I read John 2-3 this morning. No matter how many times one reads the Gospels, they never get old and more people, of any faith or no faith at all, should be familiar with these foundational writings of Western Civilization.
I’ve been reading them in one way or another most of my life (though not enough as I should). It really is surprising how they still speak. I was reading the Sermon on the Mount this morning. I love that passage; it’s fresh every time.
What a great idea! I'm in! All of this is so interesting! My two favorite translations are the CSB and the NASV. For easier reading I use the NLT. The one with all of the names in Greek would hurt my brain! Thanks for the schedule, btw.
May I recommend the midrashes and commentary of the American Sufi, Neil Douglas Klotz, on the Aramaic Jesus and especially his latest (2022) Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus. He has a PhD in the semiotics of ancient Semitic languages and as a Sufi is a devotee of Jesus, as was Ibn Arabi. Douglas Klotz crossing with my study of AN Whitehead combined with Eugene Gendlin’s philosophy and practices of the implicit and decades of Buddhist practice has brought me back into the living inspiring relationship with Jesus I experienced while in a Waldorf kindergarten in São Paulo before the traumas of my family moving to Chicago.
The most beautiful thing I learned in the last few years is from his latest book, that the I am statements in John were written by someone with Aramaic ears who would have known the Aramaic version, Ina’na urha wa srara wa hayye. I I is the illuminated path, sense of direction and life energy. Seems Jesus’ breakthrough was understanding we don’t have to kill the small I with its community of voices to open into the big I ruha breath, wind, soul, participating in Alaha. We only have to turn toward the small I with our heart (leba) and resonate with the small I and its suffering to discover ourselves as soul participating in Alaha.
This is something psychotherapies such as Internal Family Systems and Inner Relationship Focusing are rediscovering.
I used to say the Lord’s Prayer every night before bed as a kid and now I contemplate Jesus’ prayer in the Aramaic, revelatory.
The first line, each syllable of the first word Abwoon carries fields of meanings, refers to divine parenting and the next d’bashmaya, has shem in its heart, “name,” ie, the signature presencing of a being, here all that is birthing us. Abwoon also refers to Abba, Daddy. Each word and line has many meanings, an expanded version by Douglas Klotz of the first line is:
Fascinating too to learn from Dennis MacDonald’s work that the Gospels continually draw on Greek mythology as templates and implicit references. That’s how people composed in the Ancient Greek world using mimesis. For example, the Gospel of John uses Euripides Bacchae as inspiration and template. This was not plagiarism it was drawing on all that supports and co-creates with us. Something CS Lewis understood. In Prince Caspian a young wild Bacchus with his retinue cries out, “Is it a Romp, Aslan?” “And it seems it was,” Lewis adds. How many understand what close friends Jesus and Dionysus are? We only learn of it letting go of a priori assumptions and discovering ourselves freshly born in every moment, the early Christian practice of Bereshit (Genesis).
Helpful to remember that strict monotheism is a more recent invention—and be very wary of the legacy of state sponsored religion.
I'm in. Whether one love or hates Christianity -- or finds it entirely irrelevant -- the influence of the Bible on western civilization cannot be denied. I'll be using the Word on Fire Bible vol. 1: The Gospels. I bought it when it first came out, but I've yet to read it straight through. I like their description of it's being a cathedral in print: designed to be beautiful and including commentary on both the art and the text.
I restacked this, but I also wanted to saw that when I was the nanny for a Muslim family last year I started reading the Quran. It’s a very poetic and interesting read. There are overlapping characters with Christianity.
I still read the new kings james version as it keeps a lot of the translated poetry thats missing in the newer versions. Though if u can be bothered to read the original hebrew ( translatedx! I cant read hebrew:) its worth the effort to see the cyclical/repetitive methods used and their poetic style. I hope those that read these gospels also read it spiritually , though i get this is a reading exercise and not looking for spiritual
Enlightenment. Useful to look at greek and hebrew translation’s in some areas to get a better understanding of the message as Jesus refers to OT prophecies and quotes in his teachings . The different ‘audience’ of readers they write to makes for different angles of their view of their belief. Yes i like Bible gateway . For fun and overall summary of the gospels to get things in context, the Bible Project cartoons on utube are good:) it helps in having an overview before proper reading. The books you refer to
Look interesting. ‘Cultural
Christian’ grates! To me One is either a follower or not but its a decent title for cultural references, and discussions on Christian influences on the world if one has no belief system. . These are books of guidance in the Way and Gods sacrificial love. Hope all are blessed reading them, no matter faith or not❤️interested to ask , at the end, which disciple or character most relates ? Mine is OT Jonah:) moaning to the end! and want to do it my way haha and Peter, impulsive and many times forgiven, there is hope!!! :) enjoy!!
I’ve really enjoyed the NKJV. I worked for over a decade at Thomas Nelson, and that was the house translation. Wonderful to be able to read the original languages!
Glad to join this. I have been reading the Gospels each morning for a while now. Great way to start my day.
p.s. I am using the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible.
Excellent!
We should have a place for where we can talk about what we read or learned. Chat maybe? Not trying to add more to your plate though, haha!
That’s a great idea. I’ll noodle on it.
I read John 2-3 this morning. No matter how many times one reads the Gospels, they never get old and more people, of any faith or no faith at all, should be familiar with these foundational writings of Western Civilization.
I’ve been reading them in one way or another most of my life (though not enough as I should). It really is surprising how they still speak. I was reading the Sermon on the Mount this morning. I love that passage; it’s fresh every time.
The Word on Fire Bible is magnificent..Volume 1 is the gospels (Revised Standard Version-Catholic)..,surrounded by ancient and contemporary commentary and gorgeous art. https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/word-on-fire-bible-volume-i?gad_campaignid=10256918096&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADRlcdrbI7GNO425de3sKIpSQrXE7&gc_id=10256918096&h_ad_id=557425176419&h_ga_id=101940053906&h_keyword=word%20on%20fire%20bible&h_keyword_id=kwd-915301090983&h_placement=
Thanks for sharing! I’ve seen the sales page before. It looks fantastic!
They’re up through volume 5 of 7. Exquisite and very inspiring.
This is beautiful! I will be asking for this for Christmas, I believe! Thanks for the link!
My favorite! So gorgeous and the commentary is so great.
I’m in. I’ve gotten off track with my Bible reading recently and had been considering picking up with the gospels, so this is timely.
Awesome. I’m glad to hear that. There’s never a bad time to start up again.
What a great idea! I'm in! All of this is so interesting! My two favorite translations are the CSB and the NASV. For easier reading I use the NLT. The one with all of the names in Greek would hurt my brain! Thanks for the schedule, btw.
Excellent! The CSB seems to be gaining a lot of traction recently.
Re Ruden’s translation, it takes a bit of getting used to!
If you
want to learn more about Christianity, read Elaine Pagels new book Miracles and Wonder.
I’ve not read that one yet. I’ve read several of her books, most recently her book on Revelation. I’ve really enjoyed her work over the years.
May I recommend the midrashes and commentary of the American Sufi, Neil Douglas Klotz, on the Aramaic Jesus and especially his latest (2022) Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus. He has a PhD in the semiotics of ancient Semitic languages and as a Sufi is a devotee of Jesus, as was Ibn Arabi. Douglas Klotz crossing with my study of AN Whitehead combined with Eugene Gendlin’s philosophy and practices of the implicit and decades of Buddhist practice has brought me back into the living inspiring relationship with Jesus I experienced while in a Waldorf kindergarten in São Paulo before the traumas of my family moving to Chicago.
The most beautiful thing I learned in the last few years is from his latest book, that the I am statements in John were written by someone with Aramaic ears who would have known the Aramaic version, Ina’na urha wa srara wa hayye. I I is the illuminated path, sense of direction and life energy. Seems Jesus’ breakthrough was understanding we don’t have to kill the small I with its community of voices to open into the big I ruha breath, wind, soul, participating in Alaha. We only have to turn toward the small I with our heart (leba) and resonate with the small I and its suffering to discover ourselves as soul participating in Alaha.
This is something psychotherapies such as Internal Family Systems and Inner Relationship Focusing are rediscovering.
I used to say the Lord’s Prayer every night before bed as a kid and now I contemplate Jesus’ prayer in the Aramaic, revelatory.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve prayed the Jesus Prayer (in English) for years. I wonder what the experience is like is in Aramaic.
The first line, each syllable of the first word Abwoon carries fields of meanings, refers to divine parenting and the next d’bashmaya, has shem in its heart, “name,” ie, the signature presencing of a being, here all that is birthing us. Abwoon also refers to Abba, Daddy. Each word and line has many meanings, an expanded version by Douglas Klotz of the first line is:
O birthing, fathering-mothering of the cosmos,
You are creating all that moves and changes,
To and from, within and along with
A boundless wave of light and sound.
Fascinating too to learn from Dennis MacDonald’s work that the Gospels continually draw on Greek mythology as templates and implicit references. That’s how people composed in the Ancient Greek world using mimesis. For example, the Gospel of John uses Euripides Bacchae as inspiration and template. This was not plagiarism it was drawing on all that supports and co-creates with us. Something CS Lewis understood. In Prince Caspian a young wild Bacchus with his retinue cries out, “Is it a Romp, Aslan?” “And it seems it was,” Lewis adds. How many understand what close friends Jesus and Dionysus are? We only learn of it letting go of a priori assumptions and discovering ourselves freshly born in every moment, the early Christian practice of Bereshit (Genesis).
Helpful to remember that strict monotheism is a more recent invention—and be very wary of the legacy of state sponsored religion.
Thanks for that as well. I’ll check it out.
I think I’m going to do it.
Sweet!
A reading list on the influence of Christianity on the West should begin with Christopher Dawson.
I'm in. I'll be using the Ignatius Study Bible (RSV Second Catholic Edition)
I almost included a Christopher Dawson book on my list! I haven’t read enough of his work.
I'm in. Whether one love or hates Christianity -- or finds it entirely irrelevant -- the influence of the Bible on western civilization cannot be denied. I'll be using the Word on Fire Bible vol. 1: The Gospels. I bought it when it first came out, but I've yet to read it straight through. I like their description of it's being a cathedral in print: designed to be beautiful and including commentary on both the art and the text.
You’re in good company! So big fans of that edition in this thread so far.
I restacked this, but I also wanted to saw that when I was the nanny for a Muslim family last year I started reading the Quran. It’s a very poetic and interesting read. There are overlapping characters with Christianity.
I’ve only read it in parts, and not openmindedly. I need to give it true effort.
This aligns nicely with my studies, so why not? I'm in with the Catholic NABRE.
Excellent!
I’m in! 🙋♀️
Should be fun!
I still read the new kings james version as it keeps a lot of the translated poetry thats missing in the newer versions. Though if u can be bothered to read the original hebrew ( translatedx! I cant read hebrew:) its worth the effort to see the cyclical/repetitive methods used and their poetic style. I hope those that read these gospels also read it spiritually , though i get this is a reading exercise and not looking for spiritual
Enlightenment. Useful to look at greek and hebrew translation’s in some areas to get a better understanding of the message as Jesus refers to OT prophecies and quotes in his teachings . The different ‘audience’ of readers they write to makes for different angles of their view of their belief. Yes i like Bible gateway . For fun and overall summary of the gospels to get things in context, the Bible Project cartoons on utube are good:) it helps in having an overview before proper reading. The books you refer to
Look interesting. ‘Cultural
Christian’ grates! To me One is either a follower or not but its a decent title for cultural references, and discussions on Christian influences on the world if one has no belief system. . These are books of guidance in the Way and Gods sacrificial love. Hope all are blessed reading them, no matter faith or not❤️interested to ask , at the end, which disciple or character most relates ? Mine is OT Jonah:) moaning to the end! and want to do it my way haha and Peter, impulsive and many times forgiven, there is hope!!! :) enjoy!!
I’ve really enjoyed the NKJV. I worked for over a decade at Thomas Nelson, and that was the house translation. Wonderful to be able to read the original languages!
How interesting! Itvis a brilliant translation.
I'm in!
Awesome!