Virginia Man Shares Lifelong Passion for Reading the Bible

Simon Schrock has read the entire Bible every year for over 45 years using a unique 'balanced diet' approach.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Simon Schrock, a resident of Catlett, Virginia, has been reading the entire Bible every year for over 45 years using a method he calls the 'balanced diet.' Schrock started this practice in his 20s and 30s when he was teaching Sunday school, realizing he needed to master reading all of the Bible, not just certain parts. He now reads from The One Year Bible, which includes daily chapters from the Old and New Testaments, as well as a Psalm and a Proverb.

Why it matters

Schrock's lifelong dedication to reading the Bible in its entirety reflects a deep spiritual commitment and a desire to fully understand the scriptures. His approach of reading both the Old and New Testaments, along with the Psalms and Proverbs, provides a well-rounded understanding of the Bible's teachings.

The details

Schrock used to read the Bible cover-to-cover in the traditional order, but now he uses The One Year Bible, which divides the readings into daily segments from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. He finds that this 'balanced diet' helps him better grasp the full scope of the scriptures, including the contrast between the Old Testament law, which he acknowledges he could not keep, and the New Testament's message of salvation by grace.

  • Schrock has been reading the Bible in this manner for over 45 years.
  • He started this practice in his 20s and 30s when he was teaching Sunday school.

The players

Simon Schrock

A resident of Catlett, Virginia who has read the entire Bible every year for over 45 years using a unique 'balanced diet' approach.

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What they’re saying

“When I taught Sunday school in my 20s and 30s, it dawned on me (or the Holy Spirit convicted) that I was teaching the Bible but hadn't mastered reading all of it. So I began reading the entire Bible every year and have continued to do so for over 45 years.”

— Simon Schrock

“That's why I'm excited to read the Bible every morning.”

— Simon Schrock

The takeaway

Schrock's lifelong commitment to reading the Bible in its entirety, using a balanced approach that covers the Old and New Testaments as well as the Psalms and Proverbs, demonstrates the power of scripture to inspire and guide one's spiritual journey.