redtights - I am sorry that you couldn't find the right Bible for you.  I would be very leary of a book that had a list of questions and told you exactly where to look for the answers.  Sometimes the answers take a lot of looking, thinking about, studying.  Sometimes they require reading the passages leading up to the statement, and the passages that follow.  Sometimes they may contradict another passage in another book of the Bible.  In other words, perhaps you need to do more reading to get the overall message of our relationship with the Holy, and what it means to us in our lives today.

I have several differeint translations of the Bible.  My favourite right now is rhe New Revised Standard Version in large print - but I am a senior.  Perhaps someone else could suggest a good Bible for a teenager or young adult.

hey, thanks so much for your post.

yeah, i liked the idea of the list of questions at FIRST. but they tried to make the answers so simplified and black and white (which they rarely are) which wasnt good at all.

i agree with what you said about answers requiring thinking, and reading, and so on. most things in life arent certain enough that they should be able to be summed up in a sentence or two.

ill keep looking! :)

I like Max Lucado's Study Bible  but I also have the New Revised Standard Version

Another new version which is just recently out is the Green Bible -

Hi redtights ... I had your experience too, although I'm much older!  I went to a "Christian bookstore" to look for a bible.  It was more of what I would call a 'fundamentalist' bookstore.  I was pretty disturbed by some of the stuff I saw there.

After a lot of looking, I did finally find a bible that I like & find useful - dont' remember where tho -it was recommended to me by a friend who was studying for United Church ministry at the time. .  It's the NRSV  Harper Study Bible (explanded & Updated) - I think that stands for New Revised Standard Version.  I like that it includes some maps & illustrations, and lots of explanatory footnotes.  Also, at the start of each Book, there's an 'introduction' to the book - authorship, date, background, characteristics & content information. It also has several really helpful indexes.  I'm definitely NOT a Bible scholar, just an occasional reader, so I fnd all the extra info both interesting & helpful.

Good luck in your search!  I was amazed to see how many versions are out there!

P.S. - welcome to Wondercafe! 

For serious study, the NRSV is the standard. For contemporary versions, my fave is "The Message" which is a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson.

Here's something you might find interesting ... go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ 

You can ask it to look up a passage you already know - maybe something like psalm 23 - then read it in a variety of different versions of the Bible.  I just looked at it in "The Message" that RevJM refers to above & it's quite cool! 

But I don't see the NSRV listed as one of the translations ... RevJM, might it go by another moniker on that site? 

That is a shame someone felt like inserting some very unbiblical editiorializing. I tend to go with N.I.V. and it's a study Bible but that just means a few notes for unfamiliar terms and customs, a few maps in back, charts for systems of measurement, that kind of thing. Maybe for now something like that would be good. Hopefully someone will make a "clean" version of what you saw. Best wishes on your walk in faith Redtights.

Hi redtights,

I have just recently been trying to use a new bible called Student's Life Application Bible, the New Testament , the New Living Translation. It is going to be used by the Youth class I teach. Try again to look for a Bible that feels good in your eyes, and has words that matter to you. The words need to speak to you for you to get into the message.

Keep trying, and theissue of homosexuality is tricky,as it was considered a sin back when the stroies in the Bible were written.

I am with RevJM on this one. I have never really been able to read the bible to much because of the annoying so and so begot so and so begot so and so blah blah blah. But once I bought The Message bible I became a bible reader. I love the way it is almost set up as if it is novel. I would highly recommend it!

 Hi!

I found this book. They look good:

http://tinyurl.com/nebyg4

It's a study of New Testament for LGBT.

I found multiple tiltes for The Message.. ie The Message/Remix.. what does that mean?

I am not sure but The Message/Remix is the one that I have.

Redtights,  if you are looking for differnt 'versons' of the bible try a normal bookstore like Chapters-Indigo.  They have whole sections devoted to various religions, including Christinaity,

I have several versions of the bible one of which is Max Lucado's study bible, I also have the life application study bible NIV version I like using them both.

I am quite upset that the editors of that bible had the gall to do what they did If you like the way the bible speaks to you I would suggest picking up a different version of the same translation. I believe my Max Lucado version is an NLT.

It sounds to me like you're looking for a Bible that will just tell you whatever it is you want to hear. I don't believe that's the purpose of the Bible.

But isn't that exactly what the editors of that Bible who put those questions in were doing? Weren't they trying to make the Bible say what they (the editors) wanted it to say? She wants a Bible that will help her understand and interpret it, not one that will tell her what some editor(s) think is the right interpretation.

Mendalla

In that case I'd suggest a couple of years at Bible college.

Hello redtights and welcome to the wonderCafe.

Bear in mind that the translation team for this particular version most likely did not submit the question and answer format themselves.  It is also included afterwards as an appendix.  If the appendix inflames it is easily removed.  Or ignored.

The appendix gets in primarily because the sponsor of the translation project wants to direct the interpretation of the translation.  Which is fair, they actually pay the scholars to do the translation so it is their project.  You either help them out by buying that particular translation or not.

The NLT is a dynamic equivalence Bible which means it is written to be read aloud.  Like most original to vulgar language translations it has issues.

Peterson's "The Message" actually does some very forward looking work when it comes to translating texts that are traditionally believed to centre out homosexuality.

Compare the following:

with

Peterson never uses the word homosexuality in his paraphrase which is good scholarship and honest translation.

Grace and peace to you.

John

Never judge a book by it's cover - and that includes the Bible.

Jae - were you having a bad day?  Surely you jest, she needs to start somewhere, we all do. One step at a time.

puppypaws - thanks

That would be the ideal, but I dont' think that we can expect every Christian to do that. However, a well annotated Bible focussed on understanding the language, context, etc. provides a good starting point for drawing your own conclusions about how to interpret it.

Mendalla

Well, I went to our local Chapters/Indigo store and other than one pocket size version the "The Message" was sold out. this has to be a good book.  So I ordered it on line. 

I don't understand how to tell the difference between religions, yet.  Working on it.  I have watched Joyce Myers and have liked what she had to say, the few episodes that is.  Today, I saw her version of the bible and and read the Leviticus section, not what I expected.  Does anyone know what faith she practices.  Or another person face I saw was Joel Osteen, I've never watched him but what religion does he practice?  Anyone

Once upon a time I tried reading the bible. I was only 9 or 10 years old but I had this craving thirst to know where God came from. Long story short, I found it very dry & judgemental, and have only read one other bible since. And I stopped reading once I came to a part where it describes women's roles as secondary to men, and how childbirth is meant to hurt because we are the original sinners. Ever since then, I have taken nothing literal by the bible. I follow my own Native spirituality and because of oral history, I have retained alot of my own beliefs from my mother & elders. Alot is left to interpretation. But I think that is the way it should be. One man's word should not be taken as gospel truth. That is dangerous.

Perhaps it'd be different now that you're older? Also some translations are easier for a modern person to read through than others. If you just want a basic overview you could even use a paraphrase like the Living Bible. I would also say that a lot of what people say that the Bible says is interpretation and spin, not something that should be accepted. That gets into heavier analysis of course. I accept the Bible but I don't accept the claims fundamentalists make about it. It's food for thought anyway.

Real quick cause I have to dash to work, here is the link for the Online Parallel Bible - It has several translations and commentaries.  Very useful resource in my humble opinion.

click Biblos.com

so, when you see all these different bibles, then, what are your thoughts??  cause really, jae, i'm not sure how you can say that YOUR interpretation is THE interpretation, when obviously many many others, who have done all kinds of years, degrees, and doctorates in bible study, have shown us ALL these other interpretations.

just curious as to how you explain that one, jae.

if.i.were.a.boy - I guess literalism never got in my way as I was reading the Bible.  I've been reading it for 60+ years and as far back as I can remember I understood that while some people read it literally, many churches considered understood it differently - a story of peoples' search for meaning in the world and of their relationship with the Holy.  Also, I would never suggest that a reader, especially a first time reader, try to read the Bible from cover to cover starting with Genesis and reading to the Revelation.  I would suggest that you get a guide that lists the book (or chapters thereof) in chronological order so that you could get a picture of when these books were written and the context of the times. and perhaps see the tension and contrast of ideas in the various parts.  I would also recommend that you find a good commentary.  I would probably also intersperse my reading of the Hebrew scriptures with readings from the gospels and letters.

I actually think a mistake that people make is picking up the bible and reading it like a novel.

It isn't a novel. 

That doesn't mean that it is impossible to understand but when I hear someone say  "I read it once"  i sort of cringe.

Some parts I haven't tackled.  Some I have read countless times.  but I always know that I need more info to try and see the point.

i took a bible study course with a woman who is an old testament scholar.  Teaches it at Emmanual college.  We did Judges over a 2 month period, which was way too quick for her.  I had a really different view of the book, one I had not liked before, after the course.  Her knowledge of the times and cultures, the language and poetry, the conficts and history just totally changed it for me.

There are many bibles, some have a definate "slant" to them, both liberal and conservative.  Some take great liberties with the translation and some seem to have a huge bias.  I like to read my version and then read the comments and then perhaps take a look on line.  And then , when i read say NT Wright i get a "wow,  I never thought of it that way" moment.

Not quite sure where you're coming from there, sighsnootles. First off, cuz it doesn't really relate to what I was saying. Secondly, cuz I don't have just one version. I read the New King James, King James, The Message, New International, New International Readers, New Life, etc.

sorry i didn't make my question clearer, jae... must be 'van lag' - 2 hour time shift from saskatchewan to ottawa!!

anyways, lemme try this again.

if the bible is, according to you, only to be read in one particular way (that is how i interpreted your statement that someone should not be trying to find the bible they feel most comfortable using), how do you explain the fact that there are so many different editions of the bible, each with their own biases, and that the people who have put them together tend to be those who have lots of theological training?

Again you and I agree Jae!  This is getting spooky!   I think my mind is opening to some of your Christian walk. 

redtights - many things should be taken in to consideration when reading a biblical passage.  Cultural context, translation accuracy, perceived 'inspiration'.  Even those passages labelled as "direct quotes" have been challenged numerous times.  All 4 gospels have differing interpretations of the same events.  You are allowed to have a differing opinion or interpretation of scripture.  It's good to confer with several different sources (pastors, teachers, etc) if you have questions.  WonderCafe is REALLY good for that!  

The Bible doesn't always tell you what you want to hear but you can learn a lot from what is written.  To be honest, there are far too many things which held relevance to the time and culture for which they were written, that to adhere to today would be absurd. 'No blended fabrics', 'Stone your child to death for disobeying you', 'Don't even talk to non-believers.'   However, the point of the texts (IMHO) was to inspire total dependence on the God who can pull you from sadness to joy, sickness to health and from hell to heaven.

I like the NIV though I don't like it's interpretation of Leviticus.  Mind you it's a Zondervan invention and they don't like me as a gay person.  You may want to consider a parallel Bible.  They have more than one version side by side so you can read more than one interpretation of the exact same scripture.

*chuckle*

I think CDNRXBY said better than I what I was trying to say, "The Bible doesn't always tell you what you want to hear but you can learn a lot from what is written."

Now, as to the question of how I explain the number of different Bibles out there, I think most of them have been written to appeal to a particular audience but in every true Bible the content is basically the same. (I say "true" Bible because there are Bibles which have been written for the use of particular cults.) There are, for example, people who are just not comfortable with the language style of the King James Bible. They feel more comfortable with more modern translations.

Jae's explanation re the many bibles is a good one.  If we go back to Redtight's original post it was not the translation that was giving grief, if it was the interpretative spin written as an add on to the various bibles.

There are millions of commentaries on the bible some dating back to the day before the bible was published.  Some are good, some are bad.  Some add insight, some detract.  People will connect with the commentaries - just as they connect with the passages of the bible - that speak loudest to them as individuals and the culture they find themselves in.

It is this connection that, for me, makes the Bible a living work of literature.  If one goes beyond the literalist interpretation - and anyone who dares make a commentary does so - the words can come alive and be applied across the ages to give comfort and wisdom.

LB

Words are only postage stamps delivering the object for you to unwrap.

George Bernard Shaw

... and are then quickly shot down as heresy by KJV-ists, televangelists and fundamentalists.

(though I personally agree wholeheartedly with you LB)

*chuckle*

Good one.

Really though, it seems whatever stance one takes on the Bible, religion, God, etc. there's someone out there opposed.

And how!

Hey Redtights - have you found a Bible yet?

I think most has already been said about this, but I wish to add my two cents anyways.

Pretty much every translation I have ever read is similar except for two - the Cotton Patch and the New World Translation.  The NWT is the Jehovah's Witnesses' version of the traditoional Bible and they are the only ones that translate important doctrinal passages from the Greek the way they do.  Take John 1:1c - Every translation you read will say something along the lines of "and the Word was God."  NWT says "and the Word was a god."  This fits their teaching that the Trinity is actually 3 separate gods.  You could go to an atheist translator and they will say there is no "a" in there.

The Cotton Patch is just interesting and fun to read.  I don't know how much they have, I have only read one Gospel, but it is the Bible written to rednecks.  It takes all the Jewish names and places and relates them to southern ones.  ((Just googled it)) - so instead of the letter to the Philippians you get "The Letter to the Alabaster African Church : Smithville, Alabama."  You get the 12 "agents" Simon (called Rock), Andy, Jim, Jack, Phil, Bart, Tom, Matt, Jim and Tad, Simon the Rebel and Judas Iscariot, and they travel along the Chattahoochee, and go to places like Georgia and Gadara County.  The author never claimed it to be a translation though, definately a paraphrase, if not even more than that.

I think if you are looking for a Bible that has commentary that you agree with you will never find it.  I have yet to find a commentary that I agree with 100%.  Theology is always changing, but a commentary is static and speaks of its time and author, there will always be small or large things you have a different take on.

Oh wow, that sounds kewl. Is it still in print? Know where I can get a copy? Is it online? I like most paraphrases. 

You can check out this website.

http://rockhay.tripod.com/cottonpatch/index.htm

It has a history of the author and links to read it online.  I am not sure if it is all there or not?  I only gave the site a quick look and it looks like it is the New Testament anyway.  Ya check it out - it is definately interesting and I bet it would get a lot of people to listen with fresh ears.

Here's a good taste of the Cotton Patch - The beginning of the Sermon on the Mount:

When Jesus saw the large crowd, he went up the hill and sat down. His students gathered around him, and he began teaching them. This is what he said:

            "The spiritually humble are God's people,
                        for they are citizens of his new order.
            "They who are deeply concerned are God’s people,
                        for they will see their ideas become reality.
            "They who are gentle are his people,
                        for they will he his partners across the laud.
            "They who have an unsatisfied appetite for the right are God’s people,
                        for they will be given plenty to chew on.
            "The generous are God’s people,
                        for they will be treated generously.
            "Those whose motives are pure are God’s people,
                        for they will have spiritual insight.
            "Men of peace and good will are God’s people,
                        for they will be known throughout the land as his children.
            "Those who have endured much for what’s right are God’s people;
                        they are citizens of his new order.
            "You all are God’s people when others call you names, and harass you and tell all kinds of false tales on you just because you follow me. Be cheerful and good-humored, because your spiritual advantage is great. For that’s the way they treated men of conscience in the past.

I think I will be reading this version for a bit.

A group sand at my church years ago and one of the people in it was working on "pigeon English" Bible. That's the broken English stereotypically spoken by Asian people in old movies and tv. shows. I can't imagine something like that ever actually being published though.

I like what lastpointe said: the Bible isn't a novel. The Bible is a Library, in fact. You don't read a Library cover to cover. As well, and has been pointed out, there are several different translations (and transliterations, like The Living Bible) to look at. Being married to a minister, I've had the opportunity to look at several different translations.

Here are some of their basic characteristics:

NIV (New International Version) is closer to the original rhythms of speech and language of Greek and Hebrew, which makes it a tad clunky rendered in English. But a good translation, nonetheless.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) has more comfortable English; a good translation. I find it prosaic, however.

Jerusalem Bible is more poetic than either NIV or NRSV, with some interesting turns of phrase.E.g: "manjack", for "one", as in "every manjack"

King James Version is pure, gorgeous poetry in many of its passages (many of the Psalms, The Book of Job, etc), but not a good study Bible choice. New King James may have fixed many of the problems of the old King James.

And here's a really interesting one: the Lion Illustrated Bible, or much of the Bible rendered as a graphic novel. It has some powerful images and text combinations, and shows some of the things that most readers miss: the three Isaiahs (not just one), and how they related to one another, for example. Check out the serpent in the Garden of Eden. There are occasions when the facial expressions on the characters don't mesh well with the text, but that's a miunor quibble.

Comparing the translations is useful, because the same phrase rendered differently can impact the reader differently, can stimulate thought and questions (which is good).

"A group sand at my church years ago and one of the people in it was working on "pigeon English" Bible. That's the broken English stereotypically spoken by Asian people in old movies and tv. shows. I can't imagine something like that ever actually being published though."

Why not? Pidgin is a language, just like Creole. It would be fascinating to read.

To BadgerPacker:
I think it depends what is being called that way. I have seen Bibles written in Creole (i.e. the real stuff) and Bibles written in mock creole, which is a dummed down broken French. Even though I don't really read or speak Creole, it is very easy to recognize that the real Creole text is a rich language whereas the mock creole is really bad.

To the original poster.
Is it linked to seeing simplistic answers to complex issues, or to the fact I don't like being told what to think, but I generally avoid any Bibles – or textbooks – with black and white answers to common day problems.

I like good texts, understandable language. I also like maps to see where the events happen and answers to factual questions that may arise from the reading: ex.: how much was a talent (the money) worth, what's the distance between two villages, whether an aramaic or greek word might have other "optional" meanings, etc.

As for the actual version I use, I notice it depends on what I do with it. I prefer a richer vocabulary and nice-flowing sentences when I read by myself. I prefer the above or a more accurate (but less nice-flowing) translation for studies or sermon preparation. And I prefer a version with less-rich vocabulary when I read in front of the assembly.