zorionek0 t1_ix7qz6o wrote
Bible gateway is a good one. The link I’ve attached is my favorite verse, Mark 8:36, with every English translation.
My personal Bible is an English Standard Version (ESV), which I find has a nice middle ground between the flowery King James Version (KJV) and the too plain New International Version (NIV).
If you are looking for a historical perspective, I would recommend the KJV as this was the most common English language version of the Bible and the one most of the authors you cite would have been familiar with. If you’re not clear on the language then use a site like Bible Gateway to find a version you can parse (pun intended).
If you’re looking for a more scholarly look at the Bible, I suggest an aptly named “study” Bible. These are annotated copies of the Bible that provide deeper context from both a theological and an historical perspective when possible.
You should also consider your local library, which could help you identify books analyzing the Bible. If you are a university student that goes double, as literary analysis of the Bible are certainly available there.
To paraphrase Stephen Fry about the Quran, “one doesn’t have to be a Muslim to appreciate the poetry.” The Bible can be considered from a mundane lens as with a spiritual lens.
Saxon2060 OP t1_ix7rdy9 wrote
>The Bible can be considered from a mundane lens as with a spiritual lens.
While I resent the implication that I'm mundane because I'm not spiritual... ;) I really appreciate your thorough response. KJV but looking up other versions where I might struggle with a verse sounds like a good compromise.
zorionek0 t1_ix7s62b wrote
I can’t resist a good pun, but in this case I meant the older meaning of mundane, worldly rather than spiritual.
Which is a great Segway into a common phrase, “sic transit Gloria mundi” - thus passes the glory of the world. A line from the papal coronation ceremonies that’s been referenced by everyone from Emily Dickinson to Mel Brooks to the band Brand New.
AchillesNtortus t1_ix9fhvc wrote
Pendant here. The word is "segue", a term from music, not "Segway", a form of transportation.
Yes I know it should say pedant.
zorionek0 t1_ix9l5a2 wrote
Like I said, I can’t resist a good pun
cyan_dandelion t1_ix8usxm wrote
I second the suggestion of a study Bible. They can be very useful for providing historical and cultural context that would be difficult to know otherwise, whether or not the reader has a Christian background and/or familiarity with the bible. KJV might be quite hard work (not a judgement on you, just I don't find it so easy to understand personally), but I recognise it has historic and linguistic value. Maybe try having a flick through some different versions to see how you find them.
Also, I too was unaware of this second definition. Glad to have learnt it! mundane 1. lacking interest or excitement; dull. 2. of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one.
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