Bible commentaries, notes, and references are important. Without them, for a lack of a better term, we would be in a heap of trouble. It can actually be problematic, and in some cases even dangerous, to read the Bible without knowing its context and history. However, sometimes all these helps can get in the way and interfere with our perception of the God’s Word making if appear contrived and inauthentic.

There is no printed book that has the appearance and feel of a Bible.The pages are thin and often see through, the type too small, and what other book has two columns on one page. Most Bibles are so thick you can’t comfortably hold them in your lap. The Bible is full of artificial markings that weren’t from the original author, not a bad thing given the importance of detailed Bible study, but it can estrange us from how we would normally interact with a book.

This is why under the banner of “Connecting to God in a Busy and Distracted World” we feel the ESV Readers Bible approach works so well. (Bibliotheca has a similar approach.) It is a book not only written in readable English for those of us who speak it, but it also “reads” in our language as far as look, touch, and feel of a high quality book of importance. It is single column, normal print size, thick paper, and the chapter and verses have not been added. It is also broken up into several volumes for it can be comfortably held, studied, and read. Of course, we would read the scriptures if it they were written in hieroglyphics on the back of a napkin if that was are only option…because it is the Word of God and the truth of existence!

But I find that this approach can break down some of my preconceived notions, my over familiarity, that may cause missed insights about God. Yes, it is possible to get a similar feel with an electronic version. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. But just like we journal on paper, when we read something on paper, for many of us there is a greater feeling permanence, importance, authenticity and possibly—more connectedness.

It is encouraging to know that we are not the first people to read the Bible. If you are reading the Bible and think you have a unique revelation or insight no one else has ever had watch out. You are wrong and probably headed to an already discovered heresy. But there is much to be mined from reading the scriptures, and seeing the Bible written more closely to its original form can be helpful.  It can cause us not to come into the text thinking we already know what it says. The Bible is both very clear in its main message that it brings out over 1500 years of revelation, and it is full of mystery in a way that demands rereading, rereading, and rereading. The Reader’s Bible is a great tool to increase focus and make the Word of God come more alive.

Learn more about it at Crossway.

Doug

The words of British poet Robert Abrahams say it well, “For some men die by shrapnel, And some go down in flames, But most men perish inch by inch, In play at little games.”  Our goal is to identify the little games and put a stop to them and put the right weight on the right things.