Bible Study Pilot Thread

Exploring the details of Christianity

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Are you interested?

Poll ended at Tue Dec 29, 2009 1:39 pm

yes
7
78%
no
0
No votes
maybe
2
22%
 
Total votes: 9

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Bio-logical
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Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #1

Post by Bio-logical »

I am currently reading the bible. I purchased "The HarperCollins Study Bible : New Revised Standard Version With the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Book"
and just started, but I would like to discuss it with others. I was wondering if anybody might be interested in a weekly bible study/discussion/debate.

My wife does not like discussing it with me, since I am an atheist looking at it academically, but I would love to have a Christian, especially a biblically well-versed Christian, to go though this with and get their interpretation.

Depending on interest, I will start a user group and lead the discussion with a timeline. My goal is to read the entire bible over the next year.

I am considering switching versions if anybody would prefer KJV or basically whatever, specifically since I found a website that offers a timeline we could follow and complete it cover to cover over the next year, starting January 1.

http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/48/b.htm

I would like to point out that the format I propose is a weekly discussion of the scriptures read that week, debates will be asked to be held to that timeline or to spur into a new thread after that week is finished. I will post a link to the scripture being read next week with each coming week.
Doubt is not the end, but only the beginning of pursuit.

cnorman18

Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #2

Post by cnorman18 »

I'm up for it, if you don't mind having a Jew aboard. I may choose to sit out the discussions when we get to the NT.

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Re: Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #3

Post by Bio-logical »

cnorman18 wrote:I'm up for it, if you don't mind having a Jew aboard. I may choose to sit out the discussions when we get to the NT.
It would be ironic if an atheist was against having a Jew in a bible discussion. Is there a version you prefer and have you ever read it before?

Would you be interested in doing a Talmud study r anything like it after that?
Doubt is not the end, but only the beginning of pursuit.

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Re: Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #4

Post by Goat »

Bio-logical wrote:
cnorman18 wrote:I'm up for it, if you don't mind having a Jew aboard. I may choose to sit out the discussions when we get to the NT.
It would be ironic if an atheist was against having a Jew in a bible discussion. Is there a version you prefer and have you ever read it before?

Would you be interested in doing a Talmud study r anything like it after that?
If we go Tanakah, I might join, the you can have an atheist, a Jew, and an atheist Jew.
“What do you think science is? There is nothing magical about science. It is simply a systematic way for carefully and thoroughly observing nature and using consistent logic to evaluate results. So which part of that exactly do you disagree with? Do you disagree with being thorough? Using careful observation? Being systematic? Or using consistent logic?�

Steven Novella

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Re: Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #5

Post by Bio-logical »

goat wrote:
Bio-logical wrote:
cnorman18 wrote:I'm up for it, if you don't mind having a Jew aboard. I may choose to sit out the discussions when we get to the NT.
It would be ironic if an atheist was against having a Jew in a bible discussion. Is there a version you prefer and have you ever read it before?

Would you be interested in doing a Talmud study r anything like it after that?
If we go Tanakah, I might join, the you can have an atheist, a Jew, and an atheist Jew.
Is that the entire Old-testament? Is it in English?
Doubt is not the end, but only the beginning of pursuit.

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Re: Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #6

Post by Goat »

Bio-logical wrote:
goat wrote:
Bio-logical wrote:
cnorman18 wrote:I'm up for it, if you don't mind having a Jew aboard. I may choose to sit out the discussions when we get to the NT.
It would be ironic if an atheist was against having a Jew in a bible discussion. Is there a version you prefer and have you ever read it before?

Would you be interested in doing a Talmud study r anything like it after that?
If we go Tanakah, I might join, the you can have an atheist, a Jew, and an atheist Jew.
Is that the entire Old-testament? Is it in English?
It pretty much is.. and it pretty much is the same, although there might be some translations differences, due to theological concerns.
“What do you think science is? There is nothing magical about science. It is simply a systematic way for carefully and thoroughly observing nature and using consistent logic to evaluate results. So which part of that exactly do you disagree with? Do you disagree with being thorough? Using careful observation? Being systematic? Or using consistent logic?�

Steven Novella

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Re: Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #7

Post by Bio-logical »

goat wrote:
Bio-logical wrote:
goat wrote:
Bio-logical wrote:
cnorman18 wrote:I'm up for it, if you don't mind having a Jew aboard. I may choose to sit out the discussions when we get to the NT.
It would be ironic if an atheist was against having a Jew in a bible discussion. Is there a version you prefer and have you ever read it before?

Would you be interested in doing a Talmud study r anything like it after that?
If we go Tanakah, I might join, the you can have an atheist, a Jew, and an atheist Jew.
Is that the entire Old-testament? Is it in English?
It pretty much is.. and it pretty much is the same, although there might be some translations differences, due to theological concerns.
Then I guess I would prefer it, since it would have an earlier translation... less corrupted. Would both of you object to continuing into the new testament? I would like to read both and have conversation buddies.
Doubt is not the end, but only the beginning of pursuit.

cnorman18

Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #8

Post by cnorman18 »

Edited:

I'll be using various translations, but mainly the Jewish Publication Society's translation in their Jewish Study Bible. Yes, I have read it before.

For the record, NEWER translations are more reliable and "less corrupted"; the standards of the scholars are much higher today, and the manuscripts upon which they rely are older and more valid. Translations are not like the "telephone" game, each one depending on the last; every new translation is done from the oldest manuscripts available in the original languages. Some translations are very unreliable indeed, but these are well known.

The Tanach and the Old Testament are identical except for the order of the books.

In my experiences, there are few significant differences between reputable modern translations, of whatever denominational or religious associations.

As for a Talmud study - not me. That is an enormous work, and is very, very difficult. I wouldn't know where to begin.

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Re: Bible Study Pilot Thread

Post #9

Post by Bio-logical »

cnorman18 wrote:Edited:

I'll be using various translations, but mainly the Jewish Publication Society's translation in their Jewish Study Bible. Yes, I have read it before.

For the record, NEWER translations are more reliable and "less corrupted"; the standards of the scholars are much higher today, and the manuscripts upon which they rely are older and more valid. Translations are not like the "telephone" game, each one depending on the last; every new translation is done from the oldest manuscripts available in the original languages. Some translations are very unreliable indeed, but these are well known.

The Tanach and the Old Testament are identical except for the order of the books.

In my experiences, there are few significant differences between reputable modern translations, of whatever denominational or religious associations.

As for a Talmud study - not me. That is an enormous work, and is very, very difficult. I wouldn't know where to begin.
Thank you for what may have been the most educational post I have read on this site.

Then I would defer to you on which version, since I seemingly spoke from my rectum there. Fair 'nuff on the Talmud.

I would like to continue generating interest and see if we could get a group together and agree upon a timeline, so keep checking in and contributing. I will continue trying to establish all the details.
Doubt is not the end, but only the beginning of pursuit.

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Post #10

Post by Scotracer »

You guys just need a Heretic Christian and you've got the Four Horsemen!

I'd be interested in following this, just reading your impressions, instead of partaking as I have many other texts I am trying to get through just now. I hope you don't mind a voyeur amongst the ranks ;)
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