Which Bible?

by Hoofie 20 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  ozziepost

  For what it's worth, I regularly use the NIV Study Bible although I acknowldge it's not "the best" there is.

  Mrs Ozzie reads the English Standard Version (ESV) which, when she reads out interesting texts to me, sounds quite good.

  In our car we listen to the New Living Translation (NLT) and we consider this our favorite.

  I think the important thing is to read any translation, and preferably not the NWT!

  I'd hasten to add that it's still possible to show the truth about "The Troof" from the NWT and to preach the gospel from it, but it's certainly not as easy! Nevertheless, Mrs Ozzie and I will be using it (the NWT) at a conference on the JWs which we're hosting in September. It'll run over two separate days in the western suburbs of Sydney and is apparently quite popular going by the interest in it that's been shown already. So many people want to know how they can answer the Dub at their door. There's also some coming who're presently "Bible Studies" in nearby congregations. Interesting, eh?

  Cheers, Ozzie
• 

  Narkissos

  My practice of English Bibles is admittedly limited, but from what I've seen I would distinguish between the NIV (translation), which seems to be generally correct, and the NIV Study Bible, in which I found the introductions and footnotes to be pretty one-sided (on the fundamentalistic side, I mean). It is certainly not a good reference (IMO) if you try to get acquainted with the historical and literary context of the Bible writings, or to grasp the differences between the Bible writings themselves.

  As far as translation is concerned, when I quote something on this board I generally use the NRSV, and to this day I found it very good.
• 

  onacruse

  The NIV is my default English translation, though I have about 40 others that I reference when there is a controversial passage; all of them have their relative strengths and weaknesses.

  Some time back, I stumbled across www.onlinebible.org, and ordered their CD: a combination of many dozens of Bibles and commentaries; very cheap (can even download the whole set from their site for free), and guess what? expressly allowed to copy and distribute to any and all, without fear of copyright violation (except for a very few licensed items)...unlike the restrictions imposed by some other religious organizations on this planet.

  However, along the lines of what Terry says: I do very little Bible research nowadays; other more interesting and fundamental "topics for discussion" LOL preoccupy my inquiries.

  Hoofie, welcome to the board

  Craig
• 

  Farkel

  The Jerusalem Bible is well-respected for its accuracy and scholarship.
  
  But before you get too involved with Bibles, I suggest you take the time to read "The Age of Reason," by Thomas Paine. He wrote this in 1790's, and although it has a few minor factual errors, is still one of the best books on the authenticity of the Bible ever written. It's free to download on the Internet.
  
  The Age of Reason
  
  You may not be the least bit interested in the Bible, except for the sake of curiousity after you finish it!
  
  Farkel
• 

  gumby

  Any predictions how Hoofie will believe 6 months from now?

  Gumby
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  onacruse

  Well now, dangit...Farkel, you've recommended The Age of Reason about 27 gazillion times this last month.

  I'll just have to sit down this weekend and finally do the read.

  (Downloading now)

  Expect a discussion about it! LOL

  Craigster
• 

  gumby

  I'll just have to sit down this weekend and finally do the read.

  Craig....I also need to read the book. Someday we'll compare notes and see just who the smartest bastard is between you and me.

  Gumby
• 

  Farkel

  Craig,
  
  
  : Expect a discussion about it! LOL
  
  
  Indeed. You will be tested on it. I've read it at least ten times.
  
  
  You'd better take some serious notes, then! If you fail, you will be reduced from Elder to microphone handler and bathroom washer! If you fail the second time, you will be reduced to the rank in the hell of all hells: "spiritually weak." May that never happen. If it does, you might never get the privilege of spending all your free time practicing an hour "public" talk that no one gives a shit about anyway and in whicn no one from the "public" ever attends, going to secret meetings where the sole purpose is to find a way to mess up someone's life, or being the "host" for the Circuit Overseer who eats your food, but hates your guts and tells the PO that he hates your guts.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  toreador
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  Carmel

  I like the New Jerusalem Bible but if I'm looking at expanding my spirituality, it wouldn't be with a 1900 year old compilation. There are other options much more inspiring, IMHO!

  carmel