Catholic Herald Reporter ADOZEN suggestions for reading the Bible with profit were made last week by Fr. Alexander Jones when he gave three talks in one day to 10 North and Midland Circles of the Newman Association meeting in Sheffield.
Avoid Bible "hysteria", he warned, beware lest a revival of bible studies results in an "exhumation" instead of a "resurrection".
Remember that the writers were human tools used by Gad, reminded Fr. Jones. Their styles differed and their imagery was coloured by the customs of their time. We must not therefore retain certain injunctions literally. such as the wearing of headgear by women in church, as being necessarily applicable to the faithful today. Look for stimulations when reading the Bible. he urged. Do not be obsessed with errors. Don't read the Bible chronologi-ally i‘eite careful choice. Reed the Bible in a language other than your ()en. in wheal )ou are Het too fluent -this will ensure slow reading.
Acquire a good annotated edition to absorb more easily the mind of the Bible. It is the "substatice" we need and only in a lesser degree the "accidents".
The Conference, entitled "The Bible in perspectivewas attended by more than 80 members, by the National President, Dr. Oliver Pratt, and by members of the Anglican Church.