Good question, because there are several different versions of Bible: the King James family of Bibles have 66 books, the Catholic family of Bibles have 49 books, the Orthodox Bible has 50.

Your best bet is to go on your own quest to decide these things for yourself, because you are the best person you can trust. Question everything and permit your own evaluation of what's true or not to be the thing you put your faith in. You are your own best friend, the most trustworthy friend you have. Treat yourself well and have faith in you.

Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

Wrong direction- the Catholic and Orthodox bibles have MORE books than the Protestant. The Ethiopian Orthodox actually have 81 books.

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seedy3: 2 months ago

Yeah I was thinking the catholic had 73 books

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

Catholics have 1 and 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith, longer versions of Esther and Daniel, and a few others over the Protestant bibles.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

While my book count didn't take the Ethiopian/Coptics into consideration, Skeptic, you'd have to argue with the Oxford Annotated for the rest. As for the direction, it is the correct one--nobody is in a better position to evaluate these things than the person who brings them to question. Nothing you or I could do to change that.

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

I meant "wrong direction" as to who has more books in the bible. Not the answer in general.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

According to my source, my book count is correct. Okay, thanks.

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

There are 73 books on the Catholic cannon- 46 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The seven books it has over the Protestant bible are known as the Deuterocanonical books. Protestants refer to them as the Apocrypha- the books I listed above plus Wisdom, Baruch, and Sirach. These books were found in the Greek Septaugint, but not the Hebrew Masoretic.

Basically the Protestant OT is not based on the Septaugint like the Catholic bible, but rather a Jewish council of dubious historicity.

The Orthodox bible adds two more books of Maccabees, the Psalms of Solomon, extra Psalms, and a few others depending on tradition.

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seedy3: 2 months ago

Every source I've found goes this way lesser to greater
samaritan 5 books
Jewish 27
protestant 66
catholic 73
Orthodox 76 (if I remember correct) I cant find the reference

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mcar: 2 months ago via Android

have faith in JESUS we are our worst enemy, God said the best we can do is filthy rag to Him,Trust your Savior JESUS CHRIST Might God King of KINGS Lord of LORD,He went to the cross for all your sins past present & future He said it is Finished on the cross,so this leaves His Will and to do the Will of God,
lead the unsaved to salvation in Christ Jesus.

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

Go preach somewhere else.

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PsalmBody: 2 months ago via iPhone

Mcar, Your Answer To
Original Question Is
Biblically Sound
and Echoes
Voice of
God.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

Catholic book contains 49 books unless they've removed some recently. Skeptic's post indicates that the Catholics themselves have removed books from their own Bible. And so life goes on.

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

No- your source is just wrong. Protestant bibles were the ones that removed books. It sounds more like your source was trying to quote the number of books in the Catholic OLD Testament. The catholic bible has never had only 49 books.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

As I said, take it up with Oxford. I have no control over Oxford and it's a recognized authoritative source.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

Seems to me I vaguely recall a latter day removal of the book Bel and the Dragon, and the version of Catholic Bible has indeed changed over the ages, but Oxford does say so. Here's an interesting thread I found on the subject, treating Coptic/Gnostic religions as a single "Ethiopian Orthodox" when it's actually not the case. I wonder who invented THAT li'l convenience.

http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=261940

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

BOTTOM LINE, people: Which version of Bible you use DOES matter. It matters a LOT.

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

Then Oxford has a major typo.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

Any source citing some "ethiopian orthodox" invention is immediately discredited.

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

Well, friends n neighbors, we've hit on a source snag here. In the interest of full disclosure, Oxford has both an Anglican and Zionist bias that is clear in the remainder of my reference. In doing research elsewhere on the web, I've unearthed various claims that nobody has subtracted books but people have added books--again believer bias, dependent on denomination.

In the process is revealed a snag with the Roman Catholic claim to have direct descendency of authority from Peter himself, because between the Roman Catholic RECENT versions and revisions of their Bible lies the Septuagint, which had to have been used by any Catholics claiming that theirs is a direct line to Peter, as no other version except Coptic, Syriac, and Chaldean versions were even in existence.

Again--"which version" is an important question. It determines not only the nature of the included material but also the date of the material you have at hand, all of which points to the absence of a single authoritative source for ANY version of Bible.

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seedy3: 2 months ago

Clara, I'm unclear where you come up with the Catholic bible has only 49 books, I counted 73 from this link
http://www.newadvent.org/bible/gen001.htm
and here
http://www.catholic.org/bible/
and here
http://www.drbo.org/index.htm
3 versions of the catholic bible all contain 73 books
I'm having trouble finding a link to verify the number of books on the eastern orthodox
but the Ethiopian orthodox is 81 and the list can be found here
http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html

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Skeptikitten: 2 months ago

Yep- the Catholic bible has never had 49 books like I said. It's 73. The extras in the Orthodox sects were one of the largest reasons for the initial schism.

And yes- Protestants subtracted the Deuterocanonical books, which they call "Apocrypha".

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ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

Like I said, guys--take it up with Oxford.

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seedy3: 2 months ago

clara do you have a link for what oxford states? I'd be interested in reading it.

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Only you can accept God, and it's best to do it when you fully trust and believe in Him and His salvation. Don't do it because you are pressured to or because you feel obligated to; don't do it if you are having any doubts about the religion whatsoever.
If you have doubts, I suggest attending church once a week or every other week (or more) and talking to a priest.

Don't question the bible "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men." - Psalm 107: 19-21

ClaraListensprechen: 2 months ago

Which version?

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neighborlady: 2 months ago via iPhone

My thought too...

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TheTrustyLepp: 2 months ago via iPhone

Don't question the bible is one the most sad and disappointing things I will ever hear in my entire life.

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Megannnnnn: 2 months ago

The new testement.

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Megannnnnn: 2 months ago

How is that disappointing?

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You have to follow your heart on this one. I believe in God, but I don't belong to a church. I have found too many organized religions picking and choosing what they want in the bible, and not focus on the loving your neighbor part.

There are a whole lotta religions in the world. Don't just go straight to the bible and assume it's true. Study and learn about as many religions as possible and really analyze and question what they say and find out if their claims are actually true.

mcar: 2 months ago via Android

So teach them,pick a church and start a Bible Study on how to Love the unlovable,Gods Will.

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TheTrustyLepp: 2 months ago via iPhone

^ perfect example of what not to do.

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explore everything about religions you can learn, the one thats right for you WILL jump out at you. when you find where your faith belongs you'll have no question about whether or not it's true:)

If you don't feel something is right- you shouldn't let anyone else convince you that you "should" believe anything.

Only you can determine your religious beliefs or if you have none at all.

follow your heart, listen to your heart...

the Bible will help you to find your way John 17: 3 "this means everlasting life they're taking in knowledge of the 1 true God and the 1 whom he sent forth Jesus Christ." Jehovah want you to draw close to him. by reading and studying the Bible you can know him as not only your father but also as a friend.Jas 4:8 to find out more about studying the Bible you can go to www.JW.org.

Read the book "Proof of Heaven". I was somewhat sceptical but I believe now.

No one has enough time in their life to study and learn all religions. And...there is only one truth. People will always let you down. We r human and it just is and will always be that way. Unfortunately, many people view God as they view the people in their life or they "try Him out" likes He's some kind of magic wand. (if He doesnt work, they dont believe) we cannot put God in a box. But, you can seek and u will find. Knock and the door will be opened.

Perhaps instead of sticking your nose in books written by men you should use the brain and conscience you were born with. If you follow these and treat others as you would be treated, I would guess any God would likely find you worthy. Just something to consider.

BrJohnson, I Recommend That
You Read (Or See DVD) The
Pilgrim's Progress. Also,
Read and Meditate In
The Book of John.
B o t h Will Give
You Spiritual
F o o d For
Thought.
All The
Best.
-------------------
The Pilgrim's Progress
By John Bunyan.
Clips On You
Tube Too.
--------------------

You start with what you know is the truth, regardless of the direction your emotions push you. That is where most people fail. They start with the emotions and only when things start to crumble do they pause to wonder if they did the right thing. I did that, I got involved in a religion because it felt right without even considering what teaching I was following. Pray and ask God to give you discernment, to lead you to truth. Read the word, it's truth and alive.

Instead of assuming and thinking, just try it. The Bible is about God's plan for you're life. It actually shows people like you and me, who have gone through so much. Reveals answers, wisdom, encouragement, so much. I challenge you to get a Bible, try your best to read the book of John. 3 minutes a day for 2 Weeks. I guarantee, you will see and find out, exactly what you been looking for. Ask God to reveal himself to you. That's what I did, now my life is changed

PsalmBody: 2 months ago via iPhone

Very Sound, Biblically
Based Wisdom and
Advice. Simply
Explained.
Works
Too

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For me,God is the one I always need in my life and call in facing difficulties...just refer back to yourself...all the harmonies in this world aren't coincidences.

The Bible tells us that "faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities thought not beheld." So faith has to do with believing things that one cannot see. Daily Bible reading will help as you dive for deeper treasures. Try reading Matthew 7:7, and don't forget to pray! Regular Communication with God will always build your faith. Also, taking in accurate knowledge of God and his requirements will get you started on the right path,

Hope I helped!

You have to pick and choose what you believe is true out the bible. It's been changed so many times you really cannot believe every word. You have to just trust your instincts on what to believe in the bible and what not to believe. Just follow the commandments, I think that is in every bible. You can't go wrong with that. I suppose you could go to church; they could teach you to believe...

I'm so sorry that that has happened to you. To answer this question, it's best to look in the Bible.

The Bible gives us many indications of who that could be. You'd probably agree that there are many people who claim to be religious, but by their actions, show otherwise.

Here are some key characteristics of the true religion:

- base their teachings on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
- worship only Jehovah and make his name known (Matthew 4:10; Psalm 83:18)
- show genuine love for one another (John 13:35)
- accept Jesus as God’s means of salvation (Acts 4:12; John 3:36)
- are no part of the world (John 18:36)
- preach God’s Kingdom as man’s only hope (Matthew 24:14; Daniel 2:44)

For additional information, I suggest reading the chapter "Worship That God Approves". Found in the book " What Does the Bible Really Teach?" That chapter can be found here:

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102005145