Yo, so some of you may know that I do my fair share of reading about different religions. I know some of you have quite a passion for your beliefs. I was wondering what is the best version of the bible to check out? Also, if anybody has any other religious text to check out let me know.
I read the New King James version of the Bible. I'm not exactly sure if it's considered the best possible translation from manuscripts, but it works for me.
That is the version that has been recommended to me before. I was also told to read the oldest version of it I could find.
I'd probably disagree with that. Bible translations can go 2 extremes and anywhere in the middle. Translate for literal accuracy (word for word that the original Greek/Hebrew word is in English) or for meaning. So it goes more for the intention of what was actually being said because translating the literal words doesn'tmake much else often. Nasb and niv are both meaning translated, I would suggest one of these with an index that provides context for the specific word used. So you get the meaning, plus context. For example in Greek there are 4 different words for love. In English we have...love. I love my mom, and I also love Costco chicken bakes. Not quite the same thing. So with a Greek index you'll be able to see which type of word is actually being used in that context. There's philia, which means brotherly type love that you'd have for a family member. Or agape love, which means an everlasting infinite godly love. Stuff like that. Hopefully this helps
I'd agree with Multi's reasoning behind NIV, it's great for reading the Bible. But it's translators often assumed that the reader would have a similar world view which is where the "meaning" translation comes in like he said. I use the ESV because it's a more literal translation and lets me do the research into parts I don't understand. The ESV translators also went back to many other translations and original manuscripts for a lot of things like to cross check inconsistencies or contradictions. NIV for reading, ESV for study is my recommendation.
ESV for context... my Pastor reiterates the need for context above all other things with regard to understanding Scripture. One of his catch phrases, "What's the 'therefore' there for?" I will link to some of his sermons, as he is really a scholar, let alone a cool guy near my age who I call a friend. He is also a fiction writer...
KJV is a safe bet, but try not to get caught up in the controvercy and debate surrounding the various texts. They mostly differ in the details, and in rare cases effect entree level understanding of the messege. Baby steps. All the books in the bible are important, but some more than others; i always recomend starting in the book of john We should all have bible reading sessions together that would be nice
I agree people should be reading about Jesus first, after he started fulfilling prophecy. However, in recent years, due to that awesome Pastor mentioned previously, have come to understand that EVERYTHING in the Old Testement was forcasting (and explaining the reasoning/necessity of) the coming of Christ, and not merely a set of archaic stories like we sometimes dismiss them (not saying you, but many)
also, @Soldat Du Christ I don't know if you were around here for Halo 4 during Forge Island days... but I posted this on Easter back then... thought you would appreciate.
Most Forge Island maps pretty much used nothing but rocks for this reason. Because every other piece on that canvas was a bleached computer chip.