What is Easy Read
Easy Read is the scriptures without the verse numbers or |symbols| that indicate added words. This allows for a natural reading experience, similar to a story book. It is simply for reading enjoyment and not intensive study or comparing verses to verses of multiple translations. The beauty of the older archaic English language of scripture reads like poetry, and removal of the verse numbers and |boxed in| words really brings out the enjoyment of text.
What is the purpose of Easy Read?
The purpose is to make reading the bible more appealing to people who like traditional books. If you like Harry Potter, Lord of Rings, or the Hobbit; then you will enjoy the Bible in Easy Read layout. If the Holy Spirit gets a hold of you, and you decide to study the Word (Bible) to reap the knowledge and power it offers; then you can always switch back to the traditional layout.
Is it sacrilegious to remove the verses numbers from scriptures?
No! They are not in the original manuscripts, neither are chapters, punctuations, or many add-in words to help translate it to and from each language the manuscripts were written in.
Example from Traditional KJV
KJV Normal - 1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. 2 Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. 3 The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation |is| high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? 4 Though thou exalt |thyself| as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD. 5 If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough?
Example from Traditional KJV Easy Read
The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD. If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough?
Give it a try, you might like it.