Why study the Bible?

The word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword

Hebrews 4: 12

http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/011505.htm

 

Dear Friends,

 

When I took on the task of applying the daily Bible readings, from the Catholic missal, to current events, I had no idea how relevant the Bible would turn out to be.  Part of it is because Jesus lived in times similar to ours, in which little people were being oppressed by pious rulers who claimed to represent God.  His sayings are very applicable to our situation today.

 

But more deeply, the Bible distinguishes between godliness and ungodliness, good and evil, right and wrong.  The Bible warns us that false prophets will arise who justify pious rulers, who will claim to represent God when they actually are working for Satan.

 

The Bible is designed to right wrongs, to protect the powerless and restrain the powerful.  Its emphasis on justice and mercy empowers the underdog.  Its distinction between worship of material objects and of spiritual values helps us to understand the sickness of our times.  The passion for truth that the prophets, especially Jesus, manifested, and their willingness to suffer as a consequence of speaking the truth, inspires us and gives us courage to do the same in these difficult times.

 

The Bible gives us visions of peace and promises of peace.  The gospels teach nonviolence and give us practical lessons in how to use nonviolent protest to bring about change.  Martin Luther King, Jr. showed us how this applies in modern times.

 

For believers, reliance on the Bible gives us confidence, a firm foundation for making judgments about what we are witnessing.  The Bible has been misinterpreted and usurped by evil people, who distort it to strike fear into our hearts and allow the rulers to exploit us more.  We peacemakers need to reclaim the Bible, its moral authority and its power, to bring about peace.

 

In the name of the Prince of Peace,  Carol Wolman