Jan 1 is a time when many people draw up resolutions for the next year. It is popular for people to commit to reading through the Bible in a year’s time and the M’Cheyne Bible Calendar is one of the most common schemes that are used. I’m all for reading the Bible, however, the Bible is a contextual document–it was produced by a particular people at a particular time in a particular cultural milieu. If you do not have an understanding of the culture from which the Bible came you will likely misunderstand much of it.
So, along with your Bible reading plans I have provided my version of a plan to read the Context of Scripture three volume set. I tried to match up more exiting readings with more mundane so you’re not stuck reading a bunch of seal inscriptions for days on end. CoS provides many texts that give background and cognate information that will help you understand the Bible better. Furthermore, if you are a pastor or student interested in biblical studies then this is a must read. Context of Scripture is not cheap but if you look around you can sometimes find some deals.
Click here for the COS in 1 Year reading plan
Here are several places you might want to check for purchasing the COS volumes:
Charles,
Great idea! Thanks for compiling it.
By the way, Accordance also has COS.
Thanks, Robert, I’ll add a link.
Excellent idea!
Hey, this is for me a timely idea: I had gotten tired of monopolizing the library copy and picked up my own paperback set at SBL last year.
Nice work!
What an excellent idea! I will definitely do this! Now if only I could get a reading schedule for Charlesworth!!
Thanks, Charles, for putting the calendar together. I’ve started following it. Maybe I’ll even complete it.
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