If you believe that The Bible is the inerrant word of God, then it becomes a question of “if”, rather than “when” society devolves. The bad news is that human kind implodes in an orgy of humanism. The good news is that the rightful King is returning to usher in a tidal wave of righteousness, peace, and prosperity, the likes of which we cannot fathom, and the length of which stretches to eternity.
I am just so glad to hear that you want to read the Bible. I pray that The Lord will reveal His intent to you through this. If I may make a suggestion, it would not be which portions to read, but rather HOW to read. Ask God to grant you proper understanding. Extract truth from the text; don’t try to pour meaning into it. Identify the: author; audience; historical setting; and genre Of each book. Never take anything out of its greater context. Never interpret one passage such that it conflicts with another passage. When you can’t resolve the meaning of a passage, or resolve an apparent conflict between two passages, create an entry onto a “Apparent Bible Problems” log. Over the coming decades, when you reach an understanding that resolves the apparent problem, enter the solution. This will be a huge source of comfort to you when God is doing things that you don’t understand.
Blessings to you my friend.
Was running the old turret press today. Never thought it would be worth my time to hand-load 9mm again!