Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By The Rev. Lynn M. Finnegan
Associate Rector
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith

As of November 2024, the Bible, originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, has been translated into 756 languages. If you include translations of only a portion of the Old and New Testaments, that number rises to 3,756. With over five billion copies sold, it is the most popular book in the world.

How, though, do we go about reading it? Replete with long histories of wars and destruction, ancient rules that seem archaic, confusing parables, metaphors, and allegories, and impossible-to-pronounce names, reading the Bible can present as a daunting task. The Bible is a collection of history, poetry, prophecy, narrative, and letters. There’s tragedy, comedy, symbolism, vivid imagery, and epic tales. It provides encouragement, solace, and revelation. Mostly, though, the Bible is a beautiful and inspired account of God’s relationship with humanity and God’s unconditional love, despite humanity’s sometimes refusal to accept that love. It is well worth a read!

“How To” guides on reading the Bible are as prolific as the number of translations. There’s absolutely no “right” way! The glorious thing about the Bible is that it is never “one and done.” You don’t get to the last line and say, “Well, I did it! Now I can move on.” No, the beauty of biblical text is that it is layered with meaning and inspiration. I can read the same passage at various times in my life and hear a different message every time.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Be curious. Wrestle. Question. Contemplate. Pray. Give yourself the enjoyment of the mystery. The Bible contains ancient manuscripts we have poured over, pondered upon, written about, and argued over for thousands of years. The original words, first transmitted through storytelling, then written on papyrus, have been transcribed and translated multiple times. Throughout the centuries new clues and new contextual interpretations have sprung forth. Since the Age of Enlightenment, humanity often claims we know THE answers. I assure you; the ancient scripture writers did not confine God to the world’s singular understanding and neither should we.
2. Read the whole thing. Some read it sequentially, some thematically, some randomly, some over the course of several years. If one method doesn’t work, try another. If you “cherry pick,” reading only those passages you like or agree with, you miss the point. The Bible is a unified story and when you are open to hearing only a portion, you aren’t listening. Many Christians ignore Old Testament texts. Jesus never did; in fact, he affirmed it.
3. Read in community. Dig deeper. Read different translations. While personal Bible study can be uplifting and edifying, holy scripture was, and is, meant to be read, listened to, and discussed with others. Pastors, biblical scholars, theologians, devotional writers, and commentaries are all useful and helpful. I have found, however, that reading the Bible with others who are eager to share and learn, listening to what God may be placing on their hearts, brings the greatest joy.

Regardless of how you dive into this extraordinary recordation of God’s relationship with humanity, you will be richly rewarded if you keep an open heart and open mind to what God desires to reveal to you.

Editor’s note: ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a column written by local women clergy including The Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rector, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (momaryannhill@gmail.com); The Rev. Lynn Finnegan, Associate Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe (rev.lynn@holyfaithchurchsf.org); Deacon Amy Schmuck, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church (deaconamy@bethluth.com); and ELCA Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div., retired (czoebidd@gmail.com).