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VSL: Which Bible!

Posted By Nosameerf 08/10/2009 16:06:43
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VSL: Which Bible!

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Nosameerf
Posted 08/10/2009 16:06:43
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Hello Brothers,

The emphasis on the study of the Volume of the Sacred Lore in Freemasonry has led me to the decision that I would like to buy a Bible (being a Christian, though not a very good one!). The problem is that there are many different Bibles available and I don't know whether I should settle for the King James Bible or find some different translation that might be more accurate. Can anyone give me some friendly advice?

Cheers,

Nosameerf



Strength of manhood and beauty of spirit need combination. Masonry thus needs strength with gracefulness, stability with courtesy, and firmness with gentleness.

Sapere aude; incipe!
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bod
Posted 08/10/2009 16:20:14
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Depends on what you want the bible for.
The more modern versions, such as the GNB and the NIV use more modern language.
In most lodges where the VSL is the Bible the KJV is used

There are some who hold that only the KJV is the 'real deal' but that is a matter of personal choice, informed by the beliefs they hold.

I am aware that some masonic suppliers do offer bibles, some of which have the S&C on the front.
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Nosameerf
Posted 08/10/2009 16:30:24
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Thanks Bod. I don't think I would enjoy reading a modern style bible, so it would appear that the King James is leading. I didn't even think to try Masonic suppliers (such as the freemason ;)) for a Bible. The thing is that I am always hearing about mistranslations etc. I know this can't be helped but I was wondering if there was some super new modern Bible that was considered the most accurate in terms of meaning.



Strength of manhood and beauty of spirit need combination. Masonry thus needs strength with gracefulness, stability with courtesy, and firmness with gentleness.

Sapere aude; incipe!
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lauderdale
Posted 08/10/2009 16:31:05
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I have a stong dislike for most of the modern translations and always use the KJV both to read and for any other purpose.

However, if you prefer some other transaltion that is your choice.
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Nosameerf
Posted 08/10/2009 16:38:07
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Thanks Lauderdale. Do you mind if I ask you (and anyone else) if you regularly read the Bible and how do you it e.g. a page a day or just an half an hour etc. Having never read the Bible and wanting to try and understand the meaning fully, I am appreciate of any hints or tips. I am concerned that the sheer size of it may put me off, unless I have some kind of structure.



Strength of manhood and beauty of spirit need combination. Masonry thus needs strength with gracefulness, stability with courtesy, and firmness with gentleness.

Sapere aude; incipe!
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Vintagemalt
Posted 08/10/2009 16:52:25
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Nosameerf (08/10/2009)
Hello Brothers,

The emphasis on the study of the Volume of the Sacred Lore in Freemasonry has led me to the decision that I would like to buy a Bible (being a Christian, though not a very good one!). The problem is that there are many different Bibles available and I don't know whether I should settle for the King James Bible or find some different translation that might be more accurate. Can anyone give me some friendly advice?

Cheers,

Nosameerf

Hi Nosameerf,

This is a question that may well give you as many answers as there are Translations of the Bible.

It will all start with what you want it for and how you want to use it.

I have posted a link here for you to look at descriptions of just some of the various translations. The Volume of the Sacred Law of course is not necessarily an actual Bible.

If you need a Bible that is easy to read and popular with many people the New International Version (NIV) or the Revised Authorised Version (RAV) will probably be the best for you. If you want something more traditional the The King James Version is the standard in most peoples view.

If you want a Bible for occasional reference then you could consider the Masonic Bible which is a KJV but with additional pages at the front and the back with lots of Masonic references and definitions. It also has a nice page for you to list the dates you received your degrees.

This version is given to New Master Masons as  a gift in my Lodge on their raising.

To sum up it really is down to personal preference. Try going into a large bookshop and taking a look at some of the different translations. Maybe you would like more than one!

http://www.amen.org.uk/studies/rhj/bibver.htm

http://www.thefreemason.com/p-319-bible-collins-masonic-presentation.aspx

Stephen

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Vintagemalt
Posted 08/10/2009 17:10:00
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Nosameerf (08/10/2009)
Do you mind if I ask you (and anyone else) if you regularly read the Bible and how do you it e.g. a page a day or just an half an hour etc. Having never read the Bible and wanting to try and understand the meaning fully, I am appreciate of any hints or tips. I am concerned that the sheer size of it may put me off, unless I have some kind of structure.

The sheer size would be enough to put most people off reading the Bible.

I have several Bibles and three different translations. I tend to read little & often I guess i have probably read about two thirds in my lifetime. But I have probably read the New testament several times. This would be my advice;

Start with the New Testament - People who start with the Old Testament rarely get beyond Genesis!

Do not read large amounts in one sitting.

Start with Marks Gospel it is written in chronological order

Then read Matthew it goes into more detail and adds more about the Life of Jesus.

Now you will be ready for John.  It contains a lot of stories of the Life of Jesus not covered in the other two especially the last few weeks of his life.

Then tackle Luke & The Acts - both written by Luke - this describes the early church & how things progressed after the death of Jesus.

If you are still with it and wish to continue read Galatians next.

Now go to Romans and read through to Revelation.

Read in small chunks of a few chapters at a time and most importantly Enjoy it!

Stephen

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bod
Posted 08/10/2009 17:20:26
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I guess it also depends on what you are hoping to get from your readings

For inspiration then you can't beat just opening it to a random page and seeing what you get.
It isn't like a novel that you can read from cover to cover, there is a lot of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the OT) that goes into genealogy - so pages of 'Jehosophat begat Jebediah who begat Elzebel' etc
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lauderdale
Posted 08/10/2009 18:25:19
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No I don't read the Bible every day, few people who are not Clergy or deeply religious do so I would imagine. I do read it from time to time, particularly if I am looking for some specific text or sometimes just for inspiration. Bod's suugestion of opeing it at random can be helpful as one can come across some part which are seldom rad in churches or quoted but which nevertheless can be interesting.

The beauty of the language of the KGV ranks with that of the Book of Common Prayer, and the works of Shakespeare in my opinion. The more modern versions may be easier to understand but something is lost in the traslation, Just imagine if they were to modernise the language in which Masonic Rituals such as Taylors or Lauderdale are written. "Worshipful Junior Warden there's a knock at the door" YEUCH!
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Alan Campbell
Posted 08/10/2009 18:48:34
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I have 2 masonic KJV bibles and a romn catholic bible. Both the masonic bibes are very good in the sense that they explain in the first passages all the relevant points regarding freemasonry. They also explain who the characters are, like ruth, solomon,boaz, etc.

The roman catholic bible i got for the appochrypha at the beginning, this is a selection of books from the same period but were never canonised, in these books is the book of Maccabbees which describes the building of the 3rd holy temple.

Bibles are, to me anyway, a very personal thing. I still have my brothers old Boys Brigade bible and this has been read a good many times.

Like Lauderdale, and we have discussed this before, i really dislike the modern style bibles and hymnary's which have taken out all mention of fighting for god, or watered down what has been done in the past. These stories have been passed down for many thousands of years and we don't need some liberal arty farty over protective PC group changing it and trying to spoil it.

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