - in elementary school actually - but never straight through. Of course, because I was educated Catholic, I have a pretty good knowledge of all the myths and stories in the Bible, even if I haven't physically read them all.
The most interesting parts of the Bible, though - from a textual analysis standpoint - are the Gospels. It's interesting to examine how the 4 borrow from each other and how each has its unique properties.
Such as the use of the world "Immediately" in the Gospel of Mark nearly 40 times.
andave_ya
10-31-2008, 05:59 PM
yep, i have.
The old, yes, the new? well, I missed some of the newer books like Romans and stuff.
Jozanny
10-31-2008, 07:25 PM
Depends. There are different versions and editions of Biblical texts. I have read the Roman Catholic Saint Joseph's edition twenty times over the course of my life span, and know none of it by heart. I have read what used to be called the Jewish Apocrypha, I think when I was 16, in NYC, trolling unsuccessfully for sex with virtually any male under 40, and I own an edition of the Gnostic Bible. I have some King James I haven't looked at since university.
perhaps it doesnt matter here, but in islam a muslim must read hole Quran in a month, if he cant then he at least must read part of it every day. And the minimum is 3 days, a muslim cant finish all quran in less than 3 days (even if he is able ) because he will read without thinking about what he is reading. In ramadan whole quran recite is trasmitted on air from Mecca and most of mousques in that month finish all quran in prayers made at night.
about bible i think there are project now in italy to read the whole bible in one week, and trasmit it on air by RAI channel. I dont know when it will start or if it did start.
I have always been interested in other peoples faiths and texts (as well as my own), is the Quran heavy heavy going. The Bible in areas is hard word especially books such Numbers.
I have found that one of the easier ways to read the Bible is to have an audio version, I have the NIV New Testament on tape. If anyone thinks of using this method, listen to a portion first and check if the reader is clear. The version I have is great, but I have heard some terrible recordings.
Pendragon
10-31-2008, 08:50 PM
A couple of times. Some parts many times. Psalms, Proverbs, The Four Gospels, Hebrews, and Revelation more than any others. :)
librarius_qui
11-01-2008, 01:17 AM
Yes. And I don't know ... See below*
The most interesting parts of the Bible, though - from a textual analysis standpoint - are the Gospels. It's interesting to examine how the 4 borrow from each other and how each has its unique properties.
It's a matter of taste, so I'd say it depends! : the book of Job is very interesting. I'd love to see it as a play, in its original text, doesn't have to change a line, 'cause that's pretty much of what it is ... One of my favourites!
Depends. There are different versions and editions of Biblical texts. I have read the Roman Catholic Saint Joseph's edition twenty times over the course of my life span, and know none of it by heart. I have read what used to be called the Jewish Apocrypha, I think when I was 16, in NYC, trolling unsuccessfully for sex with virtually any male under 40, and I own an edition of the Gnostic Bible. I have some King James I haven't looked at since university.
I've read two complete versions in Portuguese. Partially one other. 'Have the KJ, the NIV and the ESV. I like the ESV quite a lot.
The Catholic bibles (based on the Vulgata, Latin) bring 7 more books and a few bits of text more than the "Protestant" ones, all of them in the old testment.
And I've read bits in Greek, sometimes I search for it. I have interest in the Latin version because of my personal studies (as a Classicist) but I'm definitely not focused on old Jews or early Christians, but much more on Roman history (in the Roman point of view) (...).
The very little Hebrew I ever learnt came from notes in the translations I read ... Such as -im for (one common) plural form, as in "shir", song, and "shirim", songs. (The Shir Ha Shirim ...)
I like the "ecumenic" version, in Portuguese, because it brings names in Hebrew forms, in the old testment, and it brings the order of the old testment according to what Jews use: Torah, Neviim (nevi = prophet) and Ketuvim (ketub = writing). And the Catholic books come apart, as "deuterocanonics", as they call the books themselves. After them, the new testment.
In Literature, I'd remark the Genesis ("Beginning" or "In the beginning") and the Revelation (in Portuguese we use the Greek word ... Apocalipse), as some of the interesting parts of the book. The collection of psalms is lovely to those inclined to poetry, as well as the song of Solomon. The proverbs & the qohelet (in Greek, "ecclesiastes") are interesting for those more inclined to philosophy ... Others like the other books of the Torah, and the narrative books of the Neviim, to those who prefer history ... And the "chronicles", together with Nehemiah, Esther and Ezra.
In the Writings, there's the collection of the megiloth (five scrolls, Ruth, shir, qohelet, lament for the fall of Jerusalem, and Esther), which are very interesting to be read as five "odd" scrolls ... It seems there to be controversy among Jews about whether Daniel would be a prophet or not, some will put the book together with the Neviim, some after Esther ... I don't know details on the controversy, I'm not a Jew :D ...
I myself understand the book as part of the Neviim ...
I still read the bible, most every day.
I'm somewhat against studying it, though ... I like to read, and I think it wise anyone to consider himself a friend of the god it preaches to keep reading of it usually, all right. & Reading with understanding, quoting the idea of our Muslim fellow above on the reading of the Muslim sacred text ... Not only reading. -- It'd be disrespectful to stop to hear a god without paying a bit of attention to what he's saying ... -- & As a kind of a daily bread. I hope a man likes to eat, but, even if he doesn't want to eat sometimes, he'll need to eat, sooner or later, otherwise he'll get weak and eventually faint, when facing a hard day of work.
*About a "Christian", I don't know. If a christian is a man like the christ, as in the early concept of the word, yes, because the christ did know well, and used well the writings he had at hand, so as to live, and teach not speaking of his own, but of "the one who had sent him", so it seems he used to read them quite often ... And historians will tell you that a Jewish rabbi would, all right. Jesus was a rabbi, and a Jew.
[Maybe they'll be wrong. Some rabbis would, some would not. According to the use it is written in the apostles writings on the use of the scriptures by Jesus, I'm inclined to the hypothesis that he did read them often.]
But there are other concepts for the word ... ~
[And not only that, but there were as well those zealous on reading, but whose eyes were closed to understand, such as Saul, who, later on, became an apostle ... Anyway, there are many cases, it seems, you see?]
Only one man's opinion.
Redzeppelin
11-01-2008, 09:37 AM
Yes - read it through completely a few times, but - like Pen - there are a handful of books I return to again and again. The more you read it, the more sense it begins to make, and its coherence as a complete work becomes clearer and clearer.
Jozanny
11-01-2008, 11:56 AM
It's a matter of taste, so I'd say it depends! : the book of Job is very interesting. I'd love to see it as a play, in its original text, doesn't have to change a line, 'cause that's pretty much of what it is ... One of my favourites!
Not that it actually matters, as I have not sat down with my edition of the Bible for years, and don't know if I truly ever plan to again, but I agree with librarius about Job. I think the theologian notes in my text cautioning that "Christ wasn't around yet" is a bit of a gloss over, and that this particular Hebrew writer's struggle with suffering is never fully resolved, not through his faith, not through his employ of Yahweh as the Magnificent in Technicolor, and not in the debate between Job and his buddies. I used to read sections of it in my last charismatic sessions before I started the long process of losing my faith (I was 19, and by 35 I was a hard atheist, so it took some time), and although I had a great deal of affection for the priest who ran the group, he never really took my questions about the book head on, and it disappointed me. I think he said the rhetoric was "pretty" and "in the moment", and that was hardly the type of query I was making, in terms of why the good suffer needlessly.
Now it is true that Job is a generic high status fat cat, and there may be some socialist tensions within the conflict of the story, but it still raises poignant issues about suffering even when you do all the right things within the way of your Lord.
Morden
11-02-2008, 12:39 AM
Yes. Old and New Testaments. KJV.
El Viejo
11-03-2008, 03:00 AM
I was wondering have any of us ever read the Bible fully? I have managed it once, I used a year reading plan and used an inter-linear KJ/RKJ Bible. It was hard going at times but well worth it. I think that every Christian should try it at least once.
I agree, at least once.
I've read the KJV, NASB, and NIV cover to cover. Sampled a few others such as a Jehovah's Witnesses Bible and two Catholic Bibles (Jerusalem and Confraternity, I believe). Like the KJV best, NIV least.
El Viejo
11-03-2008, 03:04 AM
...The more you read it, the more sense it begins to make, and its coherence as a complete work becomes clearer and clearer.
After a point I found the opposite to be true.
Redzeppelin
11-03-2008, 10:50 AM
After a point I found the opposite to be true.
I have no doubt that this is possible; the question is why should it happen that in some cases the Bible becomes clearer, and in others less so?
Like many of you I have various translations. Some of thranslations I have on CD ROM with many other Christian books. I find that cross-referancing is of great help in understanding various texts. These days I use the NKJV as well as my inter-linear Bible.
To take this thread a little further I would be interested in what people think of the apocryphical writings. They are included in the Catholic Bibles and one other translations. I have only read pieces, usually in church, but I have always found them interesting.
librarius_qui
11-04-2008, 11:09 AM
After a point I found the opposite to be true.
Haha! :lol: It happens!
The bible as religion is a matter of everyday life, and not only reading.
Life is confusing in itself.
Like many of you I have various translations. Some of thranslations I have on CD ROM with many other Christian books. I find that cross-referancing is of great help in understanding various texts. These days I use the NKJV as well as my inter-linear Bible.
To take this thread a little further I would be interested in what people think of the apocryphical writings. They are included in the Catholic Bibles and one other translations. I have only read pieces, usually in church, but I have always found them interesting.
I can only speak on what I read. I only read the "extra" parts of Daniel (I was very curious ...), that one that speaks of an angel, Raphael, I think it's Tobiah, and I read Judith.
I don't have an opinion on them yet. By other peoples' opinions, I'd say that they have to do with some controversies between Jews of Greek speach and Jews of Hebrew speach.
All these books and pieces of text are in the old testment, and were written in Greek. This last feature makes the main difference, and allowed people from ancient days to make difference between them. Back there, in the early centuries of Christianity, it was mainly a Jewish discussion. The texts entered and remained because of the translations of the Vulgatae, because all texts were translated to Latin, and people, Latin speakers, by then, would make no difference between them and others, because everyone spoke Latin. As well as their space in the Septuaginta, the all Greek version (old and new testments).
This subject was raised again in the XIXth century, with archeology, and scientific chemestry, because people began paying better attention to what was read until the fourth century, before the "official" Vulgata, which is attributed to Jeronimus ...
I don't miss reading them. I tried to read other parts, and I have around some other "apocryphs", to be read, but honestly I don't priorize them, and it isn't a matter of doubt to me.
But the important thing about these 7 & parts of books is that they were canonized, by the fourth-fifth centuries. Later on, it allowed people to question the validity of this second canonization ("deutero"-canonization), once the early apostles were all gone.
The matter comes to the ground whether a person accepts the Pope as a living apostle or not. If not, and if the apostles are only the early ones, then the deuterocanonization has no validity. If a person does accept him as a living apostle, then the deuterocanonization is to be accepted by him who does.
But there's much more about history of Christianity between the fourth-fifth centuries and the XII-XIIIth centuries than I spoke. During this time, there was a Roman pope (church "chief"), but there were a lot of independant groups of churches.
As long as the communications began to improve, among European nations, there came up a conflict between the Eastern churches and the Western (Roman) church, and the issue was the authority of the (Roman) Pope over all the churches [and cities (...)]. The churches in the east didn't like much the governing ways proposed by Rome, and there came the cisma. They became "orthodox", and the Western, "apostolic", because these followed the living apostle, as they do, up to this day. (Whether they know it or not ...)
And after this, to make things even better, there came Martin Luther, a Catholic monk, with some criticism on the Roman institution. However, Martin Luther didn't question the scriptures. He accepted the deuterocanonics, and his issue was with institutional matters, he could not bear to accept.
Other movements, after M. Luther raised the discussion of whether considering the Roman Vulgata sacred or only the old Jewish texts ... So, it seems to be a rather complicated subject aye? :D
It is.
Nice to pay attention to History. It's the little secret, I think.
Anyways,
don't know if I helped any, or
made things even more confusing.
I don't mind to show people that things are not that simple.
And showing it [to] myself, as well.
lets crash!
librarius
:crash:
[__________
Ps. I passed these on to a friend of mine, who's more ... academical, in these matters, and he answered this, I added below. It's always nice to hear a second opinion ... :D
"Dear friend";
I think you make a few mistakes here. First, not all the Apocrypha was originally written in Greek. You might want to check out that claim. Second, I believe that Luther's translation did in fact include the Apocrypha. Have you read any detailed church history books? You should. You have the big picture correct for the most part, but seem to be shooting from the hip to some extent. About the Apocrypha, "our mutual fellow acquaintance" has an excellent and thorough treatment of the history and quality of these Deuterocanonical books. Just do a search at his web site. I believe you will find that the Apocrypha was not added by the pope, but was accepted by nearly all the churches in the Western/Latin church. Jerome included it, not because he was enamored of the Apocrypha, but because it was the consensus of his fellow Western Christians that these books were canonical. Have fun doing some more research.
"a friend"]
librarius_qui
11-04-2008, 01:14 PM
The old, yes, the new? well, I missed some of the newer books like Romans and stuff.
You can only understand Saul (later called Paul) if you read the fifth book of the new testment. Second half of that book is a kind of a biography of that man, and helps to understand a bit of what he wrote.
Together with Simon Peter's letters, which even mention that guy ...
To take a look at the Britannica might be interesting as well, IF EVER anyone would really be interested in searching to know, rather than to criticize.
I say so cause I ... kind of have no much pacience to read the things you post, because usually they're too full of a sort of criticism that repells me. It may be a wrong judgement of me. But it has everything to do with your [old "screaming"] avatar, as well, and, well, each person is what each person is. Once I don't actually know you, I wrote what I wrote, on Saul. If you don't wish to know anything more about him, never mind. Pretend I never gave this hint ... :rolleyes: & It might serve well to others who pass eyes on it, with such an interest.
El Viejo
11-04-2008, 07:27 PM
I have no doubt that this is possible; the question is why should it happen that in some cases the Bible becomes clearer, and in others less so?
Maybe some readers' hearts are like rocky soil. The seed sprouts, then withers.
Or maybe some readers are like people who focus on their spouse's good qualities and ignore the abuse cycle.
NikolaiI
11-05-2008, 01:26 AM
A good question: is the Bible spiritual?
My answer is reduce to the most simple, go to what Jesus tells us simply, to love God and to love another. Everything else is some degree of varying less importance.
A good question: is the Bible spiritual?
My answer is reduce to the most simple, go to what Jesus tells us simply, to love God and to love another. Everything else is some degree of varying less importance.
Amen to that!
El Viejo
11-05-2008, 01:12 PM
A good question: is the Bible spiritual?
My answer is reduce to the most simple, go to what Jesus tells us simply, to love God and to love another. Everything else is some degree of varying less importance.
Yes, the greatest commandment, and the second which is like unto it.
But people prefer things they can get their teeth into, things with tangible acts and tangible results, like demolishing stills, or reclaiming Jerusalem from the Turks, or opposing gay rights.
Reduction is fine, except when you're talking about the Word of God, then no piece may be left out.
librarius_qui
11-06-2008, 01:07 PM
A good question: is the Bible spiritual?
It depends on the concept of spirit you're using here ... What's "to be spiritual"?
To me, the bible is a bit historical as well, as a bit poetical as well, as a bit mythological as well ... among other things. (There's philosophy, there's ... plenty of things, actually!)
librarius
:crash:
grace86
11-06-2008, 01:44 PM
I'm in the process of reading it fully. I started with the Old Testament a while back and as I am going through it, I've also started reading the New Testament at the same time via an audio translation. It's been very enriching.
Personally, I don't think any part of it is less important than any other part whether one is reading it in a literary sense or in a faith based sense. If reading it in it's faith oriented aspect, the Old Testament is important for the promises, love, and prophecies that are realized in the New Testament. At a literary basis, the Old Testament puts the New Testament in context. I'll save the rest.
Whether the Bible is spiritual or not is another question entirely I think.
NikolaiI
11-06-2008, 02:55 PM
It depends on the concept of spirit you're using here ... What's "to be spiritual"?
To me, the biblie is a bit historical as well, as a bit poetical as well, as a bit mythological as well ... among other things. (There's philosophy, there's ... plenty of things, actually!)
librarius
:crash:
Well one thing I have an issue with in Christianity is meat-eating. I think meat-eating perhaps is okay if you need to do it to survive, if you are a nomad or something, or even perhaps if you own the farm yourself. But in this country now there are slaughterhouses, places of death and fear, and I think to eat from these places is very wrong. The animal dies in complete fear and terror, and to eat that animal is then partaking of the sin of killing it so wrongly. I think if you are involved in this process you should stop immediately, and I think it's necessary for your spirituality...
librarius_qui
11-06-2008, 05:58 PM
Ah, right ...
Well, then you should be HAPPY about this "christianity" thing ... Before the christ, people would kill to offer as sacrifice, and not even to eat necessarily. (Some sacrifices were completely burnt.)
With the christ, it came to the end. Whether you eat or not is a matter of choice, and at all, nobody HAS to kill animals any longer!
I admit, when I'm threatened by some sorts of insects, I do kill them. It's self defense.
And I was talking with a friend, whose family is from the crountryside, and he said that they're taught to kill all sorts of poisonous snakes, because snakes kill bulls and horses ... Whether we like it or not, it isn't a matter of choice, in a way. We are part of this environment.
Mankind, according to historians, would never have developped without fire, because it allowed our ancestors to make meat more edible ...
(...) Lo-o-ong subject. I'm completely off-topic here ...
So I agree with Grace, Nikolai ... You should perhaps open another thread, to put this question.
NikolaiI
11-06-2008, 06:26 PM
No it's okay, it's fine for this thread. Topics go like that, someone asked 'is the bible spiritual,' and I gave my opinion, and a very difficult question. It's not off-topic so much. And the mods will let us know if we need to drop a subject.
grace86
11-07-2008, 06:05 PM
It's not that I thought that someone asking or responding to the question of whether or not the Bible is spiritual was off topic, I was just saying that in pursuing the question I'd personally get more in depth than the scope of this thread. Sorry for the confusion, I wasn't pointing the finger at anyone in particular.
islandclimber
11-07-2008, 06:29 PM
It's not that I thought that someone asking or responding to the question of whether or not the Bible is spiritual was off topic, I was just saying that in pursuing the question I'd personally get more in depth than the scope of this thread. Sorry for the confusion, I wasn't pointing the finger at anyone in particular.
I am though!!! Nikolai how could you!!! :flare:
You.... :idea: You are banished from this thread!!!! :p hahaha
Threads always mutate into something completely different from the original post in the religious section of the forum.. it makes things more entertaining so I am not complaining... ;)
I have read the bible, and it is an interesting story, especially the old testament, when god was a jealous, genocidal, nutcase.. hahaha.. sorry I just had to say that.. I mean you have god sponsored genocides on four different occasions, wiping out man, woman, child.. Sodom and Gomorrah, The flood, The Amalekites, The Canaanites.. The bible is full of excitement at least, but I find it very hard to see how anyone can call the God of the Old Testament a loving god of anyone but his chosen people.. and even then.. He wasn't all that nice at times... SO reconciling new testament with old testament, it appears to me that god underwent anger management therapy... although he still does damn people to eternal suffering in hell... not very forgiving if I might say so myself... so maybe the two versions are closer than they first appear, it's just god waits until after death now to punish and destroy... a very harmonious universe we live in isn't it... :p
Janine
11-07-2008, 06:30 PM
I'm in the process of reading it fully. I started with the Old Testament a while back and as I am going through it, I've also started reading the New Testament at the same time via an audio translation. It's been very enriching.
Personally, I don't think any part of it is less important than any other part whether one is reading it in a literary sense or in a faith based sense. If reading it in it's faith oriented aspect, the Old Testament is important for the promises, love, and prophecies that are realized in the New Testament. At a literary basis, the Old Testament puts the New Testament in context. I'll save the rest.
Whether the Bible is spiritual or not is another question entirely I think.
Hi Grace,:) Haven't seen or talked to you for awhile. I have never read the entire bible, so I give you great credit for attempting it. I should read it I know, and what you said is something I very often think about - the fact that some people are more into the New Testament and totally ignore the Old Testament. I see the bible as a whole entity; one needs to read both parts to get the full scope, otherwise half the story is told to us.
"At a literary basis, the Old Testament puts the New Testament in context."
I believe this is totally true. Good post and nice to see you again. Email me sometime.
Rozzy
11-11-2008, 05:41 PM
I have read the Bible several times and much of it many times. When you attempt the undertaking of such a venture it is best to start with a plan, otherwise you may find some of the Torah especially the books of Deuteronomy, Numbers, Leviticus and others a tuff slog.
Some understanding of the peticular section you are attempting to aprehend is a start. The law (first five books of Moses) The prophets, The Writings.
Are the three basic parts of the Old Testament which contain 39 books in all. First thing that really helps is to do a mini study of the peticular book you are about to read. The general who, what, where and when so that you are not stepping cold to the time in history and who it is and where they are.
It would take a super human effort to memorize the Bible as a whole but to have a general working knowledge that will direct and guide you to the part or parts you desire to return to is not so tuff. Memorization of a few verses that catch your eye will greatly enhance your ability to return to a specific person, place or time, etc.
Rozzy
mona amon
11-11-2008, 11:48 PM
I've read it through a few times, who begat who and everything. But I'm able to retain only a small portion of it- the Gospels, parts of Samuel, Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Daniel, Song of Songs, a few Psalms...and some of my favourite books like the Epistles of Paul, Ruth, Esther, Jonah and Job. Not that I remember everything even in these books,**sigh** Maybe I'll try some of the tips given in the post above. Thanks Rozzy!
planet earth
11-14-2008, 05:07 AM
I have read the Old Testament, which was a great experience with all its details of everything.
I read the new Testament, which was also great and taught me alot
I have also read the Quran, plenty of times. I believe the Quran , is a short version, or an upgrade to the Bible. It contains the same stories and rules but in very simplified language. I am speaking about the Arabic version. My poem "Kill yourself contains lots of meanings prevailing in the Quran".
My final conclusion is that the Holy Scriptures are from the same source, aiming at acquainting manking with GOD.
Let me tell you that there are verses in the the three books that sound exactly the same, in Arabic and when they are translated into English. The same tone, the same awe, the same sense, the same conclusion is reached.
When I read the following verses let me tell you what I felt
I am Allah, there is no God beside me, so worship me, and pray to my remembrance. The Holy Quran 20:14
There is none beside me. I am the Lord and there is no one else.Isaiah 45:6
The two verses sound identitcal while one is from the Quran and one is from the Bible. When I read them , I thought God has been ever since. I know that ofcourse, but the awareness that it is very true, happened to me after I read both.
Let me tell all the bible readers that reading the Quran, even a translated version is a very enjoyable experience why don't you try it and tell me what you felt after reading it.
After searching for a good website, I will send a link containing some readings of the Quran in Arabic, to listen to. You don't need to speak Arabic to listen to them, just take the sense of it before you start reading
Guinivere
11-14-2008, 09:29 AM
Yes I have. From start to finish, if you can say that. But I was 13 at the time and took it on as a challenge. Not a very smart thing to do I fear. Maybe not the right thing to do either. You should really reflect on what your reading or so I'm told. Anyway som of the stories were interesting - especially the Old Testament.
I found the easiest way for me was to use a reading plan. There were several attempts before I managed it. I have a book called 'Search the Scriptures', it is a three year plan and study book, excellent Bible aid. But the time I managed to read it from cover to cover was by the use a 1 year reading plan, heavy going but worth it.
kittysbecute
11-16-2008, 04:36 AM
I read it all the way through but it took me a few years. I'm doing it again.
I read it all the way through but it took me a few years. I'm doing it again.
How are you doing it? Cover to cover or via a plan?
_Shannon_
11-16-2008, 06:45 PM
Yup. :)
Virgil
11-16-2008, 07:52 PM
I have read the Old Testament, which was a great experience with all its details of everything.
I read the new Testament, which was also great and taught me alot
I have also read the Quran, plenty of times. I believe the Quran , is a short version, or an upgrade to the Bible. It contains the same stories and rules but in very simplified language. I am speaking about the Arabic version. My poem "Kill yourself contains lots of meanings prevailing in the Quran".
My final conclusion is that the Holy Scriptures are from the same source, aiming at acquainting manking with GOD.
That is a very interesting and profound statement. Yes I believe all three religions are intertwined and have more in common than people think. But alas all this fighting with each other. If only we would understand each of our religions and come to an understanding.
Joreads
11-16-2008, 10:40 PM
No I haven't read the whole bible, it is however on my list.
That is a very interesting and profound statement. Yes I believe all three religions are intertwined and have more in common than people think. But alas all this fighting with each other. If only we would understand each of our religions and come to an understanding.
I aree with you, but for any understanding to happen we have to start talking. It is not the ordinary believer that is the problem, it is the leaders of the faiths who claim to have greater understanding. If that is so, why have they missed out about the part concerning love?
Joe Beamish
11-17-2008, 02:28 PM
I'm focusing on the first 5 books using the original King James translation. This will be the first time I've actually read these through in order.
(I'm going back to the classics to build a better foundation for all of my reading. I'm tired of missing so many allusions)
I'm focusing on the first 5 books using the original King James translation. This will be the first time I've actually read these through in order.
(I'm going back to the classics to build a better foundation for all of my reading. I'm tired of missing so many allusions)
I always find that the original KJV & KJRV a great way to read the Bible, I love to read the Psalms and the Song of Songs, very rich and poetic.
Joe Beamish
11-17-2008, 03:57 PM
^ Yes, and Proverbs, which contains gems like: "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him."
I'm far more familiar with the Psalms, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and the New Testament than with the stories of the patriarchs.
hellsapoppin
11-17-2008, 07:52 PM
Read it cover to cover. Ditto for the Koran.
Must try the Koran some day, but busy working on the Gita at the moment.
crystalmoonshin
11-24-2008, 07:13 AM
I've read the Bible twice but I must admit that I'm still far from understanding everything. To compensate for my incompetence, I read various inspirational books like those by Grant Jeffrey and Charles Swindoll and check if what they write does agree with what's in the Bible.
I've read the Bible twice but I must admit that I'm still far from understanding everything. To compensate for my incompetence, I read various inspirational books like those by Grant Jeffrey and Charles Swindoll and check if what they write does agree with what's in the Bible.
I have pretty much done the same at times especially when it comes to tricky verses, then decide for myself. One thing I've learnt is to never ask a preist as they have to 'tow the party line'. I always go for the simplistic approach, and read at face value. for example 'Love thy neighbour' means just that to me,. I believe that the whole world is my neighbour, not the many clauses that man tends to add.
Englishrose
11-24-2008, 06:59 PM
Yea i agree
I tried to read the the whole of my Bible once when i was quite young,
i got like halfway through and stopped for some reason.
But after reading this post i might try and do it again
Thanks
;)
crystalmoonshin
11-24-2008, 07:43 PM
I actually became a Bible freak when I was in high school but when I was introduced to the Lost Books one time while scouring the shelves in a library at the university, I began to look for more of those and I kinda stopped my Bible reading which I always did every week at the very least. So now, it's been like a year or so since the last time I've opened my Bible.
And like EnglishRose, I'm gonna read the Bible again. Hopefully I may understand something new.
I try to keep up my Bible reading, my problem is that I always need some structure, hence I use books like 'Search the Scriptures'. There are always readings at church of course but they are small and selected.
Pleased to hear that this thread has helped some to read the Bible again.
I have read the Old Testament, which was a great experience with all its details of everything.
I read the new Testament, which was also great and taught me alot
I have also read the Quran, plenty of times. I believe the Quran , is a short version, or an upgrade to the Bible. It contains the same stories and rules but in very simplified language. I am speaking about the Arabic version. My poem "Kill yourself contains lots of meanings prevailing in the Quran".
My final conclusion is that the Holy Scriptures are from the same source, aiming at acquainting manking with GOD.
Let me tell you that there are verses in the the three books that sound exactly the same, in Arabic and when they are translated into English. The same tone, the same awe, the same sense, the same conclusion is reached.
When I read the following verses let me tell you what I felt
I am Allah, there is no God beside me, so worship me, and pray to my remembrance. The Holy Quran 20:14
There is none beside me. I am the Lord and there is no one else.Isaiah 45:6
The two verses sound identitcal while one is from the Quran and one is from the Bible. When I read them , I thought God has been ever since. I know that ofcourse, but the awareness that it is very true, happened to me after I read both.
Let me tell all the bible readers that reading the Quran, even a translated version is a very enjoyable experience why don't you try it and tell me what you felt after reading it.
After searching for a good website, I will send a link containing some readings of the Quran in Arabic, to listen to. You don't need to speak Arabic to listen to them, just take the sense of it before you start reading
Excellent. Anyone interested to read the Bible and Torah in their Original form(without tampering) as they were handed down to Jesus and Moses should read the Quran. The Quran purifies, acknowledges, complements, and supports the message of those earlier books. What is missing from the Quran is any bias towards the prophets of God and gives them equal respect as they were brothers in mission. And most important is how the Quran gives the highest priority to the uniqueness, Oneness of Allah(God), his perfect attributes that no other being shares, and that he is the sole owner, the ruler, provider, sustainer of the Universe. Allah(God) neither begets nor is he begotten and non is equal to him.
From the Quran:
"Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitts? He knows What (appears to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass Aught of his knowledge Except as He wills. His throne does extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feels No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory)." [Surah al-Baqarah 2: 255]
Surah An-Nur Ayah [35]
"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp, the lamp is in glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e. neither it gets sun-rays only in the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor it gets sun-rays only in the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun all day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it. Light upon Light! Allah guides to His Light whom He wills. And Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah is All-Knower of everything. "
FenellaLovell
11-25-2008, 09:15 PM
Hello!
93
Yes, I've fully read it.
93 93/93
Fenella
backline
12-04-2008, 12:29 AM
I have read the Bible in its entirety, but not necessarily straight through, probably several times.
Also attended a "Bible College" (now known as Bethany University), in the 1970's.
To me the Bible is a collection of wisdom, history, symbolism, phrophecy, and observation.
The main themes keep resurfacing so that despite mistranslations or editing, the subjects of redemption, forgiveness, grace, et al, can be understood and applied in ones life.
With some insight, life experiences, and awareness, the words of Jesus take on an enlightened aspect recognizable by those who have sought The Truth about themselves.
The Old Testament recounts the history of the cultural context of the New Testament, and sets the stage for the drama of the story of God's Christ.
I like to think of it as "The Living Word of God" because it is dynamic and powerful to changing of lives and directions (for me personally). Nothing else ever had the effect on me the words of Jesus have.
I have also studied other traditions, cultures, sociologies, and social psychologies.
These writings are a map of the territory, but they are not the territory. Spirituality is a personal journey through the territory. Life is the territory.
Chloe M
12-04-2008, 01:27 AM
My family read the Bible aloud for a number of years after I was born, so technically I've heard the entire Bible around 6-8 times. I've never made it through reading front to back, but I have read the majority of it.
temper tantrum
12-16-2008, 02:43 AM
I'm new to the forum. I want to add to this thread by saying that I have read the Bible cover to cover as well as the Koran.
skasian
12-21-2008, 12:07 PM
Yes, I fully read the Bible twice.
Reading the Words of God, I found my relationship with God deepening so much, and it was just an inexplicable experience to feel myself growing spiritually.
I strongly recommend anyone to just open a Bible and start reading. My favourite book is the Psalms,as it holds so much wisdom.
skasian
12-21-2008, 12:08 PM
May I ask what is a Koran?
stlukesguild
12-21-2008, 12:32 PM
May I ask what is a Koran?
Currently it is more commonly written as Qur'an, but either way it simply is the translated title of the Islamic holy scripture composed by Muhammad.
skasian
12-22-2008, 07:10 AM
Ah. Thanks for your explanation. Could you please outline the main difference between the standard Bible and the Qur'an? Cheers
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