 | The Reverend Amy Baumgartner is the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS. Amy was ordained at First Presbyterian Church of Wichita, Kansas in June 2008. She earned a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. Before attending seminary, Amy graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture and worked several years for an architectural firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. You may contact Rev. Baumgartner by email AssociatePastor@firstpresbywichita.org, or by phone at (316) 263-0248.
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Religion
2013-05-29 10:25:37
How to read the Bible
Q-In most faiths people are urged to read the Bible. The Bible is a very big book. How
does one go about reading the Bible? Where does one start? Other than understanding
what happened in the past, is the Old Testament relevant any longer?
A-The Bible is a very big book and very different than most other books we encounter because it is comprised of different “books” or sections written by different authors in different styles and was compiled over a long period of time. While most of us pick up a book and begin reading at page one and work our way to the end, this is not always advisable for the Bible because early on the reader will encounter seemingly boring lists of names (genealogies) and a compilation of laws that seem to have little relevance for most of us who do live in a post-agrarian society.
I would encourage you to begin reading the type of literature that resonates best with you. For instance, if poetry is your thing, start with the Psalms. If you enjoy stories, choose either the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John in the New Testament) or the books of Samuel or Kings (in the Old Testament). If you like more straight-forward writings with ready application, the Epistles (letters) of the New Testament or Proverbs would be a good starting spot. I personally have found that different genres have resonated and spoken to me differently at different points of my life.
As you read, I would encourage you to stick with your reading. Realize that the Bible was written a long time ago and mentions places and employs illustrations that may be difficult to understand (for instance, what does it mean to “heap burning coals” on someone’s head?). Some background books on the Bible can help you understand more fully some puzzling things found in the Bible.
Another difficult part of reading the Bible is that some of the stories seem very implausible. Can God really make the sun stand still in the sky? Could Jesus really walk on water? When you encounter unbelievable parts, instead of being distracted by how it seems implausible therefore rendering the Bible a fictional book, ask yourself why God would have the text presented in this way. Ask God to reveal what God is saying through the passage.
You also asked about the Old Testament’s relevance. The term “old” implies that it is outdated or obsolete; however, the Old Testament books (also referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures) are hugely important to understanding Jesus’ life, ministry and death because Jesus was a Jew who grew up reading and following the mandates of the Hebrew Scriptures. The basis of the Old Testament also helps understand concepts found in the New Testament. For instance, the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament is difficult to understand unless you have a background in the sacrificial system that God established in the Hebrew Scriptures. While the Hebrew Scriptures form the backbone to the New Testament, many people find the New Testament easier to read because it is written in a style more comprehendible for our Western minds. May you be blessed in your reading of the Bible.
