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Study Bible Or Plain Text?

Discussion in 'Bible Versions & Translations' started by Rippon, Jan 9, 2009.

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  1. Rippon

    Rippon Well-Known Member
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    Which would be recommended for a new believer?I think a plain text is better.Some footnotes -- but not an out and out Study Bible.They have their place but I really don't think all that material should be in the confines of Holy Writ.There are Bible commentaries and other Bible Study helps which one can find the same info.A new believer needs to encounter the plain Bible text.Too much else (even good stuff) is a distraction.I think there should be more words from the actual Bible text on a given page than words from Study Helps.

    Now it's different when someone adds their own notes in the margins (as I have).That means you are really studying and not relying on a Study Bible.

    I may sound inconsistent when I recommended that a KJVO'er should get a copy of a real 1611.But even with all the notes, those are not really Study Bibles as such.The original Geneva Bible could be considered one though.
     
    #1 Rippon, Jan 9, 2009
  2. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I agree, mate. I prefer the plain Bible for myself.

    There are, however, two books I gave to every new believer under my ministry: The Fight; the Christian Struggle by Dr. John A. White (deceased now) and a New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips. Phillips was a well loved vicar in the Church of England. He believed in the Lord Jesus as Saviour, but otherwise he was quite theologically liberal. Still, I love this paraphrase of the NT and find it easier for new people to read and understand. Theology can come later.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #2 Jim1999, Jan 9, 2009
  3. puros_bran

    puros_bran Member

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    To old or new Christian alike I would suggest a plain text bible (cross ref are ok) a note book and a set of suitable marking devices.

    Personal notes will never be as polished as the store bought variety, but they will be closer to your heart, and that is what Bible Study is about isn't it?
     
    #3 puros_bran, Jan 9, 2009
  4. Bob Farnaby

    Bob Farnaby Active Member
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    Most definately a plain text Bible.

    Personally I think it's the best for all, having notes printed along with the text can (and does) cause confusion about what is inspired and what isn't. Too often the notes are given the same kind f authority as the text, maybe not deliberately, but by acceptance. It also tends to stop folk looking at some of the difffering interpretations of some of the less straightforward passages. This in no way says that study helps, bible dictionaries, commentaries are not good things, just that they should be clearly seperate. Not in the same book.

    Regards
    Bob
     
    #4 Bob Farnaby, Jan 10, 2009
  5. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I'd give them a plain text copy of the Scriptures. Of course I would also couple a study guide for new believers with it. (What else depends on whether I'm personally discipling them or not.)

    I would concur with this assessment

    Wgat are some examples of good study materials you have found for new believers out there? Just curious, always looking to expand my horizons. :)
     
    #5 preachinjesus, Jan 10, 2009
  6. Psalm 95

    Psalm 95 New Member

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    I would suggest a Thompson Chain Reference Bible. No notes that disturb the reading. But a lot of helps for studying a subject.
     
    #6 Psalm 95, Jan 11, 2009
  7. Friend of God

    Friend of God Active Member
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    I couldn't agree more.

    When I was first saved [almost 23 years ago now] the first thing I did was run out and buy a Study Bible. After awhile I found I was getting lazy and using the study notes instead of studying for myself, this continued for quite awhile.

    I even got so I was looking at the study notes when my Pastor was preaching instead of listening to the message.

    Finally I came to the realization that what I was doing was totally wrong. Since then I carry a plain-text Bible and leave the Study Bible for just that...studying.
     
    #7 Friend of God, Jan 12, 2009
  8. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I always try to get a new believer into a Bible study/discipleship program asap and have some inexpensive pb Bibles.

    After the initial study, we get a Study Bible. I had someone help me as a young believer (with a Scofield) and it really helped my growth. We use a basic NIV Study Bible, then, as they grow, push the MacArthur Study Bible.
     
    #8 Dr. Bob, Jan 13, 2009
  9. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    I'm right with you guys. I say a plain straight text Bible with minimal notes. A study Bible is a great tool for later on but I think that it takes discernment to understand and filter the notes and discernment comes with spiritual maturity.

    I have to say, though - we just got the ESV Study Bible and it's GREAT!! But I still do my daily reading in my plain text ESV. :)
     
    #9 annsni, Jan 13, 2009
  10. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    This is what I recommend also. It makes navigation easier for beginners. And I also agree that study bibles with notes of men's opinions, as valuable as they are, should come later in the new believer's development.

    I urge my students to bring a notebook to SS and Church service. A Bible and a notebook - that's all they need in class.
     
    #10 J.D., Jan 15, 2009
  11. TC

    TC Active Member
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    I would recommend a plain text bible.
     
    #11 TC, Jan 15, 2009
  12. Rippon

    Rippon Well-Known Member
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    Thanks for that plain,unvarnished answer.
     
    #12 Rippon, Jan 16, 2009
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