NASB

God and numerous human authors collection over 2000 years. The writers are a varied lot from a diverse set of professions, life situations, times, languages, and styles. Throughout my early life I had an intense dislike for what I thought was Christianity. When I finally took the time to read the Bible I found something completely different from what I expected. The book of John introduced me to a very different sort of Jesus, someone that I could respect and wanted to know. The book of show more James told me that if Christianity was true, that people's lives should change, and that hypocrisy wasn't something that should be associated with Christianity. These two sections of the Bible started me on my journey as a Christian which has affected my entire adult life. Over the years I have read the Bible through several times. Some sections are incredibly boring, others are hard to understand, still others are shocking, yet I find myself regularly challenged and encouraged. The Bible has shaped my life in countless ways. The first change was to give me hope. When I entered college I had pretty much given up on people and any hope for this world. I tried to avoid relationships and was looking for ways to get away from humanity so when everything fell apart I could take care of myself. Studying the Bible encouraged me to re-engage the world and do what I could for my fellow man. God's concern for the powerless has made me more compassionate and motivated me to work with internationals and refugees. Thru my adolescence I tended to view people in a very black or white way. Either people where worthy of respect and 100% trustworthy, or they where idiots who had nothing value to say or contribute. The frank portrayals of great men of faith, who were deeply flawed helped me realize that I can't expect perfection from anyone, but rather I should cherish and learn from any good I see in others. Most important, I learned the importance of forgiveness... both receiving it and being willing to extend it. show less

New American Standard Bible remains my favorite English translation. Although some criticize it, those understanding the Greek language and its tenses and moods appreciate the manner translators incorporated them into the translation. I prefer the old 1977 edition to the updated edition, but I still enjoy reading this text after all these years.

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

I do love the New American Standard Bible. I love the 1977 and the 1995 most. Though there are others with that name. 1971 and 1973 are long out of print. 2020 is 'new'. I don't actively dislike the 2020. I don't, I'm show more not one of those extremists that must avoid it at all costs or a rant will be forthcoming. I am perfectly fine with the 2020.

The format of this one IS unique. It's a square essentially. The columns are VERY wide as the pages themselves are very wide. This Bible takes up all of your lap. (For better or worse). The font size is generously large. It is purposefully bulky and awkward.

I did enjoy this one MORE than the NRSV XL which I also reviewed this year. The paper was not extra wrinkly. You could look at the NRSV XL and the pages would start to wrinkle, fold, crumple. It was a MESS.

I liked this one mostly. I love, love, love the translation. But it wasn't easy to read in lap. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

It is verse by verse. It is black letter. It is double column. The font size, as I mentioned, is large. It is comfort print. It has many things that are positive. I just didn't exactly love the square awkwardness. show less

I started reading the Bible when I was 5 years old - random readings. I was a 'born again' Christian by the age of 15 years old. Then as a young adult, I started studying the Bible via church leaders and scholars. I participated fully in church and church related activities. Took many courses from seminaries and bible schools. Then in my thirties, I found the need to read the Bible without outside influence. So, I read it cover to cover -- Gen. 1:1 to Rev. 22:21 -- six times from 1980 to show more 1986. I filled dozens of spiral notebooks with my findings, feelings and thoughts. About half-way through my 7th reading I discovered I had become an atheist -- a lack of belief in god(s). The Bible and all religious tomes (I have read the major ones) have stories, proverbs and parables that can offer insight into the kinder, gentler side of humanity. They also show us how fear, power and prejudice can cause people to assign responsibility for these 'failings' to a god or gods. So yes, I think the Bible is worth reading but not just the 'feel good' parts -- read all of it if you are going to read it. show less