Should the Bible be read like a narrative, or a reference book?

Answer 1

A little of both. Also throw in a little poetry, a little how-to info, some cheerleading, secret-coded material, and even a recipe or two.

Mostly, I think it should be read with a fully engaged mind.

Answer 2

Good question, Linz:

The Bible should be read like a narrative AND a reference book.

God commanded Israel to gather once each seven years to hear the Bible read straight through. Also, when they appointed a King, God said he must read it too.

By reading it through, you will keep things in context and maintain a holistic understanding of God's will--I am reading my eleventh different translation through at this time.

Also, a good concordance or computer program will help you study it as a reference for specific doctrines. For example, I searched the Bible for the word "First Day" (Sunday), and found both Luke and Paul only mention it one time in over 30 years of church history. This agrees with history and Daniel 7:25 that foretells a change of the law concerning time.

There is a Bible code that identifies the one who claims authority to have made that change. See: http://abiblecode.tripod.com

Shalom, peace in Jesus, Ben Yeshua

Answer 3

As a narrative but with organized study.
The book says study not read.
Then as a reference to God's dealing with man kind as well as day to day experiences.

Answer 4

I use it as a reference book. After all, it's been the bedrock of so much poetry and literature through the centuries I still think anyone who wants to stake a claim to being well read should have read the bible. It's cultural value is indisputable; it's religious value certainly isn't.

Answer 5

First understand that the Bible is a collection of books, The Name bible means library.

Answer 6

Yes, both. It is a collection of 66 books written in different styles.

Answer 7

Some of it's pseudo-historical narrative, some of it's poetry, some of it's "prophesy," some of it's lists of genealogies, some of it's just insane rambling.

If you buy into the theory that the entire Bible is the "God-breathed Word," then you use it not so much as a reference as a surrogate brain. "What am I supposed to think about X? Let me look it up and find out."

Answer 8

Read it the same way you would read the Egyptian book of the dead - to understand the culture that wrote it.

Answer 9

It is largely narrative, although there are various forms of literature within it.

Answer 10

More like a collection of short stories.