by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: August 30, 2010

Often, people will make the statement that they would like to read the Bible.  The notion may feel impressive, yet the task may seem overwhelming.  Perhaps someone’s exposure has only been to Bibles that were difficult to read and hard to understand.  Maybe reading the oldest and greatest book in the world has some people believing that because of its datedness the reading style will be cumbersome and confusing.

The truth is there are many different Bible versions based on different religions, beliefs, cultures, and languages.  Yet finding the one that is easily readable and understandable for the interested reader is not that difficult.

Bigger is not Always Better

At a Billy Graham Crusade held in 1957 in Madison Square Gardens, Dr. Graham mentioned that he had read in the newspaper that in the book stores of New York City Bible sales were up significantly during the sixteen weeks that he and his crusade had been in that city.  He mentioned also that he had witnessed one man carrying a pulpit-size Bible to one of his crusades, and that because of its size he could barely carry it.  It can perhaps be concluded that this man’s enthusiasm was laudable, but his efforts rather impractical.

The Bible should not be a hindrance because it will then become burdensome and this may detract from the real purpose – that being to have a Bible that is lightweight with a flexible cover, that will travel well, and that, most importantly, is understandable and meaningful.

The Physical Book is not Always Better

The advances in the technology of the twenty-first century offer reading material, of all kinds, in a variety of formats.  There are audio tapes and compact discs in which the Bible is brought to life by voice.  There are many websites (several mentioned in this article) that give witness to the diversity of Bibles and the specific accolades of each version.  There are handheld devices that carry books in the most sophisticated technological formats.  It could not have gotten any easier than it is right now to develop an interest in the Bible and to pursue it wholeheartedly without any excuses.

The Purpose for the Purchase

Choosing the right version for you may depend on the purpose for which you are purchasing a Bible.  Do you have the desire to spout scripture on a variety of topics and teachings?  Do you wish to preach those statements made only by Jesus?  Do you want an easy-to-read

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