Is there an easier to read version of the bible, for example, something that was written for young adults?

Question

I just started reading the bible for the first time, but it is kind of hard to understand at times. Does anyone know if there is a story version of the bible? Written in a way that younger adults could understand it. I don't want anything dumbed down, I'm looking for something that has real substance that any one of any age could read, preferably something actually sanctioned by the church or at least something that a youth group pastor might hand out to someone who would want to convert, but has trouble getting through the whole bible.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

You can get an NIV student Bible. It's put into words that you can better understand.

Answer 2

The NIV (New International Version) Bible is the easiest Bible translation to read. The Good News Bible and New English are paraphrases, rather than translations, but easier to read still.

Also you should probably start reading the Bible with the New Testiment rather than the Old. Especially when you hit the geneologies of Numbers, the reading can get a little cumbersome. By comparison the New Testiment is much easier and much more relevant to addressing questions of faith in this day and age.

I also must state that I find Bob's comment irronically amusing when he says "just look at these sites, do everything that they say and believe them unequivically, THEN you can think for yourself..." just like Bob and all his friends right?

...And there's my thumbs down. Thanks Bob!

Answer 3

I always recommend the CEV (Contemporary English Version) for ease of reading. Here's why

1) Lowest (easiest) reading level of any *translation* (I am not including paraphrase bibles, which are prone to inaccuracies)
http://www.sundayschoolresources.com/biblechoices.htm

2) Complete - editions are available which do not omit books commonly accepted by many Christian sects. Both the NIV and NLT "abridge" (omit) several books
Complete CEV in print http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible-with-Deuterocanonicals-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F158516173X%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1196142796%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
Complete CEV e-book http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible%2Fdp%2F1585160059%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1187556881%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

3) The CEV is more recent than the NIV by 20 years - which may mean that it uses more authentic source texts and advances made in biblical scholarship discovered during that period

4) The CEV appears to have more footnotes than the NIV, which is useful for in-depth study after you are finished reading the bible

I will be glad to answer more questions about this version (if I am able). Free online at biblegateway, here http://www.bibles.com/absport/news/item.php?id=106 and other sites.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 4

As Mark Twain once noted, "It ain't the parts of the Bible I can't understand that bother me, it's those I can!"

The reason you're having trouble understanding it might be because it makes no sense. It was written by primitive superstitious people with no comprehension of science or logic, and is full of absurdities - in fact, it's based on an absurd concept, that some magic sky fairy waved his pinky and the universe popped into existence. Yeah, right.

Save your money and your time; invest in some good science books instead.

Answer 5

The New Living Translation is a good translation to start reading.

The most important thing is who is helping you learn the bible.
The best teacher is the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all righteousness. Pray for understanding before you try to understand on your own.
John14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Answer 6

My fav. is the NIV version. I tried to read the Bible several times when I was young. I always started inthe Old Testament. When I got a bit older, I started int he NEW Testament. It was funny, but after all the tries I had with the Old Testament, I kind of 'got' the begats and begots while reading the New Testament. It made me want to read the Old Testament with fervor. I actually did it...good luck!!!

Answer 7

Try reading the NEW WORLD TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. In modern english.
Example;
(John 5:19) Therefore, in answer, Jesus went on to say to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, The Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son also does in like manner.

(Exodus 6:3) And I used to appear to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as God Almighty, but as respects my name Jehovah I did not make myself known to them.

(Psalm 83:18) That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Jehovah is the closest English translation of Almighty God's personal name YHWH/ YaHWeH

It is not a title like lord or God.

Answer 8

Try the Teen Study Bible. My kids love it. But also sit down with your kids and read the Bible with them, and help them to understand it.

Answer 9

You can check out different versions of the bible at biblegateway .com. This will give you an opportunity to find one that fits you.

Answer 10

Ask for the Serendipity Bible for Students !!!