who has actually read the entire Bible?

by losingit 35 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  losingit

  Cofty- LOL!!!
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  5go

  I did, you didn't miss much
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  Hortensia

  When I was young and in the wtbts, we were encouraged to read three chapters a day, which meant you would read the whole bible in a year. I did it several times.

  I understand they don't encourage that nowadays. Is that true?
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  Hortensia

  PS - it is incredibly boring
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  rawe

  Hi losingit,

  "End of Mysteries-- you have me curious. Id like to read the Bible in a scholarly way. I dont want to read it as a way to confirm or deny my faith in God."

  I have read a couple interesting books by scholars about the Bible. Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman and Who Wrote The Bible by Richard Friedman. Both books made me think much more about the material I was reading. It also made me think of time elements, just like one can easily quote a news source, but one cannot predict a future headline. These things can give you clues about who is writing and what is their concern. Having a goal to your reading, will make it more enjoyable. Nonetheless the material is from an ancient source and the reading can get tedious.

  As soon as someone points out even the most simple thing, like Genesis 1:1 to 2:3 calls refers to God as 'God' (Elohim) and at 2:4 there is a switch to calling God, 'Jehovah', the reading does become more fun. Even contemporary issues like same-sex marriage are interesting to consider when looking more deeply at the actual text people sometimes quote.

  Lev 20:12 condemns man with daughter-in-law sex, assigning it a death sentence.

  Lev 20:13 condemns man with man sex, assigning it a death sentence.

  So, why isn't woman with son-in-law sex directly condemned?

  So, why isn't woman with woman sex condemend?

  This lack of symmetry seems odd, but very well might be hinting at underlying concerns of the author. I added "directly" in my first question, because Lev 20:14 condems man with woman and her mother sex, assigning death by fire.

  Cheers,

  -Randy
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  EndofMysteries

  losingit - In that case I definitely recommend using a direct hebrew to english interlinear like I linked in my last post or atleast having one handy. I've been reading in a similar way. I'm not trying to prove or disprove, I'm trying to get the true message.

  A few examples of things which stood out to me such as Gen 48:16 which is calling God an angel. Is God an angel?

  Some scriptures making it appear Jehovah is speaking face to face with someone, ( I forgot offhand but before Sodom was destroyed was an instance).

  Deut 32:8-9 - when reading that it makes it seem Jehovah/Yahweh 'inherits' Israel. How does one 'inherit' something?

  Many possibilities come up if one doesn't ignore all the details. Such as perhaps it was prehuman Jesus dealing with Israel, or sometimes him and sometimes his enemy, etc.

  Wish you the best if you deside to study it.