Saint Anne’s Joins the Biblical Literacy Project
OK, it’s 2013 -- have you made your New Year’s resolutions? How about including this one: to read the entire Bible. Or… To read the Bible more. Or… to learn more about the Bible.
According to surveys, Episcopalians are among the best educated Christians, but are near the bottom in terms of biblical literacy. As a group, we know very little about this book that is central to our faith. In our worship, we read from it more than most. We may remember stories from our childhood Sunday School. We know certain parts, like the Christmas and Easter stories, but on the whole its contents remain a mystery.
Reading the entire Bible can be a daunting and confusing venture. Also, starting with Genesis leads pretty quickly into confusing, ancient stories and laws and statutes. And then, if you fall behind, it can be very hard to catch up.
So, how about starting with the foundation of the Christian story, the Gospels? And how about reading one book at a time? Begin anytime, and if you miss one month, you can still join in the next time. The idea came from our Tuesday morning Bible study group. We’re calling it “The Book of the Month Club” and it begins this month, January 2013, with the Gospel of Matthew. This is Saint Anne’s response to Bishop Prior’s invitation, issued at the beginning of Advent a few weeks ago (see his blog post, copied below).
We'll start with Matthew, the first gospel of the New Testament (though not the first to be written). There will be two opportunities to learn more about the Book of the Month, and to ask questions, and share in discussion: The Rector's Bible Class (1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM) and Tuesday Morning Bible Study Group (Every Tuesday, 10:00-11:30 AM).
You are invited to read the Book of the Month even if you don't want to come to the Rector's Bible Class or the Tuesday morning group. Sit down and read the Gospel of Matthew in 1 or 2 sittings. You may be surprised at how story-like it is, and how different it sounds when you read it in larger sections, and can see how the story unfolds.
FAQs
What translation should I read?
For best results, do not use the King James Version. The language is lovely Shakespearean English, but for understanding and accuracy of translation, it isn't the best for 21st century readers. The Episcopal Church prefers the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). But there are lots of good translations and paraphrases, to make the text understandable and interesting. Try The Good News Bible, The Jerusalem Bible, or The Message.
Are there good notes or commentaries to help me?
If you want to do more than just read the biblical text, use a study Bible such as the HarperCollins Study Bible. Full of footnotes, cross-references, and maps, it offers background on each book. Who wrote it? When and why?
Also, look around the church and on this blog in the coming weeks, for famous verses from Matthew, themes to be looking for, and basic information about this gospel.
What if I get behind in my reading?
No worries. You can either finish the January Book of the Month, or join up again in February, when we read the Gospel of Mark.
Blessings,
Lydia+
A note from Bishop Brian Prior: From the Bishop's Blog, November 27, 2012
Dear Friends,
With the onset of Advent and the beginning of a new liturgical year, I would like to invite your participation in the Bible Challenge.
At our most recent General Convention this summer, we passed the following resolution:
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That every Episcopal diocese, cathedral, church and mission shall invite their entire membership and people beyond their church to read the entire Bible in 2013 (C083).
Many faith communities have already begun or plan to begin soon. Some have chosen small group settings; others are encouraging families to engage in the yearlong endeavor. A significant number of folks are using the book The Bible Challenge, authored by The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie, one of the main proposers of the resolution.
Regardless of the methodology or the grouping of participants, it is essential "to develop a life-long daily spiritual practice of reading the Bible in order to know God's love more clearly and to receive comfort, strength and guidance for daily living." (C083).
Daily reading of our sacred story has been a part my spiritual discipline for many years. It has in fact become my primary source of "strength and guidance for daily living" and so much more. My intention is to now augment my practice with the Bible Challenge with my family for the next year. I warmly encourage you to join me.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Proper 28: The Sunday closest to November 16, BCP pg. 236)
Blessings,
+Brian
