Another Bible writing/transcribing update
(asking questions that can feel blasphemous)
For those unfamiliar with another of my missions, I’ve been transcribing the entire Bible by hand for several months now:
This effort continues to be a blessing in more ways than I can explain or even discern. I’m grateful to be immersed in the Word, and I urge any of you to consider taking this on.
At the same time, I feel like another calling might be happening:
I’m currently working on the Book of Nehemiah. That means the last book I’ve completed writing is Ezra. As with much of this section of the Old Testament, it can feel like a repetitive slog.
The message of Ezra is beautiful and meaningful. Despite the constant transgressions of the Israelites, God grants them another chance to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. You might recognize the book of Ezra as a precursor to the parable of the prodigal son.
Unlike that parable, however, the 10 chapters of Ezra don’t (to me) present a clear, compelling narrative. To my eye, those 10 chapters could literally make the same point in just a couple of paragraphs.
Yes, I fully realize how pompous and heretical that ^ last paragraph can appear to be. But I’m not pretending to know more or better than those who wrote and compiled the Bible. Rather, I’m pondering a potential calling that I touched on in one of the posts above.
Would it be helpful if someone were to carefully edit the full Bible to dramatically reduce the redundancy? There are major chunks of entire Old Testament books that simply repeat (sometimes more than once) what was already written about in painstaking detail, perhaps just one or two books prior.
The full Bible obviously serves a foundational purpose. But if so few modern humans can or will even try to push through it, is there any harm in creating an edited version that can serve as an entry point for our broken world? How helpful would such a version be in guiding us to embrace the full Bible?
How many people reading this post right now would be more likely to read the Scriptures if there were a version available that was 50 to 70 percent shorter — without straying from the original narrative and purpose?
Anyway, this is some of what’s on my mind these days…
P.S. Jupi sends her abundant love…
********************************************************************
Cheerful Giver - NYC now has its own website!
To learn more about my mission and spread the word, this is the link to use.
I’M NOW ACCEPTING DONATIONS VIA CASH, CHECK, AND SNAIL MAIL…
Friends, I could use your support for my ongoing mission of 9-plus years to help homeless women and other vulnerable souls on the streets of NYC. Here’s how:
First option: To avoid any extra fees, digital tracking, or corporate involvement, I’d love for you to send cash or checks (payable to Michael Zezima) to:
Mickey Z.
PO Box 9028
Astoria, NY 11103
—
Also, you can:
Donate at GoFundMe
Donate at Ko-fi
Donate at Venmo: @Michael-Zezima-1
Make a monthly pledge at Patreon
Order items from my wishlist
Follow me on Instagram
Share all the above info by sharing this link!
Thank you in advance!
Also a catholic raised child. So many questions where never answered in class. I am of the belief the bible has been rewritten that suited the powers at the time. History is written by the victors. There are many ancient biblical texts and parallels that come from ancient countries, all valuable. There also art and artifacts.
I've heard of a few people doing this or at least chapters or books. I've always written out verses but have been trying to do it more often. Handwriting has neurological benefits as well. Try magnesium oil spray for the cramps. Works great!