The Keystroke Bible
THE KEYSTROKE BIBLE
The most intensive Bible read-though possible?
Until 2024,
the most intensive Bible reading program I have ever done is what I call the 'Keystroke Bible'.
When I was in high school, our history teacher urged us to take notes,
saying that writing down what we hear or what we read will increase what we retain.
In 2014, I typed out the New Testament word-for-word, chapter-for-chapter, book-for-book,
all the way through the New Testament.
Both individuals and denominations will tout their most favorite verses.
But few will admit that they also have their least favorite verses;
verses that grind against them, any time they hear them or are forced to read them.
(There are verses I typed out that I have never heard spoken in a sermon in 40 years.)
My Keystroke Bible program forced me to read, type and read as I was typing,
every word, every phase, every chapter that was uncomfortable or scary to me.
This project took six months of my off-time, while working 50-hour weeks.
(I didn't care about verse and chapter numbering).
I was living and working remotely away from my wife,
going home every 2nd or 3rd weekend.
Granted, my remote employment gave me spare time for the project,
but it was time I would have used somehow anyway.
I abstained from TV until the project was complete.
While this report sounds like I toiled grievously, like being on a long march with a heavy backpack,
it was an out-of-the ordinary project, but satisfying, with a reachable conclusion.
And I expected to profit from this exercise.
And I believe I have profited, and I dare others to follow suit,
and then I dare any of them to tell me it wasn't worth the time and effort.
Bible write-through
And here is my 2024 Bible exercise.
My handwritten copy of the New Testament
Word-by-Word.
I'm talking about it - to show others it can be done.
I dare you to try it.
As a semi-retired empty-nester, it took me about 5 months to complete.
Each notebook has one of 6 major New Testament books;
the Four Gospels, Acts and Revelation,
then I flipped the notebook over and copied the Epistles as it suited me.
There are certain facets of Christ that can only be seen by:
attending church loyally
reading the Bible
fasting
helping the poor
praying regularly
witnessing
teaching Sunday school
sharing the church's financial burdens
using self-control
being in a home group
going on a short-term missions trip
etc.
and there is one facet of Christ that can only be experienced by hand-copying the Bible.
Prove me wrong.
