7 common hurdles in reading the Bible
The Bible is supremely rich in its spiritual revelation and yet extremely economical in its number of words. It may seem like a large collection of books for an individual to study, yet it has just the right number of words and messages to cater for thousands of people groups over thousands of years. For this reason, there are some hurdles we may encounter as we read the Bible.
(See Chinese versions: 简体中文 > 阅读圣经的7个常见障碍 | 繁體中文 > 閱讀聖經的7個常見障礙)
Reading the Bible for the first time can be intimidating for a beginner. Many terms, customs, cultures, and historical contexts will not be familiar. That’s also why studying the Bible is also an exciting lifelong journey of discovery. The Bible can challenge those who love to dive deep into His Word, but it also contains stories, sayings, and historical accounts that even children can understand.
Seven common hurdles in reading the Bible
Here are some common challenges in reading the Bible that can sometimes sidetrack us if we are not careful.
1. “There are so many versions of the Bible. Which one is the right one?”
Even though English is said to be a universal language, people around the world use it slightly differently, often in the context of local forms of expression. French is spoken slightly differently in Africa, Switzerland, and France. The same goes for the Chinese language in different Chinese communities. All these “versions” evolved over time, but essentially they are all the same language.
The Bible was originally written for different people across the Middle East and Europe. When it was translated into different languages, its spiritual nuances also had to be adapted according to the local expressions of readers across the world. Over time, more versions have appeared to address contemporary audiences. Rather than damaging the credibility of the Bible, the existence of multiple versions and translations attests to the Bible’s value to different people groups. There are contemporised versions for new Christians and the original Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek text for scholars.
To begin with, we can pick one that best suits us. To more fully grasp God’s Word, it’s helpful to read different versions of the Bible for their contextual richness and to refer to other helpful resources at the same time. One example are the animated videos from the Bible Project covering different books and themes of the Bible. There are also various free Bible reading apps and plans online we can use.
2. “The Bible reads like a book of myths.”
As children, we are exposed to children’s stories, fairytales, fables about gods and mythical creatures. This early exposure to fantastical tales can unduly or unfairly shape our mindset when we read historical accounts in the Bible. As a result, the parting of the Red Sea, fire coming down from heaven, or water turning to wine may seem like a fairy-tale too.
What God does in the Bible looks far-fetched to us. But we need to keep in mind that such occurrences are nothing to God because God is not of this world. He created everything in the first place. He is far above human understanding and can act in supernatural ways at any time. We must be careful not to equate God’s power to man-made stories.
Isaiah 55:9 ESV For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
3. “Some things in the Bible cannot be proven.”
We place a lot of faith in the things that science tells us. While mathematical formulas and scientific tests can observe a lot about our world, they still cannot explain, prove or disprove some big questions, such as how did matter come to exist in the first place? Neither can science explain the spiritual, it can only observe it. When we place more faith in science than the Bible, we will severely limit our ability to understand God who is Spirit and unseen.
2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Trying to completely understand God from a human perspective is like that of an ant which looks up at people and tries to explain us from its perspective. There will always be limitations. We need the Holy Spirit in us to reveal the things of God to us. Also, see Renewing the spirit of our minds.
1 Corinthians 2:10 ESV These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Author’s note: There are emerging scientific explorations and discoveries that corroborate what the Bible says about this universe. Readers are encouraged to find out more about them.
4. “The Bible is full of irrelevant information.”
God, in His perfect wisdom, has included something in the Bible for every “tribe and language and people and nation“. There are genealogies for tribes that value a person’s ancestry. There are parables for people groups with a culture of story-telling. There are principles for financial investments and so forth. What may appear to be irrelevant information to us will be very relevant to another person. Let us not limit the Bible to our view.
Revelation 5:9 ESV And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
Moreover, there are still many things in the Bible that are not fully revealed yet. Not that long ago, parts o the Old Testament must have looked irrelevant and inconsistent before Jesus arrived, but they now make sense in the light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Some things may seem irrelevant to our lives because we have yet to understand their significance in light of God’s eternal plans.
Isaiah 11:2 ESV And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
5. “The Bible is filled with nice concepts.”
Some of us have been exposed to the influence of contemporary thinkers and philosophers, before we were exposed God’s Word. Philosophy looks at the issues of existence, knowledge, values, and reasoning, things that the Bible touches on as well. Just as the Bible teaches doctrines, so does philosophy – except that philosophy involves concepts that are not eternal truths.
If we turn to philosophical methods of questioning, critical discussion and rational argument as we read the Bible, we can end up treating God’s Word merely as an essay, poem or literature for dissection and debate. We may study the biblical text deeply without ever coming to a personal knowledge and acceptance of God’s truths for our lives. It will not transform us to become more like Jesus. Instead, it simply puffs us up. The Bible is not filled with concepts that are nice to discuss, it is filled with God’s Law that is critical to our spiritual well-being and salvation.
2 Timothy 3:1-2,7 ESV But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self… always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.
1 Corinthians 8:1 ESV … This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.
6. “The Bible includes some contradictions.”
This statement is true. There are certain details in the Bible that do appear to imply the opposite of the other. One example is Proverbs 26:4-5. One verse tells us to not answer a fool and the next verse tells us just the opposite. So which one is it?
Proverbs 26:4 ESV Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
Proverbs 26:5 ESV Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
God uses His Word to shed light on millions of different situations and relationships over time. One part may refer to one scenario and the other, another. Different parts may refer to the same thing but from different angles. We need to ask God to open our spiritual eyes as we read His Word, and take the time to ask, “What does this really mean and how does it apply to me?” in order to have the wisdom to discern the messages that God has planted in His Word for us.
Psalm 119:18 ESV Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
7. “The Bible is too difficult for me to understand.”
God who desires to reveal Himself to us will not make His Word beyond comprehension. Like any new skill, reading the Bible requires some discipline and practice. To say that the Bible can only be explained by pastors or theologians seems to imply that God favours certain people over others. Obviously, this is untrue.
Bible scholars can help us understand the Bible better, especially because they have studied the original languages, history, and cultural practices. But more importantly, we worship a living and dynamic God whose Spirit is capable of reaching out through His words to teach and guide us. Even when we don’t understand everything completely all at once, His Holy Spirit will give us understanding if we ask for it. See Reading the Bible with God’s Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:10 ESV These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Just like a patient loving father who would take the time to tell his children eye-opening stories about life, our Heavenly Father waits to shed light on who He is and His good and perfect will for us. Let us go to Him boldly and ask for all the Spirit-filled wisdom we need to read and understand His Word.
James 1:5 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.