How the Bible became the Bible by Donald L. Odell

"....provides excellent historical background as well as the author's personal history, which enhances his message by providing a glimpse of how the Holy Scripture can really be used." Lee Carroll, author of "Indigo Children" and many "Kyron" books
"I just forwarded to friends Balboa's Introduction to your 2nd Edition. Actually Don, I really think this 2nd Edition could not be more timely. I sincerely think there are more people receptive to opening their minds about their programming of religion or the Bible than ever before...." Pat W., (North Carolina)
".... a refreshing synthesis of scholarship and deep personal reflection. Don O’Dell invites us to enter the experience of biblical personalities and groups, and to feel their struggles to find elusive spiritual coherence within their perception of events...." Dr. Jim Nourse, Ph.D., psychologist, acupuncturist and author of Simple Spirituality: Finding Your Own Way, and Opening the Aloha Mind: Healing Self, Healing the World with Ho’oponopono
"This highly readable book takes a conversational tone when, for instance, in Chapter 6 (The Time of Jesus), the author gently transitions us from the Old to the New Testament." New Age Retailer
"This book is of much value to the serious student of Holy Scripture. It will enable the reader to view the Holy Scriptures in the context in which the books were written and arranged." James J. DeFrancisco, PhD. Miltha Ministries, Mishawaka, Indiana
"....provides excellent historical background as well as the author's personal history, which enhances his message by providing a glimpse of how the Holy Scripture can really be used." Lee Carroll, author of "Indigo Children" and many "Kyron" books

2nd Edition, Revised Material

Percentage Of Americans Who Believe In God

The Bible As A Spiritual Text

Overall, the Bible does not refer to itself as the Bible. The term 'Bible' was a later application to the collective works of the Old and New Testaments.

The term 'Bible' is derived from the Greek word biblia, which means 'books.' The books of the Bible were not referred to as a collective work until well after the completion of the New Testament. The earliest reference to the Bible as a single book is found in the 4th century when the Latin version of the Bible was referred to as 'The Bible.' Prior to this, the Old Testament was referred to as the 'Law' and the New Testament as the 'Gospels.'

The Bible does not contain any direct references to itself as the Bible, but there are a few indirect references. For example, in 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul states that 'All Scripture is inspired by God,' which could be seen as a reference to the Bible. Additionally, in Revelation 22:18-19, Jesus warns against adding to or taking away from 'the words of the book of this prophecy,' which could be referring to the entire Bible.

Historically, it seems that people take the Bible literally because it is seen as an authoritative source of truth and wisdom. But, looking through the lens of information from my book and the chaos in our society today, it seems those beliefs are morphing.

Three Common Mistakes That Dilute The Spiritual Message In The Bible

The three main reasons I think people insist on interpreting the Bible literally are not based on common sense.

The first reason is because of religious beliefs. Different religions have different interpretations of the Bible and for many, taking it literally is the only way to live according to their faith. This type of thinking is often based on the idea that the Bible is divinely inspired and therefore should be taken as it is written. My book proves that men wrote the Bible, not Jesus.

The second reason is because of its historical accuracy. Many people believe that the Bible is an accurate record of history, and that its stories are based in historical events. My book proves that factual history differs from what is portrayed in the Bible.

The third reason is many people see the Bible as a source of moral guidance. their direction of a moral compass, and take it literally in order to live out the commandments and teachings found within its pages. As I point out in my book, the optimum approach is living the spirit of the Bible as a moral compass because using a literal translation is not empowered with the spiritual divinity that creates life and is the basis from which the spirit of Jesus’s teachings emanates.

Donald L. O'Dell
August 9, 2023