I love how you tied into your post the poem of the blind men and the elephant. The last I heard that poem was in elementary school and it stuck with me some time. It certainly is not an elementary concept. I think even seasoned adults forget that- we do not all think alike. This is an important truth we have to overcome in order to better understand ourselves and the meaning in our lives and how we can make a difference to others. No two people think alike- even when it comes to God, religion, and spirituality. Most people live in the “vacuum of self” (me included) and it’s hard for us to fathom that others don’t think like we do.

I’ve read the gospels through numerous times and still haven’t really *seen* the differences you mention (well, I get that they’re different but not quite as well put as you’ve described here).

Thanks for sharing.

I enjoyed your observation. I’ve recently begun reading the bible all the way through (I’ve never made it, I get distracted at some point and feel the need to start over again.) The last two times I began reading chronologically. This time I thought I’d simply begin at the front cover and make my way to the back cover. Unlike other attempts, this time I’m reading it very contextually – longer passages, really getting into the story of it. Also unlike other attempts, I’m not following a schedule. No “this chapter on this day,” etc. I’m reading until I want to stop, putting my bookmark in until next time and then picking up where I left off. It’s a very fufilling and satisfying way of reading the bible. (In fact, I’ve been meaning to blog about it…you know, if I get around to blogging any time soon!)

BUT… I wonder…this time when I get to the gospels, am I going to continue straight through or will I mix them up? Cuz, you know, now that I read this…it’ll be very not to!

Thanks for taking the time to read today .