Trouble reading the Bible?

Question

I was raised without religion (two atheist parents), but I want to get into it now, at age 14. Just got a copy of the Bible from a friend, but the writing is kind of dense, and there are parts I'm confused about. I really want to get familiar with the Bible, what should I do?

Also, are there Bible-for-kids kind of thing, or a Bible written in very simple terms? Would it be weird for me, at age 14, to read a Bible written for children?

Please advise!

I should add that I've never been to a church in my life and I wouldn't know how to act in one, or if I'm required to donate money, so I don't think I'll be going to a church for help.

Sirius, I am not rebelling against my parents. They are both very open-minded atheists -- they do not believe in a God, but they also don't believe in forcing their opinions onto other people because they say that is how wars get started.

I'm pretty sure I believe in God, just not sure which one, so I'm doing research now. How can you call me stupid for trying to learn something new? Aren't you the stupid one for rejecting something you know nothing about?

Also, knowing the Bible has many benefits besides religiouos/personal reasons. In our culture, music, TV and literature are heavily influened by the Bible. I always feel like I'm missing out when someone makes a reference to a bible story and I have no idea what they are talking about.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who answered sincerely and for all the tips and links. And especially to the people who offered to be contacted. I thinks it's amazing people are offering their own time and effort to help out complete strangers.

Answer 1

Yay for you accepting God into your life! I got the Extreme Teen Bible for Easter when I was like 12. (I'm 16 now) It has little notes that explain everything & it's written in words we understand. You can get it at Wal-Mart for like 14$ I think. Good Luck. =)

Oh and don't let anyone tell you you're undereducated just because you can't understand the Bible. It IS pretty hard to understand at first!

Answer 2

The King James is a very old translation, which is hard for most. A better translation would be the New American Standard or the English Standard Version. If you need one, I will be happy to send one to you. You probably don't need a child's Bible, just one written this century.

The Bible teaches you should give as you prosper. At 14, you probably don't have much income, so I wouldn't worry much about it. That doesn't mean that it isn't wonderful when you choose to give though.

I would be happy to talk you through anything you like. I am not part of any particular denomination. I believe in God and the Bible, nothing else. I believe it is our duty to love god and keep the commands in the Bible exactly as they are. No one has authority to say anything else.

Please contact me at [e-mail] with any questions.

Answer 3

It sounds like you have a King James Version of the Bible; don't worry about not understanding it -- it was translated into language used in 1611!

I advise you to get a New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible. It's VERY easy to read for someone your age, who's reading at an adult level. A children's Bible is probably not necessary.

Start by reading the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Many people love reading Luke because his writing style flows well and he's so descriptive. See if you can get your hands on a study guide for each Gospel you read. For example, I got this for my teenagers when they were reading Luke:

http://www.amazon.com/Luke-Exposition-Walk-God/dp/1845500946/sr=1-13/qid=1163183627/ref=sr_1_13/103-4191976-2315867?ie=UTF8&s=books

They loved it because they could study at their own pace.

When my kids were reading the Gospel of John, I bought this film, which is INCREDIBLE (and features an actor from the tv show "Lost"). It's a word-for-word enactment of the Gospel of John:

http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-John-Christopher-Plummer/dp/B0006Q93ZG/sr=8-1/qid=1163183930/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-4191976-2315867?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

Once you've finished the Gospels, read The Acts of the Apostles (a.k.a. Acts). Then, I recommend you read the Gospels AGAIN, just so you're sure you've absorbed the Gospel message correctly.

Sister, may God bless and keep you. May His Spirit rest upon you as you study His wonderful words.

Peace.

p.s. -- if you EVER have any questions, please send me a message through Yahoo Answers, or though my Yahoo 360 page (see the link under my Member Profile.)

Answer 4

How about a Bible study group? You can learn with and from others who have a desire to know, and Bible studies are generally led by people who have in-depth knowledge about the Bible...so you can learn how to read it in a group.

As for going to a church, you don't have to give any money if you choose not to, and the way you act is that you go in, sit down, listen, and then either stay around afterward to get to know people or else leave and go home. It may be scary to go at first, but if you go once, you'll feel more comfortable the next time.

There are easier-to-grasp versions of the Bible. There are study Bibles with notes and explanations to help guide you. Go to a library and look at the numerous versions available to see if you don't find one that you can comprehend more easily.

No, it's not a problem to be 14 and reading a Bible for children. It is perfectly okay. Everybody has to start somewhere. And it is true that when we first come to know Christ, we are children...so just know that you're a person on a search for God, with an honest desire to know him, and find whatever way to hear his Word that makes sense to you.

Best to you in your search.

Answer 5

There are Bibles written with very good study notes which can help a first time learner like yourself, as well as translations which are easier to understand than the King James version. I frequently read the New American Version (they produce a an excellent study Bible for Catholics), the New International Version which also has some good study Bibles some of which are geared for teenage girls. There is also The Living Bible in which the Bible is translated into everyday speech.

Answer 6

Praise the Lord,I am so happy for you!You have made the best decision you will ever make."Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: ( for they shall be filled. ) Matthew 5:6. This is a promise straight from God.You got blessings a coming ! But be patient and yet not slothful.Right now your like a baby who is learning to walk and God is your Father.I am not sure just were your at in the Bible but I would like to encourage you to take a look at yourself.What is it you see as your weaknesses ? What is it you see as your strenghts ? Both of these area's you will want to enlighten and prayerfully bring them to God.Never bury a talant or gift that God has given you.And never allow a weakness to overcome you and cause you to stumble.Remember though,falling down doesn't always mean defeat to a Christian so long as he gets back up.As the baby falls down and gets back up so are we.We do this enough enough and sooner or later we will be walking,and then running.Falling down to us is just a way of learning to walk,because we get back up.Get a Bible with a good concordance in it.There you can find topics that will apply to the desires and hope within. If you want to love more,look at the word love.It will provide you with scriptures pertaining to that.It will show chapter and verse,but read the whole chapter or even chapters around it.Avoid taking verses out of context.That can get you in trouble.And remember,when God speaks to you,it might not always be what you want to hear,but it will make sense and not leave you confused.When the liar speaks it will leave you confused and troubled.I will be praying for you as this is being sent,and will continue to pray.God bless you child of God.I am so happy for you I just about forgot to answer your question.Ask for a youth study Bible in the New King James version.

Answer 7

Really great question, but I am sure that you will see by the response of the athiests that it was not the best group to ask. I don't even know why they post here, probably because of their level of hate.

A lot of times, the Bible is tough to read, because unless you understand the historical setting, the stuff doesn't really make that much sense. For instance, if you read the book of Ezekiel without knowing the history of how Babylon wiped out the entire region and took many of the youngest and brightest of the Jews into captivity for 70 years, it will be really hard to make sense of it all.

I would recommend the NIV Study Bible published by Zondervan. There are descriptions of who the author and audience of each Bible book are, and lots of footnotes that will answer difficult questions.

I taught Bible in a Christian High School, got a bachelors degree in Bible, and am finishing my Masters degree in Bible, so I could probably answer some of your questions if you need me to through my Yahoo mail account. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

There are different bible translations. Are you reading the New International Version (NIV)? The Message (MSG) translation I find uses everyday language that's easy to understand.
Try reading the book of John in the New Testament first. It basically tells you the life of Christ from his birth to his cruxifiction. The other gospels: Mark, Luke, and Matthew give their own narrative of Jesus' life. The books after that like Romans, Phillipians, are written by the apostle Paul. They are essentially letters to believers in those respective cities.
When I was 14, I actually read the student Bible (published by Zondervan), and they had little articles and explanations in between bible passages. I still read it now and it's still relevant.

I've actually thought about buying one of those bibles for kids, so that I could read and get an overview of the stories in the Old Testament cuz reading books like, say, Numbers ain't so exciting. Haha. Also biblegateway.com has some bible reading plans.

Answer 9

Friend, First make sure you have given your life over to God. You are 14 yrs. old, It will take time to understand the Bible, I have been a Christian for over 36 Yrs, So I consider myself Mature enough in the scriptures, But still after 36 yrs. I am still learning, So Friend take it slowly & ask God to reveal his word to you, if you are sincere, he will do it, But he will not give you more than you can handle, In Christianity speaking you are on the milk of the word, As you grow older & are sincere with God, then he will finally give you some Fresh Meat of the Word, which is more understanding, Don't be discourage if you don't understand it now, Just start from the very beginning in your walk with God & as time goes on, you will begin to see what I have told you, God will supply his Revelation of his word to you. Go in peace with God. & don't let anyone succeed in trying to discourage you, Your faith will be tested, but that does not mean God has left you, When you go through a trial & you look back on that trial & you see 2 sets of footprints in the sand, Then you know God was with you, But if a test or trial comes along & it don't seem that there is no way out & you look back to see those footprints in the sand & you see only One set of footprints, Don't think God has left you, No, He is just carrying you through the Trial, That one set of footprint is God carrying you. Good luck

Answer 10

There are many many translations of the bible out there including ones for children and teens. Go to a bible book store or regular bookstore (even Target & Walmart have a good selection) and look through them until you find one that you can easily understand.

There is nothing wrong with you reading a children's version if that is the one you can understand best. My best friend got to know the Lord through reading a children's bible when she was an adult.