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Bible Essentials How to Choose a Bible Bible Challenge 2005 If you read the previous article, �Bible Challenge 2005�, you now know that we are encouraging you to read the Bible from cover to cover in 2005. Our commitment and weekly guidance will help you through the process and our education will enrich the experience. Our pledge requires a commitment on your part. You must provide the time and equipment. Equipment? You will need a good reading light, a comfortable chair, and a Bible. We won�t offer advice on your choice of illumination or comfort but we will offer you some basic advice on how to choose a Bible. First of all, not one Bible is �holier� than another, as each Bible is a translation from Hebrew or Greek into a modern language. Each translator has the challenge of being accurate about word meanings and must take in account new discoveries about the original language. As you begin your Bible study, realize that it can be helpful to compare two different and distinct styles of interpretation: translations and paraphrases. Some Bibles are strict translations of the Greek or Hebrew text, as they try to translate faithfully the words of the ancient texts. Paraphrase Bibles reword the Bible to make it more understandable. A Paraphrase Bible can convey a theological viewpoint of the writer (conservative, liberal, etc.), and can distort the original meaning. Comparison of these two distinctive styles can help with comprehension and point of view. As Episcopalians, the King James Version (KJV) often comes to mind when we think of a Bible. Many of you probably have that version on your bookshelf. Until recent years, the KJV was the most common English translation. The beautiful poetic language makes it perfect for reading out loud but its use of Elizabethan English can make it difficult to understand. The English Standard Version (ESV) is a good choice, as many believe it to be the most accurate and readable translation. The New International Version (NIV) is a relatively new, faithful and fresh translation. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is also a popular and readable translation. The New American Bible is the American Roman Catholic version of the Bible. The words �New� or �Revised� indicate that the version has been updated in recent years. Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls approximately 50 years ago, �new� historical information has shed some light on original texts. Study Bibles offer introductions to the various books within the Bible and contain extensive footnotes, maps and charts to aid in discovery and understanding. Study Bibles are strict translations of the Greek or Hebrew text. Here are some Study Bibles to consider:
Computer savvy readers may enjoy Internet Bible versions, which utilize sound, graphics and modern technology to bring favorite biblical stories to life. With a few clicks of the mouse, some sites will use audio technology to read highlighted text back to the viewer or give side by side comparisons of different verse translations. Electronic versions can even be found on hand-held �Franklins�, Palm Pilots and other PDA�s. Another helpful addition to your library would be a �commentary�. Commentaries are books that �comment on� a Scripture passage. For those who are just starting to explore the Bible, they might begin with a general commentary such as The Interpreter�s One-Volume Commentary to the Bible (Abingdon Press, 1971). It is an easy to use commentary that gives information about every passage of the Bible in one concise book. Now let�s get started� |
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[Welcome !] [Welcome from the Rector] [A Little Bit About Us] [Meet Canon Jim] [Calendar] [Adult Education] [Church School] [Photo Gallery] [FAQs] [Bible Challenge 2005] [How to choose a Bible] [January Readings] [February Readings] [March Readings] [April Readings] [May Readings] |