have actually read the Bible in it's entirety? I'm not talking about reading just the first 10 commandments or the first 50 pages or listening to the preachers at church read it for them. I mean the whole book by themselves. Every last word by themselves. And to take it one step further, how many Christians have actually gone to scholars to make sure they interpreted what they read correctly. I have done the first part and I’m an atheist. I have not done the second part because I found the Bible to be boring, but I’m willing to bet that I have done more to learn the actual word of Jesus than the average Christian. Who is willing to bet that I’m right?
2007-05-20 14:27:54 · 37 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To all you people who say I do not fully understand the Bible. No ****. I specifically said I did not check to make sure my interpretations were correct. My understanding of the Bible was not even the question.
2007-05-20 14:43:46 · update #1
a small amount
2007-05-20 14:30:51 · answer #1 · answered by **Matt** 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well heres the problem. You are under the impression that the Bible is just 1 book, and has a very basic lesson to teach and once youve read it, you know it, and youre good no matter who you are.
But the reality is, the Bible is a volume of books with an innumerable number of points and lessons with very complicated theological issues and doctrines.
An unbeliever is ill-equipped to read the Bible because he doesnt believe what it says, isnt willing to put things into practice, and doesnt have the Holy Spirit guiding them. It would be like me reading a brochure for chinese hotel resorts. Im never going to go there, and if i did, I couldnt understand it anyway. I would need an interpreter which is what the HS is.
Also, the Bible isnt written for just 1 type of audience. There is advice for kids, teenagers, young adults, adults, parents, grandparents, widows, employers, men, women, you name it. It seems like everytime I pick up the Bible and read something, Im reading something new. Even though Ive read the entire Bible many times, it seems different and always has a new message for me because IM changing.
I would say that a majority of true Christians have read the entire Bible and understand much. But those people that pop into church 1-2 times a year, probably never have.
Many people do read commentaries by scholars and get into the theological realms but those are mostly people like myself that have been to Bible college and are familiar with the issues, and spend a great deal of time in Bible studies. I think our area is blessed because we have many graduates from that college in the area, and as a result, the churches that support it are very blessed and rich with Gods wisdom and knowledge.
2007-05-20 14:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know many Christians who have read the Bible cover to cover several times. My mother does it annually. I also know a good number who have studied Greek and Hebrew so they could read it in the original languages. In many cases "Sunday School" for adults is all about consulting scholars and research to gain a better knowledge of the Bible. Not only do I have that resource, but I have classes available to me up to 4 other times a week.
When looking at these things you have to keep in mind that it takes more than a trip to church on Easter for a person to be an actual Christian. So, don't judge the whole belief system on people who just pay it lip service.
2007-05-20 14:44:11 · answer #3 · answered by Rixie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I read the Bible through from beginning to end.
I read every single word, not skipping over anything. I marked each chapter as read after I finished it.
I was thorough.
I learned this; the Bible is about Jesus Christ and he only.
About interpreting, there is nothing to interpret really.
It tells what, when, where, why, how and why Jesus came into the world.
Ever since I read the Bible through once, it has filled me with a real good sense of life and myself, just a real good feeling in me.
I still read the Bible on a regular basis because I have learned it is the bread of life.
2007-05-20 14:42:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I've read the Bible in its entirety, though I admit I skip over all the "begats." I've also participated in Bible studies, and I've read many different interpretations of passages in the Bible.
I also cross-reference the five different versions I have (KJV, NIV, NKJV, The Message, The Living Bible) with a concordance that contains the original Greek and Hebrew. Plus, on www.biblegateway.com, they have ALL the different versions, so I can cross-reference those as well. It's just as important to me that each version says the same thing, as it is that I interpret what I read correctly.
I can only speak for myself. HOWEVER, I do think that perhaps you're right to an extent. Many Christians don't study the Bible as deeply as we should.
2007-05-20 20:16:55 · answer #5 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read the bible cover to cover many times and I continue to read it on a daily basis. I have never checked with scholars because that is not how the bible tells us to learn the truth. You must ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to guide you into the truth as you study. I mean this sincerely, not in a self righteous manner, anything apart from the guidance of the Holy Spirit will end up being nothing more than what you have found on your own.
2007-05-20 14:43:09 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have not read it all, but the parts I've read extensively (the Gospels, Acts, Revelations, Ecclesiastes, the Psalms, most of the letters) I have looked at scholarly interpretations and have gone to classes taught by people with theology degrees. Just because one reads the entire Bible does not make them a Christian or even a better Christian. Doing ones best to follow the teachings of Christ and trying to be as much like Him as possible are what makes one a Christian.
2007-05-20 14:37:38 · answer #7 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and I have read my Bible several times through in its entirety and I try to do that at least once a year. I have also taken several theology classes as well as spending a decent amount of time gaining insight from many of those who have far more knowledge and expertise in that field of study than myself (and just for the record those classes were purely for the sake of expanding my knowledge of my faith because as a political science major there is essentially no religious academic requirement for my degree.)
2007-05-20 17:21:26 · answer #8 · answered by knockout85 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont know how many Christians have read the bible in its entirety,but if you read and study the bible correctly its not boring at all but you do need a Strongs concordance to help with the study.
2007-05-20 14:34:44 · answer #9 · answered by firefly 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Give the man a cookie! Your Right if you have read the bible from front to back you have done more then your average Christian, When it comes to reading the bible.
The fact that you have read the bible does nothing for you.
I can tell you what you have not done that true Christians have... APPLY what you have read to yourself.
He just ask us to believe and only when we try to believe will he give us the faith to understand.
2007-05-20 14:45:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's been my experience that you can study the Bible for years and still not be done. This idea you have that you just read it once, ask a couple questions, and suddenly you're an expert shows just how little you really understand the Bible.
Go get a clue, come back, and try again.
2007-05-20 14:39:51 · answer #11 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋