How many times have you read the Bible? Some people try to read it from Genesis to Revelation over the course of a year, or two, or three. Some dip into it here and there—taking up a chapter or a verse as the mood strikes. Some avoid it altogether, finding it very confusing and even upsetting. The truth is that the Bible is a collection of very complex documents and reading it can be very challenging. Unfortunately, because of those challenges, many consider it outdated and unnecessary for life and faith.
I have a different perspective. When one approaches the Bible with an appreciation for its context and all of its varied genres, then it comes alive. It is made up of narratives that are populated with fascinating characters and dramatic plotlines. It includes personal letters about infighting and corruption within the church. It offers rather risque love poems and snappy one liners. It is both humous and terrifying. Ultimately, time and time again, it offers a mirror to us where we discover who we are, both the good and the bad. It is a lifetime read.
But in order to discover all of this the reader must go slowly and start with some basic background. That is what I hope to do over the next six weeks. Starting this Saturday we will look at some fundamental questions, like “what is the Bible, exactly?” “When and how was it stored, preserved, discovered and translated?” “What does it mean when people say it is infallible or inspired?” and much more. No question is out of bounds.