The Bible is considered to be one of the largest and most important books ever written. However, many people find it difficult to understand. Here are some tips on how to start reading it.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Before You Begin
Step 1. Determine your purpose
There are various reasons for reading the Bible. You may be a Christian, but you have never read it in its entirety. Maybe you are of another religion and want to read it out of pure curiosity. Maybe you want to read it for academic reasons, for example to learn more about the ancient history of the Near East. In short, try to be clear about your goal for a correct approach to the text.
Step 2. Decide how much you will read to better prepare yourself
Do you want to read all the sacred text or are you only interested in specific books? Do you want to read the Old Testament (the original Jewish texts on which the creed of religion is based) or the New Testament (which concerns the life of Jesus Christ)?
Step 3. Read a few pages a day
Consistency is key.
Step 4. Decide which translation is right for you
There are many and the differences between the various versions are not few.
- If you will read it for religious reasons, you can opt for the translation of the faith group to which you belong and then compare it with those of other denominations. This way, you will gain a better understanding of your version and can develop critical thinking about your belief.
- If you are not a Christian, read different translations to get a better idea of the differences between the various religious groups and you will also appreciate the change in the text over time.
- If you read it for historical reasons, you may want to opt for the most faithful translations or the original text, provided you can understand it linguistically.
- New International Version: This translation was published in the 1970s, although it has since been updated by an international group of scholars. It has become the most popular and commonly used translation.
- King James Version: This translation was made in 1600 specifically for the Anglican church. It is commonly used in the United States, especially by evangelical churches. The language of this version, although dated, had a great impact on English. There is also a New Version of the King James Bible, which represents the modernization of the original text and which is quite well known.
- Nuova Riveduta: this translation, carried out in the 1990s, does not focus on direct translation, but on the transmission of the original intentions and ideas of the text. The language is modern, so it can be more widely understood, and the language is more generalized.
- Standard English Edition: This translation, made in the 1990s by a group of academics, is literal, in fact its purpose is to be as accurate as possible. It is mostly used for Bible studies, but it is also the official text for some churches.
- New World Translation: This version is used by Jehovah's Witnesses. It is distinguished by the use of the name "Jehovah" in place of the word "Lord" in the text.
- The Joseph Smith Translation: This version includes notes and changes made by Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS Church. Read in conjunction with the Book of Mormon. You can opt for this translation if you are a Mormon or if you want to understand this religion better.
Step 5. Get a guide
The language of the Bible can be very complex and, because it is ancient, a good part of the cultural context is lost. It is important to understand what the original authors meant but also the history of the eras in which they lived. A guide will allow you to read between the lines and better understand the nuances that escape you.
Step 6. Grab a pen and paper and write notes as you read
The text is long and forgetting the details easy. Write down significant passages, eras, family trees, most impactful characters, and any questions that you will find answered by researching later.
Step 7. Get a Bible
You will need one or more copies: this will depend on the choice you have made after reading the previous steps. You can buy it at the bookstore or borrow it from your parish or library. It is also possible to buy it on the web or read a free translation online. If you have already bought the guide, browse it: the text you need may be contained within it.
Method 2 of 4: General Tips
Step 1. Try to be open minded
You may come across information you didn't know, which can challenge your notions of religion and history. Reading will be a more fruitful experience if you have an open mind and are willing to welcome new information. Remember that opinions can differ, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, we learn through exchanges between ideas and philosophies.
Step 2. Make a schedule
Text can be long and complicated, so it will be easier to establish a reading schedule, to make sure you are consistent and not rushed. Plan to spend several weeks on the text - the more you propagate your reading, the better you will hold the information.
The program will have to adapt to your needs. If you're always busy, read for a couple of hours before bed or during your lunch break. Can't find a free space? Read for a few hours once a week, for example on Sundays. The time of day must also be chosen carefully. If you are too tired in the evening, you will find it difficult to concentrate, so do it in the morning
Step 3. Think critically and analyze the text as you read it
Asking questions about what you know about the text and what you believe about philosophy will help you understand it. Critical thinking goes beyond knowing the history of the Bible alone.
- Think about how the Bible's teachings and events make you feel. Am I in line with what you know about the world and your idea of what is right and what is wrong? You may find that you have different conceptions than you thought, coming to agree or disagree with the text.
- Relate the culture of the time with yours. Thousands of years have passed and the world and people have changed. Critical thinking will allow you to understand that while the Old Testament condemns certain sins, some aspects have changed and Christianity itself has distanced itself from some things. Think about the history of the Near East and how it formed the customs of that society and compare it with modern ones.
- Look for metaphors, allegories, and other literary strategies. Not all Holy Scriptures are to be taken literally. Just because Jesus referred to himself as the "vine" does not mean that grapes grew from his fingers. In many cases you will have to go beyond the printed words.
- Compare the tone and content of the different books of the Bible. The Old Testament is very different from the New Testament. As a result, you will spot changes in values and beliefs. Observe how these changes have affected the history of religion and your personal way of perceiving them.
Step 4. Look for what you don't understand
The text is complicated and ancient - keep a vocabulary close as you read. Also do a search online or in library books. Or, you can ask the priest.
Step 5. Take a course or talk to the experts
Some local churches and universities offer Bible lessons. If you don't want to sign up, you can always ask the priests or professors a few questions. Some information is vital to understanding the context.
Method 3 of 4: Read for Study Reasons
Step 1. Study the history of the region and the era before reading the Bible
You will derive the context within which to insert events, people and ideas. You will need to get hold of books on the history of the Near East, ancient Israel, the Bible, Christianity, Judaism, and the church itself, to understand how the text was translated and changed.
Don't forget that people can be wrong. It is not that difficult to publish a book and say what you want. Research should be well documented. Better to opt for texts with good reviews
Step 2. Prepare questions
Think about what you want to understand about the text and your curiosities. Is there something that confuses you? Take note of your doubts as you read and ask the questions to a priest or a theology teacher.
Step 3. Read the books chronologically to better understand how ideas have changed over time
Step 4. Take complete notes on what you read to understand the text and do not confuse ideas, pictures or settings
The path will be more fruitful if you can discuss with other people or if you intend to write an academic essay.
Step 5. Read the Bible research done by scholars
Choose those from reputable sources and published in academic journals, as you will better understand the context and history. Much of the Bible is academically challenged. Whole books are sometimes excluded and there are numerous arguments about appropriate translations of specific passages or complete sections. You can understand the text better if you know what is considered canonical and what is not.
Method 4 of 4: Reading for Religious Reasons
Step 1. Pray before reading
Ask God to open your heart and mind to the text and lead you along the correct path to reveal the answers to your questions and doubts and reveal the truth about your misunderstandings. In this way, you will prepare yourself to absorb the spiritual benefits of reading the Bible.
Step 2. Talk to a priest and ask him questions about the text
Ask him to suggest reading methods and books and passages of particular importance. You might also agree to read some sections together, so you will get more benefit from the text.
- If you have any doubts or your faith is weak, the priest can refer you. Talk about your concerns.
- If you have difficulty discussing your faith with non-believers, the priest can suggest steps to address the disputed issues.
Step 3. Write a list of your questions, including those you talked to the priest about
Thus, you will take notes on your impressions of what you discussed with the pastor and on your possible answers. Plus, you won't forget what you've learned, so you don't have to dig into the text again.
Step 4. Read some random passages
If on the one hand it is more profitable to read the text in its entirety, on the other hand it is also useful to read some random sections. Pray and open the Bible randomly, asking God to lead you in the right direction. This may lead you to find answers or open your mind to new ideas.
