Best Bible to give a new believer?

Question

I have a friend who is seeking and wants to start reading. In terms of translation, I prefer NIV, but that's just my *preference* for my own Bible, so I am open to suggestions. I also am looking for a study one with commentary along the side to help when the person reads.

Any suggestions? Any of you particularly like your Bibles and would recommend it to a new believer?

Answer 1

I love mine, it is the New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Bible with Apocrypha. I love it so much because, like the NIV, the language is easy to understand, each chapter has an introduction, explanatory text (annotation) is included on every page at the bottom, and there are many great maps in the back. I prefer it to those labeled "study bibles" because I think those tend to be too leading. Not that being lead is bad, but when this is your first experience, maybe you want to form some opinions on your own? I would definitely recommend this bible to a friend or a new believer. Here is the exact bible I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Apocrypha-Augmented-Revised-Standard/dp/0195288807/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_3

Answer 2

As Peter said generally Mormons try to make a point that the Book of Mormon teaches the same things that are in the Bible and that LDS doctrine is Biblical. The reason is because so many Bible thumpers don't read their own book, they ridicule polygamy for instance when it is practiced by practically EVERY Biblical writer, LOL. One of the reason's I believe in Christianity is because of the additional witnesses found in modern scripture. I too would find Christianity pretty hard to believe by simply reading the Bible. But having an LDS perspective gives much clarity on what the Bible really is. It's not written by the hand of God, the authors didn't use an "auto-writing" trance when they wrote it. The Bible is written by men of God, which in some cases either attributed murdering to being sanctioned by God, or there is a very bad mistranslation. It was written thousands of years ago, during a pretty barbaric time in history, and those who wrote it can no longer provide us with a modern revision.

Answer 3

Tough call. I usually recommend this to young Bible readers - the notes appear to be excellent and informative without being biased, just as is the Contemporary English Version. Very easy to read, so the newbie won't be put off.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585160172?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1585160172



If this person is of a more scholarly bent, I recommend the New Jerusalem Bible - only for the interested scholar, though.



Jim, http://www.BibleSelector.com



P.S. I noticed one answer recommended the New Oxford Annotated Bible. Like the New Jerusalem Bible, an excellent scholarly study Bible (though not as excellent as the NJB). Definitely only for the well-educated reader.

Answer 4

I like the New Living Translation Life Application Study bible. The life application study bible does also come with other translations such as NIV and NKJ and others I think. I love it because the notes are so interesting and explain parts I don’t understand. The NLT makes for easy reading. I would recommend it for someone who is seeking or is a new Christian.



The KJV is great for memorising verses and is more accurate than modern translations but I think the NKJV makes it a lot easier to understand so I read that one as well.



As you like the NIV then why not read that one together? :)

Answer 5

I would go with the NIV. When I came to Christ I tried other bibles but most were just confusing. Then I got the NIV bible and it's very clear and understandable. If anything just pray about it :)

Answer 6

Ex 23:13 tells us not to use the names of heathen mighty ones. (that rule eliminates most 'translations') I would suggest the Bethel edition of Scriptures. Jacob Meyer took the American Standard translation, which is pretty good, and inserted the appropriate names for the Savior and the Creator.

Answer 7

King James Version

Answer 8

Many copyists have allowed the insertion the title "LORD" instead of the divine name in most of the over SIX THOUSAND instances in their 'translations' of the Hebrew Scriptures. Not only is this inaccurate, but it is a purposeful, blatant misuse of God's Name. (Ex. 20:7)



A good Bible that uses God's Name in all instances found in Scripture is the New World Translation.



Preview the NWT online:

http://www.watchtower.org/bible/

Answer 9

I'm an atheist, but I've always liked NIV myself.

Answer 10

Give them a copy of the bible written by Thomas Jefferson. He took all the mumbo jumbo out of it and left only the precepts of living a good, decent life.

Answer 11

A Catholic Teaching bible will be the most complete that you can find. Sorry you have lost your mind.

Answer 12

New World Translation is written in today's English so it is easier to understand.



Have them contact a local Kingdom Hall.

Answer 13

the Koran

Answer 14

just give them a fairy tale book its all pretty much the same anyway