My mother brought me a Bible when we met up in China. I’m interested in some of the things that people can get out of it on matters of freedom of choice. I have read some books in there before (Genesis, Job, John) but I’ve never read the entire thing before. I’m starting at the beginning and making my way through it. So far, I’ve gotten through Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus. I’m halfway through Numbers…
I’ve said it before, Genesis doesn’t make much sense from a religious standpoint. It tells the story of the creation of course, but it also tells the story of the earliest people. For me, it gives me more questions than answers. Who did Cain marry? Why did everyone, including babies and animals, need to die in the flood? Genesis also has many examples of betrayal, incest, lying, etc. among the “chosen” people with no commentary given. Lot’s daughters get him drunk and have sex with him to have children. Was that good, bad, or what? What the hell are we supposed to think of that now? Jacob stole Esau’s blessing and birthright with no consequences. So is lying and deception OK? Genesis is, IMO, a terrible thing to read if you’re looking for information or clarification on… anything really.
I also do not understand the relevance of Leviticus. The ark of the covenant does not exist so there is no reason for the tabernacle to exist either. Granted, if you are jewish, there are parts of Mosaic law explained there, but what are Christians supposed to do with this information? I also have a very hard time believing and/or understanding why God would care about the tiny details of the tabernacle. What materials to make it of, what dimensions each piece should be, the exact dimensions of the buildings, etc. A cynic might say that Moses was just making it up as he went along, setting his brother up with the sweet position of high priest etc. I of course would never suggest such a thing..:-) Anyway, it seems like most, if not all of the book is overturned for Christians, so I’m not sure why we read it…
I’m reading the New Living Revised translation and I have to say that it is very readable, but sometimes the language is a little jarring. Language like “bumper crop” is very clear, but doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of the language of the old testament. So far, my opinion that the Bible is a lousy book to read if you want to understand Christianity is fully supported. I’ll report back if something changes my mind.