The Bible, Bible Study, and Application

I noticed that James White went batty over Thomas Nelson publishing Align, N(ew) C(entury) V(ersion): the Complete New Testament for Men. Here's the blurb they give in promotion:

Ever wish your Bible was as easy to pick up as your favorite magazine? Now there’s a new BibleZine™ created with today’s modern guy in mind. With an edgy, techo-savvy style and content that makes Biblical truth fresh and relevant, it might just make Bible reading the best part of your day. By putting one of the most readable versions of the Bible, the New Century Version^®, together with articles about the topics you face everyday, we’ve created a ‘zine that will help you get deeper in the Bible, find out what God has to say for your life, and grow in your faith.

In this case, I would agree with James White. This is just silly. I remember seeing a similar version for women a year or so ago. Sad how people do not (and are not instructed and encouraged to) just pick up the Bible and study. Will it be difficult? Sure, at times. But is that not one of the reasons we have been given the Holy Spirit as our paraclete, our helper?

You say you cannot apply the Scriptures to your life because you cannot understand the Scriptures? Why are you jumping to application before you understand? Take the time to understand what the Scripture actually says about the Christian life. Do not bother with application if you do not know what the text says or what it means. That is a major problem with many "Bible Studies." Please do not call it a Bible Study if the Biblical text is not the focus or concern. So many people find the reading and interpretation boring and hard work; they want to get right into "what does it mean to me." Well, the text is not going to mean a thing unless you know what it says.

Whew...thus ends the ravings of another Calvinist.

Soli Deo Gloria