By Chaplain Tony Rahaim
First Week of October 2023
Hello again my friends,
I’m on vacation this week. On the annual trip my wife and I make with various other family members to a favorite stomping ground of theirs, that also happens to be part of my youth as well.
Anyhow, I promised you last time that this musing would cover the bare basics of how to actually study scripture. And I stay studying versus just reading – like you might with your favorite author — besides God.
Truth be told; it’s sort of simple and complicated at the same time. It all depends on what it is you are trying to study for.
So, let’s start from the premise that the reader believes in God; as in the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and go from there. And if they don’t believe, they are at least curious enough to find out what all the fuss is about.
That means starting with the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Tanakh for Jews and the Old Testament for Christians) is where you should start.
I strongly recommend a study Bible, to help give you context. There are many good ones out there, and some are not cheap. So, before you buy one, find out which version (translation) of the Bible is easiest for you to read. I have my own preferences and will share them upon request.
Long story short before you buy one — spending money on an expensive book does you no good if you are not going to read it. Period.
Also, if you do not have a pastor, priest, or rabbi to ask about this; you can always e-mail our chaplaincy your questions, and or go to your local library and look through their collection. If you have a theological education center nearby, ask them if you can look through their collections too.
If it’s been a while since you’ve used a library, ask for the updated tour. This will help in the future. While there is way too much information available on the internet; sometimes, good old-fashioned library research works better on the brain.
If that is not an option for you; and only the internet is, then start with these websites:
Blue Letter Bible – https://www.blueletterbible.org/
Bible Gateway – https://www.biblegateway.com/
Chabad – https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/63255/jewish/The-Bible-with-Rashi.htm
Jewish Theological Seminary Torah – https://www.jtsa.edu/jts-torah-online/
Liberty University’s Library Theological Section – https://libguides.liberty.edu/az.php?s=172812
Dallas Theological Seminary Library – https://library.dts.edu/
Southeastern Baptist Seminary Library – https://library.sebts.edu/
Use these sites to compare and contrast translations. Remember, that as far as this writer can figure out; the ‘original’ books of the Judeo-Christian scriptures were written in a combination of Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
I strongly recommend that the reader do some research and compare at least three versions/translations of the scriptural texts before spending the money on a study Bible.
Various scholars have translated them over the centuries, using both manual and computer-generated assistance. If you want to know how (and possibly when) some of those translations were done; while not all-inclusive, these articles will give you a well-rounded starting point to make an informed decision.
- Blue Letter Bible’s analysis – https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/bible-translations/question8-how-should-a-person-choose-bible-translation.cfm
- The folks from “Got Questions” – https://www.gotquestions.org/most-accurate-Bible-translation.html
- Logos software reviews – https://www.logos.com/grow/best-bible-translation/
- The staff from Biblical Archeology – https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/bible-versions-and-translations/best_bible_translation/
And the two-part series from the staff at Bible Gateway –
Keep in mind, that there were several ecumenical councils over the centuries to decide what would be considered ‘canon’ in what we know as the Bible today.
These were not modern-day video conferences. Attendees traveled for weeks or months to get there; and represented their region and or their whole denomination, and there were sometimes strong disagreements, and also some compromises.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/canon-law/History
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2021/07/18/50-fathers-of-the-first-six-councils
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-21-ecumenical-councils
https://www.gotquestions.org/ecumenical-councils.html
https://graduate.christendom.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ecumenical-Councils-Fact-Sheet.pdf
This is why which translation/version of the Bible is important.
Are you going for literal translations from the original documents; or are you more interested in covering ideas and themes?
I cannot figure that out for you. I don’t know how your brain and your heart interact when it comes to the learning of your faith. That’s between you and God. Clergy are just there to guide you, and to assist in finding those answers when you have them. Your Bible study, and that of your minor children, is your responsibility. Period.
Think of your pastor, priest, or rabbi as not the person with all of the answers; but as the person who knows how to show you how to look up the answers for yourselves. It’s the same concept as that old adage, “Give a man fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for life”.
So, what’s next?
You’ve thought about it, you’ve either purchased some software, found a paper copy study bible, or found a website or three you are comfortable with.
Well, my friends, it’s time for some good old-fashioned reading. Get comfortable beforehand. Take the dog for a walk, start some laundry, or whatever else helps you clear your head and focus on some reading. If it’s been a bit since you had to study, here are some reminders: https://tinyurl.com/4rvvy42z
Then start with Genesis, the first four chapters. Creation, Adam and Eve, their fall from grace; and the beginning of humanity from a scriptural view.
After that, the rest is really up to you. I would suggest reaching out to someone further along in their journey to assist you in locating answers from reliable sources when those questions arise; because they will.
You might find, as I did, that you have a desire to understand systematic theology better ( the ‘why’ Christians believe the way they do). Or, also in my case, the historical and archeological contexts of discoveries that support the Bible as we know it.
There are also study bibles that go over the sociological customs of the ancient times; and compare the Jewish, and later Christian customs against the regional customs and laws of that time.
That’s enough for this time. Besides, I need to get back to my vacation.
Have a good week, and remember; God loves you. All you have to do, is love Him back.
Chaplain Tony
P.S. – This is Miss Pebbles; our rescued Rotty on vacation with us.
