The Bible--where do I start?

I want to read it, but there are lots of different versions and parts, right?

What's a nice, user friendly one?

[Hare_Geist]

The new international version is the easiest to understand. Although it's not very accurate, I think it's a nice Bible for a beginner to read to get a good overview.

You'll also want a good dictionary and Concordance at hand.

Start by burning it.

[boozehound420]

the sooner you read it, the sooner you'll become an atheist

[Hare_Geist]

quote:Originally posted by dburgess90:

Start by burning it.

I’m an atheist and even I acknowledge the importance of having a basic understanding of the Bible. It’s had an incredible effect on Western society so even if you’re not a Christian, a good understanding of it’s tenets, etc. will explain a lot about where society is at and why.

Also, there’s so many great works of art that make references to the Bible and many other groups of mythology, so to fail to have an understanding of any myths is to miss out on a lot of meaning in paintings, literature and songs.

Plus it’s always good to have some knowledge of it for when you do run into the type of Christian that preaches Bible passages.

Believe in it or not, it still has many great and true sayings, like "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Atheist or not, it's a good saying.

And I'm pretty much agnostic, I just want to be more educated.

The New King James version is accurate and easy-to-read. There's a tradeoff between readability and accuracy, generally; the meaning is often changed or rendered ambiguous when the translators revise it to fit modern English more closely. I think the New King James does a good job of sticking close to the original meaning while still being possible to read for pleasure, though.

As for where to start, it's generally recommended to read the New Testament first. It's shorter, easier, more pleasant, and - I think - much better overall.

Catholic Bibles have a few minor changes as well as a few extra books. The RSV version is a good one.

[yoda_me07]

quote:Originally posted by Graah:

I want to read it, but there are lots of different versions and parts, right?

What's a nice, user friendly one?

I'd go with new international version.

Start by reading the four gospels.

(first four books of the new testament).

they will give you a very good idea of who jesus is. (independantly, they are good, but some miss a few points, and others fill da gap where da oda missed points..) so together, they will give you a greater perspective.

[This message has been edited by yoda_me07 (edited 01-19-2007).]

[Masero]

The NLT is the most accurate. New Living Translation.

Start with Genesis and go through. It won't hurt to read it in literature-order. Chronographically written, I would say Job was the first book, then genesis - judges I believe... but I don't remember much past Job being the first book written. I believe the story of Job was antediluvian.

You can try reading alternating testaments. Go Genesis-Deuteronomy, then read the 4 gospels (Matthew-John)+ Acts, then Joshua - 2 Chronicles. And so on and so forth.

[Rizzo in a box]

start with the nag hammadi library THEN go NT THEN go OT.