by Angela Slate

Created on: February 07, 2010

In modern society the bible has been set aside only to be read by the religious.  However, we are forgetting the core reason for which it was written, as a means to help people live their lives, whether it be guidance or solace that one is looking for. The real obvious point would be to take a look at the ten commandments which are basically ten carefully set out codes of conduct for a happy life and if everyone followed them, the result, an ideal world.

Each parable Jesus told is more than a story of goodwill, it's advice on how to live a more fulfilling life and being happy with oneself.  It is generally thought that the bible as a book offering suggestions of how we might better help others and preaching about the consequences of not following it's, what may appear, as rather difficult orders.  Although a large part of it's message is the consideration of others, advice is also offered to us to teach us how to be happier "I tell you, do not worry. Don't worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don't worry about your body and what you will wear. Isn't there more to life than eating? Aren't there more important things for the body than clothes?"  (www.bibblica.com). Whether or not you are even a believer in God, Jesus' logic here is unarguable, we would not all live more healthier and contented lives if we stopped fretting about the small issues?

The bible is not only a brilliant source of daily guidance but, as I have already briefly touched on already, it is great emotional comfort in times of trial, regardless of your religious beliefs and has helped many people through breavement, loss and betrayal.  The Gideons bibles are a great example of this, at the front of this particular version it directs it's reader to key passages for consolation in times of pain, anger and sorrow.  By selecting certain passages for key reading, Gideons have made the bible more accessible to all of us and it's message more applicable to our daily lives.

Setting aside the bibles teachings there is one other, very important, reason to read this anthology of books written by many different authors living in very different centuries.  The bible is a brilliant hhistorical source for understanding the social constructs of the eras they were written, cultural aspects and are a window into another time.  Starting the bible with Genesis, though it is difficult to date, we can compare and contrast historical sociological changes between then and when the New Testament was written.  The bible also serves as a mean to support, or disprove, other historical theories and legacies that have carried down through the centuries.

Much of our modern society, whatever demonintion you are, has been buillt around the themes presented in the bible.  It is certainly worth a read in order to help comprehend what has gone before and maybe apply a little of it's simple messages to our own lives.

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