Bible ? ? ?

Question

Hi,
The reason I am asking this question is because I am not a very religious person and I do not come from a religious background.
I am not looking for a religion I would just like to educate myself a bit more.
I was looking to start with the Christian Bible that contains both the old and new testaments
Is this a good way to start ,What is your opinion ?
If possible please post a link to where I can buy one also.
Thx everyone.

Answer 1

If you want to study the bible try this site http://www.truthcaster.com

they have alternative way (may I say in a rightful way) to study the scripture.

Answer 2

If you are interested in understanding the Bible, you would do well to get a serious study Bible of the sort used in colleges and universities. The Access Bible is the one I use in the introductory-level classes on the Bible that I teach.

The Bible was written in other languages (mainly Hebrew and Greek), over a long period of time, by different authors, in cultural contexts very different from ours. Just reading the Bible without any kind of commentary or helps is likely to lead to misunderstanding.

If you are shopping for a religion, then simply reading a particular religion's Scriptures will not be the best way of going about it. You would also need to learn about how a particular group INTERPRETS its Scriptures, which parts it focuses on and which it ignores, and other important characteristics. You would never guess what any contemporary Jewish or Christian gathering would be like simply by reading the Bible.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

If you're trying to find a religion that suits you, I can't tell you which to study first.
MissKate's method (above) is probably the best, honestly.

First, I suggest you find as many versions of the bible as you can fine. Study each one, starting from the beginning and reading through to the end. There will be differences between versions, but the details are less important than the overall message.
Do not start in the middle of the book, do not skip around from one point to another. This only leads to confusion (as is evident by people who cherry-pick sections of the bible, but ignore other sections).
There will be contradictions, as well. These are usually involving unimportant details (such as lineages or number of children someone had), and do not have to be taken literally. Remember, also, that the Hebrew for the conflicting parts does not translate well into English, especially when passed through Greek and Latin first.

My last piece of advice is to keep an open mind. Understand that there are other faiths, and show respect for them. Generally, they will do the same for you.

Answer 4

Your honesty posted here on this often rude, obnoxious and highly bigot against Christians forum, helps restore my faith in actually bringing some to the truth of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! Below is a good link where you shall find what you are asking for on the board.
Yes, the Bible that contains both the Old Hebrew scriptures(Old Testament) as well as the New Greek scriptures(New Testament), both translated into English is the best place to start studying the word of God.

Answer 5

Congratulations! Reading the bible can be very exciting!

I would suggest reading the gospel of John and the book of Genesis first. John gives a great description of Jesus Christ, who He is, and what He did for us. Reading Genesis will give a foundation of how God revealed Himself to us from the very beginning!

While the King James Version is a good one, it's not great for a beginner unless you're fluent in Shakespearean literature. I would suggest the New International Version or the New American Standard Bible. And you can pick one up at your local Wal Mart, Kmart, or Target. Just go to the books and magazines and you'll find several versions right there.

Answer 6

Try here first, perhaps you will find your language of choice.
http://www.biblegateway.com

I agree with Morganie_xo to start in the book of John. The Old Testament is prophetic of what takes place in the New Testament. So what you read in John is the culmination of what the Bible is all about. In fact, just one verse in the book of John encapsulates the entire message of the Bible.
http://www.schneblin.com/studies/pdfs/john_3-16.pdf

If you understand that one verse fully, you will understand the Bible entire.

Also, listen to this great series called, "Learn the Bible in 24 hours"
http://www.khouse.org/6640/CD105-1/

As for "older religions", Jesus Christ said that He was before Abraham (John 8:58) was prophesied to come in Genesis 3:15. Can't get any older than that!

Here is some more help for you if you need it.
http://calvarychapel.org/?CatID=269&PastorID=1&show=Resources.AudioMessages

Feel free to contact me if you need help or counsel.
Schneb

Answer 7

I'd suggest a New King James Version Study Bible. Study Bibles add factual & historical information, introductions to each book of the Bible, annotations, topical notes, maps, charts, etc. These aides are very helpful when reading/studying a Bible.

Answer 8

I personally would start with older religions and work my way forward through time. I find it helps understanding what the people believed in at the time when the new religions began emerging.

So I would study the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece and Rome as well as tribal religions and Zoroastrianism before Judaism and then Christianity followed by Islam. Of course, it's important to study Eastern Philosophy as well, which will lead to other religions and spiritual beliefs.

I believe context lends a great deal to understanding the edicts and roots of an institutionalized religion.

Answer 9

It is a good start .I must advise that a good understanding of the real precepts being taught in Genesis is essential for understanding the rest of the bible. King James is a decent bible or NIV. The best is probably a companion bible .

Answer 10

You can buy a Bible at most Christian Book stores. I would suggest the King James version. Also, many denominations have tracts or pamphlets that share info on their doctrines. You can find a lot of information about the Mormons at Mormon.org or lds.org, including being able to obtain a Bible at no cost..

Answer 11

I think it's great! Start at biblegateway.com You can buy a Bible or read online for free. I recommend the New Living Translation; it's very readable while not oversimplifying the original text.