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Mennonite pastor shares 5 right and 5 wrong ways to read the Bible
Longtime pastor Ryan Ahlgrim offers guidance on interpreting scripture with nuance and care.
Published on Jan. 29, 2026
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Ryan Ahlgrim, pastor of First Mennonite Church in Richmond, Virginia, reflects on his journey of studying the Bible more deeply after initially embracing a simplistic, literal approach as a teenager. He outlines five wrong ways to read the Bible, such as believing it speaks with one voice or that isolated verses can support any position. Ahlgrim then shares five right ways, including recognizing the Bible as a "holy dialogue" that evolves over time and reading verses in their full literary, historical and cultural context. The pastor emphasizes the Bible's central purpose is to foster a relationship of trust with God and live out that love, rather than simply teaching "right thinking."
Why it matters
Ahlgrim's insights highlight the importance of nuanced, contextual biblical interpretation, especially as some Christians have used scripture to justify harmful practices. His perspective challenges common assumptions about the nature and purpose of the Bible, offering a more balanced and thoughtful approach.
The details
Ahlgrim recounts his teenage experience avidly discussing The Living Bible translation with his high school Bible study group, before later discovering in college that scripture can be "puzzling and problematic" with contradictory information and guidance. He outlines five wrong ways to read the Bible, such as believing it has only one perspective with no contradictions, and five right ways, including recognizing it as "a holy dialogue that evolves over time" and reading verses in full context.
- Ahlgrim bought The Living Bible translation as a teenager.
- Ahlgrim started a Bible study group in his high school cafeteria.
- Ahlgrim took Bible courses in college that led him to a more nuanced understanding of scripture.
The players
Ryan Ahlgrim
The pastor of First Mennonite Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the author of "Spying on Jesus: A Novella."
The Living Bible
A highly readable paraphrase of the Bible that uses everyday language, which Ahlgrim embraced as a teenager.
What they’re saying
“The one who most clearly shows us how to live and love is Jesus. His practice of including both insiders and outcasts, inviting all into transformation from fearful and selfish behavior to courageous sharing and self-giving compassion — and living this out all the way to crucifixion — reveals the heart of God.”
— Ryan Ahlgrim, Pastor (Anabaptist World)
The takeaway
Ahlgrim's reflections on biblical interpretation offer a thoughtful counterpoint to simplistic or dogmatic approaches, emphasizing the importance of nuance, context and an understanding of the Bible's purpose to foster a relationship with God and live out that love.
