Hiya! So, to start, while yes I have a personal testimony of the Bible, that does not affect my ability to see openminded-ly.
I'm also (trying to become) a Mormon, so I have a different belief concerning the Bible than many, many others. It's more open, I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
The Bible stands as a guidance (at times, certain times/stories), and a history book for those who believe in God the Father. Heavenly Father provided another book for us (Latter-Day Saints) that we actually use mostly as it was written specifically for us to guide us through this time. The Bible, however, is more dated. It wasn't meant for us to follow every law and rule within it (those laws are super duper old), but gives us insight of different literature styles, historical events (if you believe in the Bible, that it; it does stand as a history book to us, but not to the public person who is learning George Washington in their schoolbook), parables to learn from, and witness to tender mercies or how Heavenly Father dealt with His children (not in a bad way dealing
). It, of course, also showcases the life of Jesus Christ, the son of Heavenly Father. Many of the teachings come from the events during his time on this earth, as he gave lots of guidance to those around him.
I do want to say that, yes you can spend your time studying the Bible to the very last verse, but it won't get you very far personally if you don't do something with what you've learned. One thing about the Bible that I have learned is it works when you put the teachings into action. It also works when you follow things like not killing, committing bad acts against other people, and etc. (These things are really good to follow even if you don't believe in them, lots of them are laws in the USA too
).
The Bible can be nice to read, but please don't try to interpret it wrong. Purposefully. If you're confused, make sure wherever you are trying to get your info is reliable. Pray about it, if that's what you like to do as well.
I hear many people (Christians included, which is disappointing that it happens) use the Bible against eachother. It wasn't made for that, and has gotten a bad name generally to people, disinterested or disillusioned by other's actions/words (or anger for personal reasons, including sabotage and all that jazziness). Certain laws, verses, and stuff will be interpreted differently in the modern world than it did then, whether the difference is easy for you to find or not.
The Bible HAS been.. changed over time. That happens to books that have been here so long with people. We like to screw things up. (In my religion, we recognize the fact that the Bible is VERY different from today and is very hard to understand at times! No doubt this is also recognized in other religions, of course!!)
I do want to say, to those who have been hurt or abused in some way by wrongful use of the Bible, I'm incredibly, deeply sorry to you. It really hurts me even to type this.
People who prefer different pronouns, none at all, like different genders, those who have made choices that have caused lots of pain, and all those who feel like the Bible is pointing out their faults and choices; it's not, people are, and I'm sorry. If you're gay, the Bible doesn't really care... it's just about trying to be good and make good choices, and loving your neighbor (we have free agency, people. We use it. God knew we would, He gave us that blessings. He doesn't force you to believe that, or anything as of that matter. You get to choose you.) The Bible's purpose is simpler than what the confusing stories portray (so, so confusing lol).
If you haven't payed attention to the teachings of Jesus Christ, know that when a person came to him, he didn't care about background, gender, or anything. He cared for everyone, loved us all, and shared his love to all he met. Please, when something bad happens, and the Bible is (wrongfully, when used by people I mean) involved, know that that is not what Heavenly Father intended.
Simply, the Bible can be used however we want, I guess. I mean that, if you want to just research it, go ahead! Wanna believe in it, go right ahead! Don't wanna read it, He does NOT force you to. (If you feel pressured, by whatever, it's not Him pressuring you.) It's got a simple message which is different to all His children, but one thing stays the same and that is the message of unending love, care, and mercy (not always about us doing bad and being forgiven. It's also about giving us peace and comfort. Mercy is actually a beautiful thing).
(As an FWI, I'm currently trying to go through therapy to figure out if I have ADHD, so if my post was all over the place, it's because my mind is.. a lot for me to handle. If there are points I probably missed, totally PM me and I'll chat with you! Or if you just want to talk, I'm free hahaha I really tried so please don't be rude, I almost didn't do this but started thinking about those who have been hurt by the misuse of the Bible's words and felt the need to share. I love y'all and hope your days are peaceful when life gets too rough!)
Most of this was by the interpretation within my religion, which has come to be personal but also refer back to my very first statement. It's going to be different, we're all different
also... hope this didn't break any rules...?