The Bible is present in every courtroom and every presidential inauguration taking on an “iconic” status, while serving as the foundational book for those of the Christian faith. Further, within the Christian framework there are those who uphold a venerated view of the Bible (without error, without question, literal in every way) while others in the faith take a different posture. These differing views of the Bible lead to a varying array of practices reflected in both our personal living and our corporate politics. Over the centuries perhaps no other book as been used and abused than that of the Bible. It has been used to both defend the institution of slavery in the United States while at the same time serving as a beacon of hope for those looking for freedom from such an oppressive system. In “The Bible in America” Nathan Hatch and Mark Noll write: “…Scripture has been nearly omnipresent in the nation’s past…however, the actual use of the Bible in American life has been attended with considerable complexity and decided ambiguity.”
Because of this I would like to have some conversation (over several blog posts) that revolve around the Bible; how we use/misuse it; its impact on our life/politics; and the message it brings.
Where do you see the Bible’s impact on our culture (either positive or negative)?
1 comment:
I'm always amazed at the Biblical referances in Classic literature. If you don't understand the Bible you are missing out on a lot of the meaning in those books.
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