What books of the Bible should I read?

[TheBDB]

I'm not a Christian or any religious faith, but I bought a Bible because it is an important historical document and I want to know what it is all about. I'd like to eventually read all of it, but the damn thing is 1400 pages!! So what books of the old and new testaments should I make sure to read first?

 

[Nocturnal]

Revelation.

 

[Legendary]

I'm sure reading Genesis is important. Other than that, can't help you too much.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
Revelation.

 

[TranSoft]

The book of JOHN in the New Testament...
ALL ABOUT JESUS!!! Wahoo!!!

 

[Azraele]

I'd go with the OT and Revelations.

 

[hdeck]

read through the old testament

 

[TheBDB]

Originally posted by: hdeck
read through the old testament

But, but...it is 900 pages! Isn't SOME part better than the rest?

 

[usualuse]

Jesus on Mars by PJF

 

[ElFenix]

psalms

 

[Yzzim]

Daniel and Isaiah are very interesting books of the Bible if you're "only" interested in History.

Daniel and Revelation are hand in hand so I wouldn't read one without reading the other.

Iasiah talks about the prophecy of Christ and has a bunch of history behind it.

Right now I'm reading 1st and 2nd Samuel and it's awesome. Lots of wars, it'd make a good movie

 

[Yzzim]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
psalms

LOL, that's like half the Bible

 

[TheNinja]

I disagree with people who suggest reading Revelations first. It is an interesting read but it is also a very confustion read and may give you the wrong ideas/impressions. I suggest starting with Genesis. I also would not suggest Psalms unless you are into poetry/lyrics and such. What type of stuff do you want to read about? Do you like historical facts about a nation of people, poetry, stories about Jesus' life, Paul's letter's to various churchs & people?

 

[hdeck]

Originally posted by: TheBDB

Originally posted by: hdeck
read through the old testament

But, but...it is 900 pages! Isn't SOME part better than the rest?

no one said this would be easy

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Old Testament
Genesis, Exodus, Judges

New Testament
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Acts

btw, that's a serious answer coming from a Christian.

 

[Kev]

the book of armaments

 

[ElFenix]

youi should read the torah instead

 

[Iron Woode]

I like Exodus. You can't go wrong when you got slaves revolting.

 

[Yzzim]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Acts

btw, that's a serious answer coming from a Christian.

I heard that reading them backwards (John, Luke, Mark, Matthew) is "better" because John and Luke are the most interesting. Luke (I believe) was actually a very good historian and included a lot of history in his writings that helps date specific events that happened during and around Christ's life.

 

[TheBDB]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
youi should read the torah instead

I am planning on going through the Qur'an next. Should be interesting.

 

[Vic]

Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John - the 1st 4 books in the New Testament) for the philosophical teachings of Jesus.

For history, read Kings, Chronicles, and Jeremiah.

 

[TranSoft]

NO need to buy the bible...
Text

 

[nativesunshine]

I was reccommended Matthew, Mark, Luke and John by an extremely Christian friend of mine.

EDIT: oh yea..adding on to what TranSoft said. If you want an actual book...there are many places where you can get one for free. I got all 3 of mine for free from youth groups and such.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: nativesunshine
I was reccommended Matthew, Mark, Luke and John by an extremely Christian friend of mine.

And that surprises you?

That is the core of Christian teaching.

 

[nativesunshine]

I never expressed any form of emotion about it. Just saying that was what i was recommended. Only added the "christian friend" part b/c I know it's "the core of Chrstian teaching" and the dude said he's reading it as just a book..not as a religious text. I dunno...just thought I'd mention it so he'd know.