Christians

“How to Read the Bible.”
         Indeed. The question has been pondered a number of times here. Even where the English was high order, how do they possibly manage? In Africa the same. But we are in Singapore.
         It will be available in some kind of Mandarin translation, but even the bright, university educated here struggle with Mandarin. Odd. Cantonese, Hokkien, other so-called dialects are more common here, certainly spoken form. The language position a highly interesting matter.
         The reader late forties/early fifties, American accented. Understandably unsettled at the enquiry. Ballpoint with notepad adjacent. A purchase it seemed, not borrowed item.
         Spacey text, thin volume, headings every page. The author a sister of the First Bishop of Singapore it might have been (who conveniently praises the book in the blurb).
         How to Read the Bible as Literature, or Poetry, one of the heads.
         Recall the teachings of the wise old elders: “Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself.” There is nothing more you need to know.
         The key message; principle outline. The down-trodden, sin, saving and eternal life. Pictures, incense, music and fellowship.
         And yet of course they feel the gap here; feel inadequate and know catch-up required.
         One can can expect a good deal of formal bible study, as well as all the private on display across the town. Figures as yet unknown.