Read Through the Bible in a Year FAQ

More details / Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Read Through the Bible Project all about?
The purpose of the Read Through the Bible Project is to seek out people from all over the world who will commit to reading through the entire Bible during a one-year period.

2. Why should I do it?
The Bible has long been considered one of the most important books of human history. Nevertheless, very few people have actually read the Bible from cover to cover. Few books have influenced civilization to the extent that the Bible has--reading it will broaden your understanding of history, religion and philosophy. Indeed, reading through the entire Bible is a rewarding experience for anyone--regardless of your background or faith. Religious skeptics are welcome to join the team!

3. I missed the January 1st start date--is it too late to join this year's team?
You can join the current year's team at any time throughout the year. If you sign up after January 1st you can simply begin reading along with the team at whatever point we're currently at. For example, if you choose to begin on March 1st using the Front to Back plan, you would start reading along with the team in Deuteronomy 5-7. In January and February of the following year, you would backtrack to Genesis and complete the remainder of the books you missed.

4. Is there a particular version of the Bible that the team will be reading from?
Each member of the team is free to choose whatever version of the Bible they would like to read from. If you intend to use multiple versions, please specify which ones you intend to use or indicate that you will be using "various" versions throughout the year.

5. How does one go about reading through the Bible in a year
You are free to choose any plan you like, so long as you are able to finish reading through the Bible within 12 months of starting. There are several popular approaches you may wish to consider:

Front to Back / Start to Finish, which begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation
Chronological, which reads in order of the events described
Old & New Testament, which reads both testaments simultaneously throughout the year

6. I'd like to join the team, but I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up.
Reading through the entire Bible in a year is a serious challenge and commitment, but it is a manageable task. If you read on a daily basis, keeping up with the team will require a commitment of reading 3-4 chapters each day. For most people this only takes around 10-15 minutes a day. It can be difficult to "catch up" if you fall behind the rest of team, however, so it's best to try and attach your Bible reading to something else you do on a daily basis. For example, you might choose to read every day during your lunch break, just prior to bedtime, just after getting up in the morning, etc. By making your Bible study a regular part of your daily routine, you'll find that over time it is neither difficult nor burdensome to keep up with the team.

7. Will I be able to learn anything from reading so much every day? Isn't it better to read the Bible in a slower, more in-depth manner?
The Read Through the Bible project is certainly not a substitute for an in-depth Bible study; however, an in-depth study is neither a substitute for reading through the entire Bible in a year. Both are important methods of study. When you read through the Bible in a year, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of biblical themes and topics that are critical to placing in-depth studies in their proper context. In reading through the Bible in a year, you will find that in-depth studies become easier to understand and more meaningful in light of their larger context.

8. How do I join?
Click here for information on how to join the team!

Back to Previous Page
tkrell@altavista.net