Please Help Me Read The Bible

[kellygirl]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor? I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

 

[Gamera]

My suggestion :

The worst way to start reading the Bible is to open to Genesis and start with “In the beginning …” You’ll get discouraged too easily.

Start with the Psalms. Read a bunch. They are basically ‘prayers for all occasions.’ Although written before Jesus was born, they reflect much that is basic to Christian life.

Next, try one of the Gospels. These are the accounts of Jesus’ life, told by four authors (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) from four perspectives.

Another good beginners’ book is Proverbs. These are wise sayings written by King Solomon which apply God’s principles to daily life.

Hope that helps.

 

[calchiquita]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor? I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

Navarre Bible might help, extensive commentary.

 

[lak611]

Try this site. greatadventureonline.com/. “Great Adventure” Bible study takes you through the Bible in chronological order.

 

[kellygirl]

Thanks for the great advice…but I still would like to know why there is sooooo much metaphor?? There must be a reason

 

[mommyof4]

Thanks for the great advice…but I still would like to know why there is sooooo much metaphor?? There must be a reason

Maybe the Holy Spirit (who authors the bible), likes that particular literay style?

 

[TarlsQtr]

Metaphor allows for more beauty and creativity in writing and makes the Bible what I would call, “A Book That Never Ends.” What I mean is, you can read the Bible cover to cover 1000 times and still find another level of meaning (and connections between NT-OT)for many passages on the 1001 reading. In fact, I would even say that “reading” is the wrong word and that the method of writing makes you “study” it.

God Bless,

Jeff

 

[Fidelis]

Thanks for the great advice…but I still would like to know why there is sooooo much metaphor?? There must be a reason

There may be a couple of reasons.

1. The Bible was written a long time ago (over the expanse of about 2000 years) in languages and cultures very different that ours. The human writers, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote in a style that was familiar and directly appealed to their immediate audience, their contemporaries. While our culture tends to prefer straight expository prose in giving instruction, it hasn’t always been so in every culture who learned less by reading, but more by stories and mneumonics (memorization) which enabled them in turn to hand the teaching down orally. Widespread literacy is an extremely recent development.
2. As someone pointed out above. Scripture is so profound, multi-faceted and timeless in it’s message that poetry, metaphor and figures of speech may be the only way to effectively transmit God’s message in all it’s subtlety, but within the limits of human language.

Also, keep in mind that the biblical languages do not translate perfectly into modern languages, especially English. Even the best translations are not perfect. The suggestion above to check out quality commentaries like the Navarre is a good one. Too, you may want to try a simpler translation or paraphrase, like the Catholic Good News Bible. When you’ve got the feel for the material, then you can move up to more precise translations, like the RSV-CE.

For more recommendations, visit my website, linked below.

 

[Biblioassistant]

I’ve never found the Bible particularly hard to read. Maybe it’s just me - I was a precocious reader but I used to pick it up back when I was in the 2nd grade and start reading. I loved Exodus, lots of adventure, smiting of sinners, staffs turning into snakes, rivers of blood - it was as good as a Ray Harryhausen movie There were books I didn’t get and much that was way over my head, but I kept on reading. I never knew it was supposed to be hard or difficult. Now, I’m 56 and I use the Ignatius study guides which have helped me in understanding the Bible in a much deeper way. There are still some spots that are puzzling (Daniel - cough) but I keep on reading.

 

[Rolltide]

Thanks for the great advice…but I still would like to know why there is sooooo much metaphor?? There must be a reason

Well, it’s a lot like Shakespeare. Although many people find the language of Shakespeare quite difficult today, his plays were written for the masses. People really spoke like that, and they would have readily recognized the expressions and puns that he used at the time. However, language changes over time. Try looking at Beowulf online somewhere in the original Old English. It is barely recognizable as our own language.

So, when the Bible was written, it was done so in a style that people of the time would have readily understood. However, over time, some of those familiar references have been lost or become uncommon, and so it becomes more difficult.

 

[Contarini]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor?

Because that’s the most natural human way to write.

I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

Don’t feel anxiety–just relax and enjoy the metaphors. As a Catholic, you have the Church to explain to you what you need to know (that is not in any way a criticism or put-down of Catholicism–quite the contrary), so your faith does not depend on you personally figuring out every metaphor. You have the basic narrative of Scripture given you in catechism and liturgy. Feed on Scripture. Ask God to speak to you through Scripture. St. Augustine said that any interpretation of Scripture that promotes faith, hope, and charity is a good one (even though it may not be the primary meaning of that particular passage). Misinterpretation of Scripture is an obsession for conservative, “Scripture only” Protestants–it has to be. It doesn’t have to be for you.

I second the recommendation of the Psalms. Read for edification rather than just in order to decode a puzzle.

In Christ,

Edwin

 

[steppenwolf1218]

You could get one of the study Bibles that are available such as the NAB or the St. Jerome’s. Their explanations could be of help to you. If you are able to commit to some time then check out your own parish to see if they offer Bible study and if they do when the next course starts. An in depth study of a single book might be easier for you to start with. Each book you study will start to enrich your faith and understanding Don’t look at it like an impossible wall to scale. Rather view it as a difficult path to trod that with each step the path clears a little more and each milepost brings a clarity you hadn’t seen before. Then as your understanding deepens you’ll soon realize as many of us have who study scripture that the more you learn, the more you realize you need to learn and further the more you realize that you will never learn all there is to know about God and His Word. If you sincerely pursue Bible study you’ll come to appreciate the multi level depths of its meaning. The Bible speaks to the theologian as well as the novice and all in between. The day will come too when you’ll be able to give advice to others who pose the same question as you do here.
Take care
Dennis

 

[EDUCE_1]

Thanks for the great advice…but I still would like to know why there is sooooo much metaphor?? There must be a reason

Meditate and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

 

[jmm08]

I think you should begin with the Gospel of John. However, if you prefer to begin reading with Matthew, Mark or Luke that can work out for you as well.

The four Gospels are the books in the Bible that talk the most clearly about Jesus and Mary. Since you love the Lord and love Mary, I think the Gospels are the books that you will find most interesting to read.

And don’t worry too much about the parts you don’t understand or that you find difficult. Instead spend more time going over the parts that you do understand and that you like. In time, you will be able to read more and more. The more that you have read the Bible, you will find it easier to read more in the Bible.

And at first, if you find it difficult to spend too much time. Don’t worry. At first, try to read at least five minutes – but do it every day. As time goes on, you will find yourself able to consistently spend a little more time each day. But don’t worry about that now.

If you somehow find that you are very interested in a particular part of the Bible, spend some time reading that as well as reading the Gospels. Reading the Gospels will help you to grow. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in the book of Ruth.

Many people find it comforting to read a Psalm sometime in the day. Maybe you will find that easy to do just before going to bed at night.

I am now thinking much more Catholic, but as a Baptist I learned that there are two important things that we should do regarding what we read in the Bible.

(1) Believe it.
(2) Obey it.

And we know what we should believe and obey in the Bible by following the teaching of the Church. If you aren’t sure about something, don’t dwell on it too much. Instead learn what the Church is teaching you and learn what you are able to learn. The more you learn correctly, the more you will eventually figure out the other things that you presently find difficult.

Sometimes, when I find something difficult to understand, I go to our Church’s Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Just to be in the Presence of the Lord helps some.

And pay attention during the Liturgy of the Word (the first part of Mass). There are Bible readings and the Priest’s homily should explain or expand on at least some of the ideas presented in the Bible readings.

jmm08

 

[BeeSweet]

This is how I start:

Make the sign of the cross, then trace a cross on the front cover of the Bible and say, “Lord, let me hear Your word.” Trace a second cross and say, “Lord, let me be guided by Your word,” and a third cross and say, “Lord, please bless my family.” Then open the Bible and read from wherever you happen to fall.

I have been astounded by where I’ve been led by asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in this way. I hope you will be too.

 

[Cari]

If it helps, I suffer from the same problem.
I pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, but mostly, I feel like I’m being given a lesson in humility (I was an English major in college, and taught English for 7 years)- that here’s a book I can’t make heads or tails of.

And, as much as I know I need them, I find the footnotes to be more of a distraction than a help. They interrupt in the middle of sentences, I’m utterly unable to ignore them until I’ve finished the sentence, and then, they usually just confuse me more.

Like I said, a lesson in humility.

Last Lent, I made it my mission to read all the Gospels, which I found to be easier to read than much of the Old Testament (like Chronicles? Forget about it!)- but I am always sort of amazed by people who have “read the whole Bible many times”.

So anyway, I feel for you- I’m suffering right there with you. People keep telling me that the Bible is God’s love letter to me, but sometimes I think that it is actually a letter to someone else- MY letter got lost in the mail.

 

[MountainBoy11]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor? I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

Hello-

Great question–probably one of the most important you could be asking. Reading and interpreting Scripture is incredible b/c contained therein we have have the “Mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16). Therefore, since the Scriptures contain the very mind and breath of God (2 tim 3:16), we can expect that they will be CLEAR. God’s mind is not jumbled, and He never spoke or wrote with a speech impetiment! We can also expect that they will be PROFOUND. As Paul exclaimed, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.”

There are several things we must understand when reading and interpreting Scripture, b/c there are several barriers we must overcome, such as language, history, geography, etc. The Bible was written in a place and time and language much different than ours. But we must understand, that God meant something by what he said, and what He meant made sense to those who originally heard it. Therefore, as we read and interpret Scripture, we must constantly endeavor to go back and put ourselves in the shoes of the people who were the original recipients of God’s Word.

Using these guidelines, the majority of the time we can interpret Scripture LITERALLY. It might surprise you, but there is probably far less metaphor in Scripture than you think. Do your best to understand the Words at face value, and read them just as you would any other book.

Many books have been written to help overcome the language, geography, and history barriers. Probably the best overall help for daily reading is The MacArthur Study Bible.

God Bless

 

[MountainBoy11]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor? I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

Hello-

Great question–probably one of the most important you could be asking. Reading and interpreting Scripture is incredible b/c contained therein we have have the “Mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16). Therefore, since the Scriptures contain the very mind and breath of God (2 tim 3:16), we can expect that they will be CLEAR. God’s mind is not jumbled, and He never spoke or wrote with a speech impetiment! We can also expect that they will be PROFOUND. As Paul exclaimed, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.”

There are several things we must understand when reading and interpreting Scripture, b/c there are several barriers we must overcome, such as language, history, geography, etc. The Bible was written in a place and time and language much different than ours. But we must understand, that God meant something by what he said, and what He meant made sense to those who originally heard it. Therefore, as we read and interpret Scripture, we must constantly endeavor to go back and put ourselves in the shoes of the people who were the original recipients of God’s Word.

Using these guidelines, the majority of the time we can interpret Scripture LITERALLY. It might surprise you, but there is probably far less metaphor in Scripture than you think. Do your best to understand the Words at face value, and read them just as you would any other book.

Many books have been written to help overcome the language, geography, and history barriers. Probably the best overall help for daily reading is The MacArthur Study Bible.

God Bless

 

[MountainBoy11]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor? I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

Hello-

Great question–probably one of the most important you could be asking. Reading and interpreting Scripture is incredible b/c contained therein we have have the “Mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16). Therefore, since the Scriptures contain the very mind and breath of God (2 tim 3:16), we can expect that they will be CLEAR. God’s mind is not jumbled, and He never spoke or wrote with a speech impetiment! We can also expect that they will be PROFOUND. As Paul exclaimed, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.”

There are several things we must understand when reading and interpreting Scripture, b/c there are several barriers we must overcome, such as language, history, geography, etc. The Bible was written in a place and time and language much different than ours. But we must understand, that God meant something by what he said, and what He meant made sense to those who originally heard it. Therefore, as we read and interpret Scripture, we must constantly endeavor to go back and put ourselves in the shoes of the people who were the original recipients of God’s Word.

Using these guidelines, the majority of the time we can interpret Scripture LITERALLY. It might surprise you, but there is probably far less metaphor in Scripture than you think. Do your best to understand the Words at face value, and read them just as you would any other book.

Many books have been written to help overcome the language, geography, and history barriers. Probably the best overall help for daily reading is The MacArthur Study Bible.

God Bless

 

[MountainBoy11]

Hello…I want so badly to read the bible, but I have always had such a difficult time staying focused and receiving the Lords message because I can’t seem to break all of the metaphoric language. Why is the bible mostly written in metaphor? I feel as if I am spending more time breaking the codes then recieving his messages. I Love our Lord and our Blessed Mother so dearly, but this really is a source of anxiety for me. Any adivce?

Hello-

Great question–probably one of the most important you could be asking. Reading and interpreting Scripture is incredible b/c contained therein we have have the “Mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16). Therefore, since the Scriptures contain the very mind and breath of God (2 tim 3:16), we can expect that they will be CLEAR. God’s mind is not jumbled, and He never spoke or wrote with a speech impetiment! We can also expect that they will be PROFOUND. As Paul exclaimed, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.”

There are several things we must understand when reading and interpreting Scripture, b/c there are several barriers we must overcome, such as language, history, geography, etc. The Bible was written in a place and time and language much different than ours. But we must understand, that God meant something by what he said, and what He meant made sense to those who originally heard it. Therefore, as we read and interpret Scripture, we must constantly endeavor to go back and put ourselves in the shoes of the people who were the original recipients of God’s Word.

Using these guidelines, the majority of the time we can interpret Scripture LITERALLY. It might surprise you, but there is probably far less metaphor in Scripture than you think. Do your best to understand the Words at face value, and read them just as you would any other book.

Many books have been written to help overcome the language, geography, and history barriers. Probably the best overall help for daily reading is The MacArthur Study Bible.

God Bless