So, I started reading the Bible recently. Every morning, I follow The Bible in a Year Podcast as Father Mike (LOVE him!) takes us through scripture, more or less in chronological order. But the truth is, I’m still figuring out how to read the Bible, like actually read it—not just as words on a page, but as something I can connect with deeply. That’s why on a recent episode of Bad Catholic, I sat down with my dad, who, as a deacon, has a way of bringing scripture to life. And let me tell you, he dropped some wisdom bombs that I’m still carrying with me.
Here’s a little of what I learned about how to read the Bible, and why it doesn’t have to be intimidating, confusing, or a “checklist” item on your to-do list.
How to Read the Bible: Embracing Openness
My dad said something that really stuck with me is this: “God created everything, so he is in everything.” That means we don’t have to start our Bible journey with all the answers, or even all the questions. I realized I’d been getting a bit hung up on whether I was reading the right chapters or starting in the right place—classic overthinking, right? But Dad’s perspective made me see that approaching scripture with an open mind, ready to discover whatever God wants to show me, is more important than getting the ‘order’ just right.
I think we can all use that reminder: *You don’t need to have it all figured out.* Just dive in and read with an openness that lets God work through those words, however he wants.
It’s a Library, Not a Book
Did you know that the word “Bible” actually comes from the Latin word for “library”? I didn’t! My dad explained how each book of the Bible was written by different people, at different times, for different audiences. It’s not one long story written from start to finish but a collection of unique stories, letters, songs, and lessons.
This is why it’s okay to jump around when reading scripture. Not every part will speak to you at the same time, and some of the books, especially in the Old Testament, might feel heavy or confusing. That’s where understanding the context—the history and perspective behind each book—really helps. The Bible has so many layers, and letting ourselves see it as a mix of genres and messages is like peeling back new insights every time we read.
So… What About the Old Testament?
Let’s be real: the Old Testament can be a lot. I told Dad that a friend recommended I skip to the New Testament because the Old can feel a bit “out there.” But he shared something that changed my perspective: it’s like a story about God and his relationship with humanity, especially with the Jewish people.
Some parts might seem intense or even harsh by today’s standards, but Dad gave this analogy that made it click for me: It’s like when a parent tells a child not to touch a hot stove, and the kid does it anyway. The burn isn’t punishment; it’s a consequence—a lesson. Sometimes, the Old Testament stories teach us in ways that reflect our own choices and their outcomes.
I loved how he explained that these stories show God as a “great teacher.” There’s depth and wisdom even in the parts that seem strange or confusing; sometimes we just need to zoom out to see the bigger picture.
Should You Start with the Gospels?
If you’re new to the Bible or just coming back to it, my dad suggests starting with the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books focus on Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry, which are at the core of our faith. The Gospels show God’s love for humanity in action, so they’re a powerful place to begin because they bring us straight to the heart of what Jesus taught.
Dad explained that each Gospel has a slightly different viewpoint since it was written for various audiences. So when you read the Gospels, you’re not only getting Jesus’ story but also seeing it through multiple perspectives, each offering a unique way to understand his message.
Finding Your Own Routine and Rhythm
I always wondered if there’s a “right way” to read the Bible. My dad’s take? Scripture doesn’t have to be read cover to cover, nor should it feel like a chore. It’s more like a conversation, a place where God speaks to us daily. For him, that means starting each day with the daily readings from Mass, letting those short passages sink in and resonate with whatever’s happening in his life.
He likes to reflect on them, seeing if there’s a message just for him. Sometimes it’s guidance, sometimes inspiration, and sometimes it’s just something to share with others. It reminded me that there’s no single right way to read the Bible—it’s about finding what works for you and building your own rhythm.
Look for God in Your Everyday Moments
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when my dad talked about looking for God in everyday life. He said that for him, spirituality means seeing God in the “real world.” It doesn’t have to be something grand or mystical; it could be as simple as finding joy in a smile, beauty in nature, or a quiet sense of peace. He said he often ends his day by thinking about where he saw God that day, and I thought, *Wow, what a grounding practice.*
Scripture is powerful, but so is recognizing God in the moments and people around us. It’s like reading the Bible is only one part of the journey—living it out is where we bring those lessons to life.
How to Read the Bible? Keep Going, Even When It’s Tough
Let’s face it: some days, reading the Bible might feel like a struggle. I admitted to Dad that sometimes I don’t feel a huge connection to specific passages or that I question certain stories. His advice? Just keep going. He reminded me that when our prayer life or scripture reading feels dry, that’s precisely when it’s most important to stay consistent. Over time, those words may speak to us in ways we didn’t expect, and the fruits of our persistence will show up in ways we might not immediately see.
—
So that’s where I’m at on this journey. If you’ve been wondering how to read the Bible in a way that feels real and meaningful, maybe the biggest takeaway is just to *start*—and let go of any pressure to do it perfectly. Scripture is there to guide, teach, and comfort us. So wherever you are, open your Bible, read with an open heart, and let God reveal the rest.
XO,
Trisha
Show Notes
Episode Description
In this episode of Bad Catholic, Trisha shares how she started reading the Bible on a whim after an unexpected moment at a bookstore—right where God placed it, front and center. Now she’s wondering, “Am I doing this right?” She brings these questions to her dad, Deacon David, and together they explore how Catholics can approach scripture with curiosity and faith.
David dives into the Bible’s rich, layered history and what it means to read scripture as a Catholic—not just as a literal story, but as a guide to discovering God’s presence in every chapter and in everyday life. They tackle questions about which books to start with, how to interpret confusing passages, and the meaning behind some memorable Bible stories (why did Pharaoh wait to get rid of those frogs, anyway?).
With humor and heart, Trish and David invite you into a relatable conversation that captures the journey of finding God in both scripture and life’s little moments. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting out, this episode encourages you to see the Bible—and the world—through eyes wide open to grace.
Here’s a peek at what we cover:
- 00:22 Introduction to the Bad Catholic Podcast
- 00:57 Starting the Bible Journey
- 01:37 Understanding the Bible’s Structure
- 02:42 Interpreting the Bible’s Messages
- 03:44 Old Testament Lessons and God’s Teachings
- 06:10 Daily Scripture and Personal Reflections
- 11:16 Spirituality in Everyday Life
- 12:30 Finding God in Unexpected Places
- 19:52 The Importance of the Gospels
- 21:47 The Chosen and Connecting with Jesus
- 22:46 Final Thoughts on the Bible and Faith
Comments +