| I started reading the Bible at bedtime when I was in about the
4th grade. I remember how difficult it was to understand what the Bible
was all about, even with the RSV, which is not cluttered with archaic
language usage. Reading it, especially the OT, really helped me get to
sleep though.
Later on, when I was in high school, I remember reading the Gospels.
I was particularly impressed by the Primary Character, his radical teachings,
and his actions and miracles.
I didn't read the Bible in its entirety until I was in my 20's. I'd
become a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker). And, it came
to me that, as a minister, I should make the effort to learn as much about
ministry as I could, and that included the Bible.
In addition to reading the Bible, I started checking out books written
about the Bible and various commentaries. I've also taken a few relevant
classes, for example, _History of the New Testament_. I also dialogued with
a number of people. Though I would certainly not classify myself as a
biblical authority or expert, all of the foregoing has served to broaden
and deepen my understanding and appreciation of Scripture.
Peace,
Richard
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| In my early school years (1-3) I attended a Lutheran school.
Memorization of Bible verses and religious education was an
important part of those years. Of course as a Preachers Kid
I'd already gotten a lot of exposure to the Bible. There was
also Sunday school.
As I got older I read, as opposed to just memorized, more of
the Bible. I usually looked up Scripture references from sermons
from my early teens. The Scofield reference Bible my father
gave we when I was about 13 was read often. Chain references
were often followed as I can be something of a detail nut.
As I got older I used formal Bible study books from time to
time. I also took to reading books (of the Bible) at a time
from time to time. I wish I could say I studied formally or
regularly but I didn't. When the spirit struck I studied.
I went to a religiously oriented college. Two courses in Bible,
one in Old Testament and one in the New, were required. As was
a course in Philosophy and Christian Thought. In college and
to some extent before then I attended Bible studies. But not
often. In college however late night discussions of all sorts
were common place. Being the kind of place Taylor University was
Bible discussions were regular happenings.
Since then my studies have been less regular. The existence of
a Bible Notes conference for a number of years at Digital was
a great stimulus to more recent study. As to some extent has
this conference. I tend these days to focus on particular areas
of interest rather than general study. This is part of the reason
that I developed the rather extensive Bookreader Bible index
(over a quarter of a million entries) BTW. I've found that as
I get older the phrase "the Bible says" sets off a little flag
in my head unless a quote and pointer is included. Even still
context is important. Notes, believe it or not, has had a great
influence in making me more aware of context of a great many
things. Bible verses being only one example.
Alfred
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| I listen to Christian radio a lot. I like the way J. Vernon McGee
explains the Bible, and how it applies to our lives in this day,
on the "Through the Bible" broadcast. Another one that has helped
me gain a better understanding is "The Bible Answer Man" that was
originally done by the late Dr. Walter Martin. There are many others
as well.
Mel
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| How I came to know the Bible as I do.
As a child, my grandfather was my primary mentor in the Bible. He was
my Sunday School teacher in my early years. I didn't do much actual
bible reading at that time, but basically was given children's books to
read and study from.
I can remember my mother reading bible stories to us as children.
So basically, I would say my childhood exposure was not so much bible
study but it was more a period of inspiring within me a love and trust
in the Bible.
Up to the age of 17 or 18, the Minister of my church, a large black
baptist church, through his sermons, gave me the greatest learning in
scripture. I still wasn't much of a reader.
At 17 or 18, however, I joined Black Christian Nationalist, which was
in 1972, when Black Awareness was an "IN THING", right after the riots
and Black Panther Movement, etc. Lots of music carried the message of
Black Awareness eg Marvin Gay-What's Going On, Temptations-Ball of
Confusion, Isley Brothers-Brother, Brother, Lou Rawls, Last Poets,
and many others, Jazz (a spiritual thing) was also inspiring for me.
But, BCN had a cadre in our city and actively recruited at our high
school. So I joined. Then I went to College and they had one on
campus so I continued there.
I got married shortly after this and this was the time of my beginning
to read the bible for myself.
I was more or less a self studying person, as my wife went to a
"spiritual" (ie holy roller, as commonly known) church and then not
very often, so I didn't go as much as I did in my youth.
After our divorce when I was 24, I moved to LA, and here got into
Metaphysics.
Ever since then I've delved into a very broad array of things
religious.
Generally, however, I've come to believe that Egypt is the center of
all this and focus on Egypt as a center.
Playtoe
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