Experiences Reading the Entire Bible: A Personal Journey

Reading the entire Bible is a monumental task that many individuals undertake for various reasons, whether it be religious devotion, academic curiosity, or personal enlightenment. I, for one, have completed this task three times with different versions, and I am currently delving into the so-called official Catholic version.

Why I Read the Entire Bible

The decision to read the entire Bible is not made lightly. It involves a commitment to understanding the depth and complexity of a text believed by many to be the foundation of their faith. I believe it is crucial to approach such a monumental task with a clear understanding of the material, which requires thorough research and multiple readings.

Reading the Bible allows me to arm myself with knowledge before making major life decisions that are heavily influenced by religious beliefs. By being well-versed in the text, I can better analyze and contextualize the beliefs and practices that shape my worldview.

My Personal Experience

I have read the entire Bible multiple times throughout my life, with each reading providing a fresh perspective. My latest reading journey has led me to embrace the Catholic version, which I find provides a comprehensive and historically accurate insight into the text.

Previous readings included different versions, each offering unique insights. One version had a study Bible with underlines that helped me to understand the context and significance of the passages. I found the interpretation of words particularly interesting, with 'mystery' being redefined as "to shut the mouth," as noted in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Hebrew and Chaldean dictionary.

Interpretation and Revelation

Canon law states that we should not add to or take away from scripture, but the interpretation of scripture can be highly revealing. The Book of Revelation, written by St. John the Divine, who was exiled to Patmos Island, is a fascinating example of this. While the book is often associated with catastrophic prophecy, it also contains positive and hopeful messages.

There is a lesson in the fact that not all prophecy comes to pass. Only a fool might assume that every prophecy will be fulfilled, but there are indeed good prophecies as well, offering hope and guidance.

Future Reading Plans

Although I am currently focused on the Bible, I also plan to read the Quran. However, I am not in a hurry to do so. The rational conclusion for me is that gods do not exist, and reading the Quran might be an exercise in curiosity rather than belief. It will provide an insight into the religious beliefs of others, even if I do not share them myself.

Interestingly, I have also read Beowulf, and while it is an old and fascinating text, I found Beowulf to be a much better story in terms of narrative and character development. The Bible, while undoubtedly a seminal text, does not always provide the most compelling examples of storytelling.

By experiencing multiple versions and texts, I gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of religious literature and the importance of critical analysis when forming opinions about such texts.