Theology Web

[Scrawly]

Some people's bookshelves are filled with all sorts of theological writings, yet they have never read the entire bible. They got caught up in the theology web of pedanticism and speculation. I am of the persuasion that those who are well versed in the bible -- those who simply read the bible -- have enough wisdom and insight to refrain from entertaining verbose theological writings, debates on predestination, eschatology, God's existence, etc. When it's all said and done we cannot even prove the basics of the Christian faith for the most part. I think it's important to keep that perspective.

There is a time and place to contend for the faith but we are not first century Christian's living in their context. As Christian's we believe the bible is inspired but it's also wonderfully ancient and primitive -- ditto for it's context and human authors. Indulging in theology and apologetics won't provide much insight beyond what the bible has already provided. The next God debate won't provide you with anymore certainty, the next N. T. Wright book will lead to the next N. T. Wright book. Isn't there much wisdom in simply reading our bibles as we live in faith, hope, and love -- wherever that leads us?

Keep
It
Simple
Saint

[rogue06]

A lot of books help explain the context and society from which the Bible emerged and therefore can lead to a deeper and richer understanding of the text.

[Littlejoe]

A lot of books help explain the context and society from which the Bible emerged and therefore can lead to a deeper and richer understanding of the text.

Exactly! And furthermore, it's important to know what it meant to the original audience. As Gordon D. Fee says in "How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth"


And

[Scrawly]

A lot of books help explain the context and society from which the Bible emerged and therefore can lead to a deeper and richer understanding of the text.

Fair enough, and I don't dispute that, but I think we should be thoroughly familiar with the text of the bible -- having read the entire thing at least twice IMO -- before we undertake the often hazy process of contextualization.

[Scrawly]

Exactly! And furthermore, it's important to know what it meant to the original audience. As Gordon D. Fee says in "How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth"


And

And yet informed interpretations abound. Uncertainty abounds. Mystery abounds. I say read the bible. Then read it again. Do what you will after that.

[Cow Poke]

I'm on my 27th read of the Bible
I have a room full of books, some of which I read.

Can I go to Heaven?

[Scrawly]

I'm on my 27th read of the Bible

Love.

I have a room full of books

Love.

some of which I read.

Wise.

Can I go to Heaven?

You've got my vote.

[Cow Poke]

Love.



Love.



Wise.



You've got my vote.

I fee so much better.

[One Bad Pig]

My positions are unsupportable, and I know it.

Fixed that for you. Sheesh.

[rogue06]

I'm on my 27th read of the Bible
I have a room full of books, some of which I read.

Can I go to Heaven?

I've read it cover to cover (including all the begats which is where many people stall or just skim) somewhere around 7 or 8 times at least although it has been over a decade since I've done so. I've started doing it in response to a Bible study class that insisted that we read a few verses from the different books in it and discuss them which seemed to me like taking things out of context in a mix and match sort of way. That and my grandmother kind of inspired me to do it as she tried to read at least a chapter a night before going to sleep. Sometimes when she was real sleepy she'd only make it through a few verses though she'd still at least read some of it every night.

[Cow Poke]

I've read it cover to cover (including all the begats which is where many people stall or just skim) somewhere around 7 or 8 times at least although it has been over a decade since I've done so. I've started doing it in response to a Bible study class that insisted that we read a few verses from the different books in it and discuss them which seemed to me like taking things out of context in a mix and match sort of way. That and my grandmother kind of inspired me to do it as she tried to read at least a chapter a night before going to sleep. Sometimes when she was real sleepy she'd only make it through a few verses though she'd still at least read some of it every night.

I have a confession to make.

Sometimes (OK, maybe usually) I skip the begats.

[Cow Poke]

I've read it cover to cover (including all the begats which is where many people stall or just skim) ...

OK, so I'll throw in my Proverbs reading plan.

In ADDITION to whatever Bible Reading program you may be utilizing, I like to add one chapter from Proverbs - whatever chapter the day of the month happens to be.

Today is the 3rd, so I read Proverbs 3.

I like this program, because if you forget, or skip for a while, you just look at the calendar and whatever day of the month it is, that's where you pick up.

(Yeah, I know, you don't always get to the end every month)

[Cow Poke]

I'm on my 27th read of the Bible
I have a room full of books, some of which I read.

Can I go to Heaven?

For the lurker who may not detect the intended sarcasm, and because this is a crucially important point, I want to be clear that "reading the Bible" or "having" or "reading books" is not necessary for "going to Heaven".

It is only through acceptance of Jesus Christ as savior that we have hope in Eternity.

[rogue06]

I have a confession to make.

Sometimes (OK, maybe usually) I skip the begats.

You do have to plow through them and not let your eyes glaze over.

[rogue06]

For the lurker who may not detect the intended sarcasm, and because this is a crucially important point, I want to be clear that "reading the Bible" or "having" or "reading books" is not necessary for "going to Heaven".

It is only through acceptance of Jesus Christ as savior that we have hope in Eternity.

To quote somebody I love and trust: "EGGzactly!"