Please read through a portion (one or two chapters is enough) of any of the Deuterocanonical books (the books included in Catholic and Greek Orthodox Bibles, but not ususally included in Protestant Bibles). I recommend especially Ecclesiasticus (Sirach), but the other books are worth looking at as well.Note what you find particularly interesting in the selection you read. Would you ever read through the Deuterocanonicals on your own? Why, or why not?
If you have fallen behind on the blogs, you meet do additional entries on other Deuterocanonical books. [Please note: the link I give here has a pretty idiosyncratic list of the Apocrypha. "Bel and the Dragon" and "Susannah" are usually just called "additions to Daniel" and that's where you will find them in most Catholic Bibles.]
The thing I found most interesting about the book of Tobias was that it was similar to the Bible and had a lot to do with fish guts. I would read through it on my own, if I ever had down time and it was the only thing around. I would much rather read the Bible, but if it was my only choice I would not say no. The Deuterocanonical books are interesting and different, but one has to be careful not to take them too literally. Different books like these and the apocrypha can lead people astray. The Bible is the only true book and is the only one that should be read when looking for answers and understanding. However the Dueterocanonical books are good for a laugh especially when fish guts are used to scare away demons. -Kelly Longden
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the readings in Ecclesiasticus. I think the way it just delivers sections of wisdom in such a direct and memorable way makes the book so entertaining. I personally love reading quotes, and this book just seems to be a collection of virtues and quotes to live by. I do know that it is one of the more quoted apocryphal books, and I am honestly not surprised. Despite the fact it is not Inspired by God, much wisdom can be gained from the writings in this very captivating book.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first two chapters of Ecclesiasticus, I must say that I really like the book. The advice that is given seems to be very wise and valuable to me. I think I may take the time to read the rest of Ecclesiasticus someday. Even though it is not considered scripture, I don't know why we don't use this book more often in Christian education.
ReplyDeleteClaire DeMilia
After hearing the story told in class, I decided to read/scan Judith. I was not disappointed. This was such an interesting story. And more than that, it is told very well. The language and feeling of the story is so similar to Old Testament style, so it feels very familiar and comfortable to read. And what a fascinating story! I would like to read it more carefully sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to my opinion on Ecclesiasticus, I understand why this isn't scripture, but I still think that this story should be used more. More Christians should be familiar with this story.
Claire DeMilia
I chose to read on the book of Wisdom. When I saw it, I was ecstatic, because I saw it referenced many times throughout both Augustine and Aquinas this semester in Politics and Religion, and I never knew what WIS stood for when being cited. Now I know it's just a book not included in any Bible I've ever read...
ReplyDeleteANYWAY
I chose Wisdom because I thought it would basically be another Proverbs book, but I was mistaken. I love Proverbs for all the insight, and each passage serves to make you a better person in general, but when I read through Wisdom, it felt like I had a stern evangelist breathing down my neck. The language wasn't as beautiful. I started with Chapter 1, skipped to 15, and then 19 to see if anything would change. The author constantly makes references to sinning and falling out of God's good grace, and repentance to find His favor again. The language isn't as beautiful, it repetitive, and the same kind of message can be found throughout the Bible anyway. With Proverbs, Psalms, and Solomon's Songs, I just feel better for reading it. With Wisdom, I feel like I'm being lectured, and I'm slightly disappointed that it didn't turn out to be another Proverbs, and I'm fine that it was left out of my Bible (kind of sad to say).
~AARON JOHNSTON
I have never read the story of Bel and the Dragon, but when I saw dragon, I had to take a look. I actually liked this story, it kept my attention. I'm almost wondering if the Babylonian idol Bel has something to do with Baal, or Beelzebub.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was clever that Daniel had ashes strewn across the floor, and I was only half-expecting the prophets (and their families) to die.
I was slightly confused as to whether the dragon was a living thing or not, because the king said Daniel surely couldn't refute it was a living god. The reading went over it so quickly, but I'm assuming it was a wooden idol, as there was very little detail, and he ended up burning it without a fight.
I figured, once Daniel destroyed the idols, that the townspeople would not take kindly to it. It's interesting that this leads up to the lion den story.
It's stories like these that I enjoy reading in the Bible, because it wasn't dry reading, and it shows the cleverness of the people of God. I wouldn't mind having this be a part of my Bible.
~AARON JOHNSTON