Effects of Reading the Bible

The poll needs one more option: "Frequently during the week."

Interesting article. I do agree with most of what the author said, and I believe much of it to be true. Thanks for bringing this topic up AKY!

Now, dear Reader, know that my response is based upon my own spiritual experience and understanding.

The main thing I would bring up about reading the Bible is that most people assume they know what God "would" say, without having studied it. I know I did! After reading and studying for some time, I realized that in many ways I did not know or understand.

From Proverbs 3 alone we see that man's understanding is not necessarily the same as God's. Verses 1, 5, and 7:

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

How do we know His commandments, if we don't read them? How do we know His wisdom, if we don't see what it is? Ecclesiastes 9:3 says: "the heart of the sons of men is full of evil," and no sin can enter Heaven (Revelation 20, 21).
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John 1:9.

So this all refers to man's understanding, even if it appears to be good! If it comes from within ourselves, or from our gut, it's not necessarily the truth. Can't evil disguise itself as light? (2 Corinthians 11:14). But we can understand God's will by reading His Word. This is how the Holy Spirit speaks to us, if we are willing to humble ourselves.

So the Fred Phelpses of the world are not representative of Christ. The ones who stockpile all their money are not representatives of Christ. The ones who make money off their money should also have the purpose of giving; can you walk by the spiritually and physically wounded and do nothing? Can you walk by and think you're all that? Christ by His example tells us we're not. He was all that but came to show us how to be a man. Then there are those who are outwardly good, but still not understanding what they need to know. It isn't necessarily common sense. That's why they call it common.

Yeah, ouch. (Did I mention, Jesus was humble?)

I told you I needed to be awake, AKY

I no longer read the Bible, but read it extensively on a daily basis for many years and read it all more than once. I used to love reading meditation books that had you read the Bible followed by a brief lesson. I found it very helpful in my growth as a Christian and as a person.


My spiritual hunger eventually lead me to read books about other faiths, and spiritual practices, particularly Eastern religions, and I no longer consider myself a Christian. I like reading and forming my own thoughts, values, etc. instead of having someone tell me what to think.

This is why we are so blessed by living in a country that has "Freedom of Religion" in its constitution. May we always be a free country.

I have a lot of favorite parts, I too like the psalms a lot. Usually I read a proverb every day and then another chapter depending on what God puts in front of me via other studies or facebook.

Being Catholic I tend not to read the Gospels that are part of every Sunda and Holy Day mass because we hear them at least once a yerar. Often they are the topic of a sermon.

I like reading the New Testament about the acts of the Apostle Paul _ how the Holy Spirit converted him and reversed his personality, and turned him from being a persecurtor of Christians into a staunch supporter and teacher. He set an excellent example about being a Christian who loves following Christ.

I also enjoy the Psalms...I sing them sometimes.
I love the book of John.
I love 1 & 2 Corinthians.
James is instructive.

I have spent more time recently in the OT, reconciling it with the NT...and find it very faith building.

In my youth, I've read the Bible a few times from cover to cover, either in Sunday School, Bible Study, Church or Private Prayer. Now, it's weekly at Church.

I still find the Bible "Inspirational". I believe it to be "Inspired" by the "Creator of Everything". I also believe it to be an absolutely beautiful account of humankind's understanding of God (specifically, of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions).

I find comfort in the two main "Commandments" the Christ reminds us, and that are originally found in the Old Testiment: Loving God and Loving each other. Always God-Centered, the operative word is "Love" (Agape). I see it between two people who are in a committed and caring relationship. I see it as I look up in the sky on a clear night and see all of the stars. I see it when I read and attempt to understand quantum theory. I see it when my fellow nurse gently places a cool, moist facecloth on the forehead of his or her patient suffering from nausea. I hear it when I listen to Bach played by an orchestra or when Jaco Pastorius (of Weather Report) plays his electric bass. I hear it when sitting on a beach watching the ocean waves caress the land. I hear it when a mother sooths her crying child. I physically feel it when I hug my wife.

In seemingly countless ways, the Bible continues to be written. I believe this to be true. How can it NOT be true? God doesn't stop loving Us. It seems that God constantly reminds us to always Love and respect each other day after day, minute after minute. I truly believe that in understanding this ensures our survival as a species.