How to Read the Bible (Even When It Feels Complicated)
Reading the Bible is not a one-size-fits-all experience. People come to it from every walk of life—with different cultures, histories, traumas, joys, and spiritual journeys. And each of us brings along a worldview, often shaped long before we even realized we had one. That worldview frames how we read the Bible—sometimes enriching our understanding, but other times clouding it.
Think about it: when the Bible speaks of “Father,” what comes to your mind? That image is likely colored by your own experiences with authority, parenting, or even pain. Or take the word “sin.” For some, that word brings shame or fear; for others, confusion, defiance, or a deep hunger for grace. We all come with preconceived ideas about what sin is, what counts as worse, and how it should be handled.
Memory plays a role, too. Many of us first encountered the Bible as children—through colorful storybooks, flannelgraph figures, or songs about animals marching two by two. That was a beautiful starting point, but not the destination. If we never return to those stories with grown-up questions and grown-up lenses, we risk holding a childish view of a profoundly mature and complex book.
I think about this often as a parent. My 3.5-year-old daughter is learning Bible stories—the kind with big boats and big fish. That’s a good foundation. But I don’t want her to stop there. As she grows, I want to help her unpack the historical, ethical, and symbolic richness of these texts. The challenge—and the reward—lies in revisiting those familiar stories with fresh eyes and deeper curiosity.
The same goes for adults. Some of us stopped engaging deeply with the Bible long ago. Others may be stuck on difficult questions: What about contradictions? What about violence and judgment? What about hell? These are not small concerns—and they deserve thoughtful engagement. We may not have all the answers, but we can offer real data, honest discussion, and respectful space to wrestle.
The Bible wasn’t written yesterday. It comes from another world—another time. To really understand it, we need to step into that world. That means listening to ancient authors in their own cultural context, not grading their ideas by our 21st-century standards. If we approach Scripture with humility and patience, we might uncover insights we never expected. We might also have our assumptions challenged. And that’s okay—growth always starts with a little tension.
So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, skeptical, unsure where to start—or if you’ve just been curious but cautious—this is your invitation.
Come study with me. Let’s ask the hard questions. Let’s learn how to read the Bible with open eyes and open hearts. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to dig in. Who knows? You might discover it’s not what you thought. And even if it is—at least we did the work. Together.
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