Where To Begin?

[Odë:hgöd]

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FAQ: I'm thinking of reading the Bible; where should I start?

REPLY: The Bible can be a tedious chore for people new to it; so I highly
recommend that someone who's only looking to indulge their curiosity skip the
heavy books for now and begin with the short stories of Ruth, Esther, and Jonah;
and then for sure the philosophical book of Ecclesiastes. You gotta love Solomon's
pessimistic world view: it's spot on.

* When my teen-age son first started reading the Bible, he became discouraged.
When I asked him what the matter was, he said he couldn't figure out the hidden
messages. So I told him: Son, forget about hidden messages. Just read the Bible
like a novel or an encyclopedia and you'll get more out of it that way; and he did.

FAQ: Which version would be best for me?

REPLY: Do yourself a kindness by using a Bible that reads very close to our own
modern way of speaking. Rickety old antiques like the Douay-Rheims, the
Confraternity, the American Standard Version, and the King James version are no
longer practical because their language and grammar are obsolete.

For English-speaking beginners I suggest contemporary versions in common use
like the New International (NIV), New American Bible (NAB), the New American
Standard (NAS) the English Standard Version (ESV) and/or the New Living
Translation (NLT)

FAQ: Where can I find a Bible?

REPLY: Just about any book store carries a selection of Bibles, and even some
department stores; and of course Christian book stores. Amazon dot com has them
too. If you're on a limited budget, you might try shopping for Bibles in a thrift store
like Good Will and/or Salvation Army.

* No matter whose version of the Bible you choose, some all-knowing piranha will
eventually come along and insist it's no either no good, corrupt, and/or inadequate
so be ready for that. Actually it's probably best you don't tell a Christian what you're
doing lest they muddy the waters with unsolicited spiritual counseling that's appropriate
for a proselyte but quite out in left field for someone who's only mildly curious.

Buen Camino
Pleasant Journey
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[Josiah]

Here's the order I usually suggest for starters: First John, the Gospel of John, the Gospel of Luke.

I usually suggest the NIV or ESV.


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[Lamb]

Here's the order I usually suggest for starters: First John, the Gospel of John, the Gospel of Luke.

I usually suggest the NIV or ESV.


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I prefer these recommendations over the OP because you get to read about Jesus. Since most people will give up, at least give them the Savior!

 

[Faith]

Here's the order I usually suggest for starters: First John, the Gospel of John, the Gospel of Luke.

I usually suggest the NIV or ESV.


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I’d agree with that, but also would include Proverbs and/or Psalms.

 

[Albion]

I’d agree with that, but also would include Proverbs and/or Psalms.

But the question asked about where to start. I myself would say the Gospel of Mark or John, depending on whom you are speaking with. But when the reader gets that much accomplished, there are then a number of different books of the Bible that would amplify the start-up information well.

 

[Faith]

But the question asked about where to start. I myself would say the Gospel of Mark or John, depending on whom you are speaking with. But when the reader gets that much accomplished, there are then a number of different books of the Bible that would amplify the start-up information well.

True, the OP did ask where to start but what’s wrong with starting at Proverbs or Psalms?

 

[Albion]

True, the OP did ask where to start but what’s wrong with starting at Proverbs or Psalms?

They don't explain the story of Jesus Christ, who this central figure in Christianity was, and how he transformed the relationship between God and Mankind. The Gospels give the sequence of events in His life from before His birth right through to his triumphant resurrection from the dead. Books like Proverbs and Psalms would be good choices thereafter.

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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what’s wrong with starting at Proverbs?

Too stuffy.

Psalms?

Too spiritual.

Please take under consideration that the OP is talking about an inquirer who's only
thinking about reading the Bible, i.e. mildly curious, viz: a looky-loo. So let's be
offering them some entertainment instead of trying to proselytize the poor things.
_

 

[Messy]

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Too stuffy.



Too spiritual.

Please take under consideration that the OP is talking about an inquirer who's only
thinking about reading the Bible, i.e. mildly curious, viz: a looky-loo. So let's be
offering them some entertainment instead of trying to proselytize the poor things.
_

If you're looking for entertainment go for Proverbs. The golden ring in a pig's snout and the lazy man turning on his bed like a door are hilarious. I'd recommend John, Matthew and Luke though, cause they have to get saved.

 

[Ammi]

My door to the bible began with the gospel of John. Since then, the whole book has opened up to me. I spent many years devouring the book. I don't read it as much lately, though when the need arises, a verse usually comes to mind. I try to remember to ask the Lord to guide my reading, and to help me understand it.