The Bible - Cover to Cover

“The Message – Remix”

The bible in contemporary language
Edited by Eugene H Peterson

Reading the bible is something everyone should do at least once in their life. Even non-Christians. There is a reason why it is the best selling book in history, and the first ever to be printed.

It is an intimidating book though. Firstly, it’s thick, even with the extra thin paper it is still a relatively thick book. It was my first aversion to tackling it, thinking that I would never get through it. Secondly, what you read in the book might force some life changing decisions to be made.

I made some rules for myself. I didn’t want to join a yearly reading plan, as I knew I would get unmotivated when I fell behind. With my work situation I knew I would fall behind. I would plough along at my own speed. I read other books concurrently as I would get unmotivated seeing all the other books on my shelves not getting read. It worked well for me, as I couldn’t read for more than 30 minutes most of the time.

There are so many versions of the bible. It is an important choice of which one to read cover to cover. I went with ‘The Message’ version on the recommendation of my parents who had previously completed the bible cover to cover. The ‘Remix’ version has verse and chapter references whereas the original didn’t. It seems taylor made for an introduction to bible reading and cover-to-cover reading in particular. It has no footnotes (or cheat notes), which are good for study but can be distracting for this purpose.

It took me 20 months to finish, not bad considering I thought it would take me at least 2 years, but what now? Finishing reading the bible cover to cover just opens the door to a life of bible study. I could go in a few directions to start with.

1. Cover to cover reading of the ‘Daily Bible’ comprising of a New Testament reading, Old Testament reading and a Psalm or Proverb reading everyday. Again I would read at my own pace and have concurrent books.
2. Start seriously studying one book at a time. I have the study bible with a commentary ready to go. Where to start would be my first question. So many books of the bible peeked an interest while reading it through. Mainly minor prophets and epistles.
3. Both these options will probably be put on the backburner as my life situation goes through a major change. In the mean time I think I will give my overcrowded bookshelves some attention and get into some shorter reading: Christian books, novels, sporting biographies, political biographies/commentaries. It’s all fun.

The GFC Storm

“S**tstorm”
by Lenore Taylor and David Uren

This book is a narrative of the events surrounding the global financial crisis (GFC) and the Labor government’s response. It gives background to the GFC that most wouldn’t have known or thought about. Those closely involved with the response such as Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan were interviewed and provide tremendous insight into what they had to deal with and why they did it.

It’s not a commentary or an opinion piece. It does not offer much in the way of rebuttal, which would comprise another entire book. Although there are moments where either the author or ministers involved acknowledged that they could have done things better in hindsight. There is still a definite lack of serious critique on what took place.

Whatever your thoughts are of their justification for responding a certain way, it must be acknowledged that the situation was potentially very serious for our nation. This might be good introductory reading if interested in exploring the effects of the GFC. Ironically soon after the publication of this book the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, was ousted by his deputy, Julia Gillard. His handling of the GFC being sighted as a reason.

Token Woman

ABC political talk show, Q and A, this week touched on the topic of females in executive positions, or lack thereof.

Westpac CEO, Gail Kelly, was asked why this is the case especially given the equality of educational opportunities in Australia. She answered with rhetoric about the problems with corporate organisation. The focus was purely on numbers.

The real answer is much simpler. That is, given all the opportunities under the sun the majority of women want to get married and have children. This requires a level of career sacrifice. The majority of women are content with their decision. Janet Albrechtsen was the only one on the panel to point out this unspoken fact. How refreshing it was to hear a woman talk ill of feminism.

Unfortunately though it is the feminist minority that are outspoken on the issue and are aghast at such numbers when they become public.

Anything other than merit-based appointments is pure tokenism.

Devilishly Clever

Appears that the Labor Party and the Unions are up to their old tricks in an effort to fool the general public into voting for them, again.

Just check out the ads, websites and the paraphernalia plonked in your letterboxes.

Where has the Labor logo gone? It is nowhere to be seen on signs, pamphlets and TV ads. They know they are on the nose so much that they are distancing themselves from their own brand. Instead they are attempting instil some community spirit by putting their candidate out there as a “local for us” who has “stood by us”. Don’t be fooled, it’s another act of desperation from a party that will do whatever it takes to hold onto power.

You may have also seen ads on TV for a campaign to make NSW a ‘better state’. The punch line states, “Before I vote, I want some answers”. This is nothing more than an attempt by Unions NSW to pull cotton wool over the eyes of the electorate. On its website you can punch in your postcode and see where your local candidates stand on important issues. Low and behold it shows only the candidates that agree with the Unions NSW ‘5 point plan’ and their method for achieving them. Nothing but local, I mean Labor, and Greens candidates. No mention of where any other candidates stand on important issues. It is a very one-sided display that one has come to expect from unions.

Discernment is required, otherwise it will be more of the same.