Mindful Reading
MINDFUL READING
On ‘Exploring Faith’ I have already encouraged people to find out more by reading one of the four gospels and to discover where that takes them.
This ‘Mindful Reading’ page exists to share a way of reading the bible that has been very important to me, especially with those who have been Christians for some time.
Along with prayer this is crucial. If they are not already on a lifetime journey of Bible reading, one way or another, they need to start immediately! Otherwise, it is like growing a plant without water or fertiliser and no periodic weeding. It does not work.
Time and time again God ‘speaks’ through what I read. John says the Holy Spirit teaches as we read. Prayer and Bible Reading are the foundations of conversation with God. That perhaps sounds really arrogant in some ways, but it is an ordinary daily experience for those who get into taking regular time out for these things.
The person who taught me about this called it a journey of ‘infinite discovery’. As far back as the 1960s, he encouraged me to read the bible every year. Many people have found that discipline to be life-changing. I have failed abysmally!
However, just like when I go walking, I go slowly, stop, take pictures and reflect on all that I see. I want to absorb the atmosphere. I do not have an ‘A-list’ brain that analyses and takes in everything instantly. I don’t remember everything either! I now read through the Bible about once every five years. I might take a break, but I don’t think I will change that because it is such a wonderful experience. Once I have finished a Bible, I buy a new bible and start over.
You will notice two things in the picture.
First, I use colouring extensively. It helps me take in and analyse what I am reading. Some themes are obvious, like underlining anything I learn about any of the three persons of the Trinity: God – purple, Jesus – light green and the Holy Spirit – light blue. By the time you have read through the bible you have a complete analysis of what the Bible says on these matters and any other themes you consider. So, for example, you know that people who say the Holy Spirit was not active till after Pentecost are, not to put a finer point on it, talking rubbish! I have been right through picking out all references to God’s Spirit and anciliary matters from Genesis to Revelation. This way of working suits me and suits the way my brain works! I learn a lot.
I have an expensive German leather pencil case which I was given years ago.
Whilst I am not that keen on the modern use of the expression ‘Mindful’, it does describe this method very well. Peterson, to whom I shall refer later, describes the Bible as “another world, one we find our way into and one that finds its way into us”. Reading the bible is not unlike eating.
The second thing the more observant will notice is that the picture does not show a standard translation. In its various versions, the New International Version [NIV] is the ‘go-to’ straight translation of the Bible, which most would recommend. It is one of the most widely used orthodox texts.
Over the last five years, I have immensely enjoyed and benefited from reading The Message Devotional Bible. This is ‘free translation’. It is not a word for word translation. You do need to refer back to standard texts from time. Sadly, a few people even even say that such a work is sinful and only strictly accurate texts are allowed! I think they have a very narrow view of the nature of Scripture, translation and languages.
Despite this, I would highly recommend The Message Devotional Edition, providing you do refer back to an orthodox text. It is a deeply scholarly work by someone with a gift for languages and writing who has done time as a church leader working with ordinary folk like me. The comments and notes have been culled by others from a lifetime of Peterson’s sermons and books.
If you want to refresh your reading, have a go. Do read all the notes and introductions they are so thoughtful and challenging.
