Does Anybody Read The Bible Here Anymore???

by minimus 37 Replies latest jw friends

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  Arthur

  I liked the Letter of James. Franz' commentary was excellent.

  Oh yeah, the Letter of James is a really good one too. One book that I have developed a special interest in lately is the book of 1 Corinthians. In chapter 12, Paul does a beautiful job in describing the congregation; or the Body of Christ. He likens it to the human body with vastly differing functions (nose, ear, mouth, eyes, etc). He tells Christians that they will serve different functions based upon their individual gifts and talents. Verses 4 and 5 in the Good News Translation state: "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served." The rest of the chapter goes onto to expand on these thoughts showing that sacred service is something very personal, and is unique to different individuals. Chapter 12 shoots down the Watchtower's claim that all Christians are to serve in lock-step conformity and perform all of the same duties as prescribed by the organization headquarters. Paul's words make it plain that not all individuals would be evangelists. But then, maybe the apostle Paul was an "apostate" too.
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  Balsam

  I do in fact I find the NT interesting and worth reading. I have many translations and use them all at various times. I don't however believe the way most people believe. I don't believe it is the literal word of God but I find value from the wisdom there for living. I don't expect anyone else feel as I do. If I had my way and could go back 30 years I would have gone to college in majored in religious studies all the world. The bible would have been my greatest interest simply because of the way it has shaped the USA. '

  Ruth
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  sweet pea

  Yes, I still believe if everyone lived by Jesus' commandments, the world would be a better place and I think it's a good standard to raise your kids by. I've recently acquired a Life Application NIV study bible and the commentary is excellent. My favourite translation is the living bible and I also have a Good News Bible and one NWT for ol' times sake (just to check out how the Borg has mislead us!).
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  R.F.

  Yes everyday. Mainly in the NKJV.
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  MeneMene

  I had not read the Bible for many years until I found JWD. After I started reading JWD I dug out my old copy of the NWT (Revised 1970) and also the NKJV my daughter gave me on my birthday in 1992 (no, not a good memory - she filled in the gift page).
  
  If it weren't for you guys I would never have known about the brackets[ ] indicating the words the WTS added. I was raised a JW and just never paid attention. I was just riding the wave and never questioned their interpretations until my daughter started researching many years after we faded.
  
  I've started with Gen 1:1 dozens of times during my JW days but never got far. Maybe one day I'll start to read it again.
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  MR. BORN AGAIN

  Yes sir...er'day!!!!! KJV is cool but I have God's Word Translation. It's a very simple read. I also keep a NWT for references.
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  Sunspot

  Yes....every day....but mostly to research a scripture or find ot how it "fits into" something being discussed. I read a lot on the online boards/sites and have learned TONS of information that I never realized existed outside of WTS teachings! I like the NIV, I keep a NWT and the KJV by the computer, and have just picked up the New Living Translation at church recently. I use the NWT because I can "find stuff better" after using this one since 1970.....and it seems to go down better with JWs when trying to "reason by the scriptures" with them.
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  minimus

  I know a lot hated the NWT but I didn't think it's the worst I've seen.
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  yaddayadda

  Do you mean read for its own sake or read only selected texts referred to in relation to some online discussion? If the former, occassionally, and often for the latter.
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  greendawn

  Nowadays I tend to read the Bible on the internet there are many versions and it's much easier to navigate around different books, chapters and verses. I haven't used the NWT for ages because it is a biased translation.