Should I read the bible?

[Möbiµs]

I think I will be the first one to tell you NOT to read it. There are much better books to read. Personally, I would maybe start with Plato and move on to Epicurus. Why not some Orwell, Nietzsche, Machiavelli, Kant etc.

Don't just waste your time on fiction.

 

[Aught3]

Or at least make sure it is enjoyable fiction?

 

[ImprobableJoe]

You know what's really fun? Read one of those illustrated Bible stories for kids, and compare it to the actual Bible passages in question.

 

[theatheistguy]

Things that are translated word for word are the worst translations. Other languages are nowhere near the structure of English and when you do word for word what you get is a really poor understanding.

Yea I know what you're getting at although, reading a phrase for phrase translation is open to massive interpretation, much more so than word for word, at least with w4w (with some form of commentary or annotation) allows you to see what the words means. Short of learning Hebrew and Greek, its the best option.

An alternative option would be to read a comparison bible (it has multiple translations side by side) and get a more rounded view.