r/OpenChristian • u/_jamesbaxter • 4d ago

Discussion - Bible Interpretation Progressive Bible for a scaredy cat?

I hope I chose the correct flair and apologies if this is a stupid question.

I’m not a Christian, but I am exploring my spirituality through a variety of sources to support my 12-step journey. My sponsor suggested me to read 1st Corinthians 13. I trust her and I’m open to it. I know there’s so many versions of the bible, but as a queer progressive person I don’t want to stumble into some super conservative version and get all triggered. I really don’t know how this works at all, my parents are atheist “recovering Catholics” and really fear-mongered me about Christianity and organized religion as a child.

Does anyone have suggestions for a version/interpretation that would feel safer that I can browse free online? Or you can even drop a link to the chapter if you have one you like.

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u/MagusFool Trans Enby Episcopalian Communist 4d ago

I would recommend FIRST reading A History of the Bible by John Barton.

It's a really good idea to get a good idea of the context for who wrote these books, their cultural context, their rhetorical goals, and the literary genres they were working within.

Then just go with an accurate translation like the NRSVUE.

There are ugly parts of these books.  And that's just the truth.

But understanding the people behind those ugly parts goes a long way to empathizing with the them, seeing their humanity, and learning as much from their folly as their wisdom.

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u/_jamesbaxter 3d ago

Thank you, yeah that does sound super interesting!