Reading the Entire Bible: A Challenge Few Complete

Reading the Entire Bible: A Challenge Few Complete

Reading the Bible from cover to cover is one of those endeavors many start but few finish. In a context where the question "Have you read the Bible?" is thrown down as a challenge, responses reveal a mosaic of stances: from those who have read it twice to those admitting they never got past Genesis. Far from a simple yes or no, the discussion uncovers a debate about which version counts as the Bible, how many books compose it, and whether reading it straight through makes sense. The figures cited by participants range from the 66 books of Protestant editions to the 73 of Catholic ones, and even more in Orthodox versions. The initial question, loaded with intent, becomes a thermometer for beliefs, scholarship, and prejudices.

How Many Books Does the Bible Have? The Dispute Between 66 and 73

The first skirmish is numerical. One participant asserts that "there are 73 books, before the tormented heretic Luther conspired with German princes to defy the powers of the time and create a Bible to his liking." The rebuttal is swift: another defends Luther as "a great man of God" whose translation was a milestone. The discussion shifts to the canon: Catholics recognize seven deuterocanonical books, Orthodox up to twelve, and the Copts of Abyssinia include the Book of Enoch. For anyone wanting to read it all, the prior question is which edition to choose.

Is It Worth Reading Straight Through or in Parts?

Reading it entirely isn't the only way to approach it. One participant suggests dividing it by literary genres and reading "6 or 7 chapters a day," allowing four passes through the New Testament in a year. Another confesses to reading it "in fits and starts," aiming to pogre "at a rate of one or two pages a day, however long it takes, as meditation." Fragmentary reading gains trinc: many admit to having read only Genesis, the Gospels, or the Psalms. The question "Have you read the entire Bible?" is nuanced by another: "Do you read it daily?"

Genesis, the Gospels, and Revelation: What Is Read Most

Among those who have read parts, there are clear favorites. Genesis is "the most fun" for one, "the most interesting and exciting" for another. The Gospels are "pure hippie vibes, and Love expressed, neither The Beatles nor Bob Dylan," according to a participant who also praises the Song of Songs as a "source of poetic inspiration." Revelation is "tremendously creative and imaginative." On the opposite side, a reader calls it "complete nonsense" and describes a god who is "arrogant and capricious, completely unhinged and wrathful." The diversity of reactions reflects the variety of texts.

Translations and Editions: Reina Valera, NIV, and Jerusalem

The choice of translation sparks debate. Mentioned are the Reina Valera, the NIV, the Jerusalem Bible, and the Nácar-Colunga. One participant recommends the NIV for its clarity; another uses a Bible from Editorial San Pablo, bought in a religious bookstore. The discussion gets tangled with the figure of Mauro Biglino, an Italian translator who claims original versions speak of "several gods making pacts with families" and of "vehicles emitting radiation." Someone notes Biglino declared he was a Freemason, which for some discredits his theses. The underlying issue is whether a literal translation changes the meaning.

The Reader's Profile: Believers, Skeptics, and the Curious

Religious stances vary widely. There are Christians without a church, non-practicing Catholics, Orthodox, Gnostics, and atheists. One defines himself as "a Christian not communing with any churches I consider mostly business ventures and, in other cases, dangerous sects." Another says he is "officially Catholic but currently does not believe." A third declares himself a "heterodox Catholic." Reading the Bible isn't always tied to faith: some have read it out of intellectual curiosity or education, while others reread it seeking comfort. The initial survey, with limited options, falls short for such a wide range of cases.

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The question remains without a unanimous answer. Some have completed the journey multiple times, while others won't get past Genesis. The discussion on the canon, translations, and the purpose of reading continues. With these elements, it is predictable that the debate will recur every time someone throws down the gauntlet.