excited about a Bible

MirandaRiver · #1 Jun 7, '12, 5:17 am

Feel like I have to share this here - because I have no where else to share it lol.

Last week I ordered a catholic bible, and I got an email today that it has been shipped out, so should be with me either tomorrow or saturday.
This will be the first bible that I've ever owned myself.... I know we can follow the readings and download so much off the internet or via phone apps etc, but to have the printed word to read and reflect on, now that is just exciting for a booklover like me.

The words of the gospel will be delivered to my door hehehe

Hokomai · #2 Jun 7, '12, 5:31 am

I read the Bible from time to time for interest and also because I enjoy the language of some of the versions. I love the way some translations are written to be read aloud. Sometimes I do (!) (But only in private, not even with another consenting adult - it's embarrassing for an unbeliever

) If you are not used to reading it, it is useful to read a general introduction. Bart Ehrmann is an agnostic biblical scholar whose writing is good and accessible and will explain the different books. People on CAF will also often give good explanations. The acts of the apostles is one of the most accessible books of the NT, and gives a fascinating glimpse of what early Christians did. I also use the Bible as a tool when learning bits of another language. (or trying to!)

TheRealJuliane · #3 Jun 7, '12, 7:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MirandaRiver

Feel like I have to share this here - because I have no where else to share it lol.

Last week I ordered a catholic bible, and I got an email today that it has been shipped out, so should be with me either tomorrow or saturday.
This will be the first bible that I've ever owned myself.... I know we can follow the readings and download so much off the internet or via phone apps etc, but to have the printed word to read and reflect on, now that is just exciting for a booklover like me.

The words of the gospel will be delivered to my door hehehe

It IS exciting. Please remember to say a prayer for all the Christians in the world who cannot outwardly possess a Bible for fear of being killed. Yes, it is THAT dangerous in many parts of the world (Muslim) just to own a Bible or show any signs of being a Christian. It is so easy for us in the Western world, especially the US, to buy as many versions of the Bible as we wish, it's hard to imagine people dying to have a Bible, literally.

I think you are not destined to remain a confused pagan...

You will be in my prayers!

SonCatcher · #4 Jun 7, '12, 8:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hokomai

I read the Bible from time to time for interest and also because I enjoy the language of some of the versions. I love the way some translations are written to be read aloud. Sometimes I do (!) (But only in private, not even with another consenting adult - it's embarrassing for an unbeliever

) If you are not used to reading it, it is useful to read a general introduction. Bart Ehrmann is an agnostic biblical scholar whose writing is good and accessible and will explain the different books. People on CAF will also often give good explanations. The acts of the apostles is one of the most accessible books of the NT, and gives a fascinating glimpse of what early Christians did. I also use the Bible as a tool when learning bits of another language. (or trying to!)

Great that you read it aloud. The Bible is meant to be heard instead of merely read (I'm sure that means "signed" to the hearing impaired). The Bible is studied as literature by people of all faiths (Paul's speech in Athens is extremely common to public speaking courses).

I don't know anything about Ehrmann but have seen Asimov's biblical commentaries on a deacon's shelf so I guess biblical guides need not be from a religious person to be useful.

Rejoice Always · #5 Jun 8, '12, 7:23 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonCatcher

Great that you read it aloud.

It's even better sung! I just make up songs or chant passages whenever I get the chance. I went to an Eastern Catholic Church where they sung the Epistle and the Gospel! It was so beautiful. I think I've heard something like that in the Roman Catholic Church on TV, but not in any Mass I've been to in person.

MirandaRiver, which Bible did you get? NAB? New Jerusalem?

SonCatcher · #6 Jun 8, '12, 10:41 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rejoice Always

It's even better sung! I just make up songs or chant passages whenever I get the chance. I went to an Eastern Catholic Church where they sung the Epistle and the Gospel! It was so beautiful. I think I've heard something like that in the Roman Catholic Church on TV, but not in any Mass I've been to in person.

MirandaRiver, which Bible did you get? NAB? New Jerusalem?

I've been to a Latin Mass (OF) where the whole liturgy (including readings in the vernacular) was in Gregorian plainchant. Only the homily was not.

It was a wonderful experience.

MirandaRiver · #7 Jun 8, '12, 11:06 am

Thanks everyone...
It came today!!! Had a quick look but will have a proper look at the 'extra bits' of it later.
And I got the CTS new catholic bible which I think is the same version they use for readings in Mass here in the UK.. but I'm not 100%.

SonCatcher · #8 Jun 8, '12, 11:47 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MirandaRiver

Thanks everyone...
It came today!!! Had a quick look but will have a proper look at the 'extra bits' of it later.
And I got the CTS new catholic bible which I think is the same version they use for readings in Mass here in the UK.. but I'm not 100%.

Hmm...

According to this blog, the CTS New Catholic Bible is the 1966 Jerusalem Bible with the Grail translation of the psalms (instead of the JB psalms).

The literary quality of the 1966 JB is supposed to be outstanding. Looking at the preview on the publisher's website, it includes liturgical notes in addition to the standard footnotes. That may be helpful to those seeking to understand the Mass, seasons and sacraments better (although it should not be a replacement for catechesis be any means).

BTW - it is the translation used by the English-speaking world outside North America.

Rejoice Always · #9 Jun 8, '12, 1:21 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonCatcher

I've been to a Latin Mass (OF) where the whole liturgy (including readings in the vernacular) was in Gregorian plainchant. Only the homily was not.

It was a wonderful experience.

Oh, wow! I need to do that.

SonCatcher · #10 Jun 8, '12, 1:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rejoice Always

Oh, wow! I need to do that.

I wish I could tell you where to go. This Mass was celebrated by a retired priest who I presume has since died. I am not part of the parish so I know very little about what happens there. Thankfully, they still have perpetual adoration. They still use a Communion rail, too.