Understanding Bible- books to recommend?

[Eric_Peter]

My friend, who is not from Christianity background and have 0 understanding about the Christianity/Bible is asking me whether I have any book to recommend for her to understanding the Bible? Such as Bible for Children - watered down version. (she suggested)

 

[Scoobyshme]

If she is an adult or older teen, maybe she would enjoy an audio explanation of the Bible, i.e., how to read the Bible, etc.?

If so, she can download the following six talks by Fr. John Corapi on reading the Bible:

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Fr.%20Corapi—Word%20of%20God—Pt.%201%20Divine%20Revelation%20Itself.mp3

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Fr.%20Corapi—Word%20of%20God—Pt.%202%20Transmission%20of%20Divine%20Revelation.mp3

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Fr.%20Corapi—Word%20of%20God—Pt.%203%20Scripture%20Inspiration%20&%20Interpretation.mp3

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Fr.%20Corapi—Word%20of%20God—Pt.%204%20The%20Old%20Testament.mp3

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Fr.%20Corapi—Word%20of%20God—Pt.%205%20The%20New%20Testament.mp3

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Fr.%20Corapi—Word%20of%20God—Pt.%206%20The%20Life%20of%20the%20Church.mp3

Also, here’s a good read on where the Bible came from:

catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm

God bless!

 

[Fidelis]

For a non-Christian above the age of 14 or so who can read English fairly well, I would recommend “You Can Understand the Bible” by Peter Kreeft. He begins with the basics about the Bible in general, then the Old Testament, then the New. He then has a brief summary of each book in the Bible and what lesson we can draw from each.

Kreeft (especially in this book–he’s written tons) has an easy and engaging style that doesn’t get bogged down in technical details or wild personal speculation. I would also recommend this book for Catholics too!

For more tips about Catholic Bible study, please visit my website at the link below.

Understand the BibleCan

http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/product/400/000/000/000/000/317/856/400000000000000317856_s4.png

 

[JRKH]

The recommendations above are good, but I would also suggest that your friend start their bible reading by first reading Matthew Mark and Luke ( I particularly like Mt). These “synoptic” gospels will take them through Christ’s life and His ministry. Then I’d recommend John’s Gospel, which is excellent but is a very different writing style.
In this way your friend can become familiar with Christ through His own words. This along with one or more of the book recomendations and discussinos with you, will give her a pretty good start.

Peace
James

 

[oneplustwo]

If your friend is an adult, I offer an alternate opinion: I suggest that you not be too quick to give your friend books to help her understand the Bible, because books about the Bible are sometimes an individual author’s own interpretation of the Bible. I would also be wary of the “watered down” idea because it is too easy for Truth to get watered down along with everything else, which does not help an adult seeking to understand what the Catholic Church teaches.

Instead, I would suggest one (or both) of the following:

1. Your friend should begin reading the Bible itself, in places that are not necessarily difficult to understand. For example, the Gospels or the Psalms.
2. Your friend should attend an RCIA class, or otherwise make use of materials that are specifically designed for catechesis

 

[FrankieIV]

Good morning, The Catholic book stores have basic to advanced study on the Bible and Catholic study . My blog can also help your friend learn about the Catholic faith .My blog covers the following subjects : Purgatory/prayers for the dead, Saint intercession ,Peter the first Pope,The deuterocanonical books (the 7 books the protestant bibles do not have), Faith and works, Mary mother of God etc. My blog is www.defendingthefaith-frankie.blogspot.com

 

[Eric_Peter]

Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[PattiDay]

I know you asked for simple “more watered down” books, but I’d like to mention the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, New Testament, which is an excellent tool for learning for an adult even without a Christian or Catholic background.

I always feel kind of silly mentioning EWTN, because after 25 years of programming, everyone knows about it, but as a reminder, if your friend has access to cable or satellite, here are a few programs being aired in the next few days that are not particularly for children, but could be enlightening and entertaining for an adult without a Christian background.

St. Rita: Part 2, Wednesday, 01/19/11 @ 1:00PM Eastern

EWTN LIVE, Wednesday(s), @ 8:00PM Eastern (Fr. Mitch Pacwa w/guest) discusses current topics and issues in the Catholic church.

Father John Corapi, Saturday(s), @ 10:00PM is always dynamic as he discusses the Catechism, Gospels, Devotions, Prayers, his own conversion story, to audiances with non-Christians as well as Christians and Catholics. He always manages to get the basics in. If there is something very Catholic, like a devotion to the Blessed Mother, he explains so that all will be able to understand. I’m sure you’ve heard him. Everyone has at this point.

Not to demean your friend’s intellect, but there are children’s shows on EWTN every afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:00PM (ET) , some for very young and some for older children, but the delivery of the message can be appreciated by adults as well.

You can choose something you feel is appropriate from the television schedule on www.ewtn.com

God bless.