by Linzy Slayden
The Greek philosopher, Plato, once said there are three valid sources of knowledge:
- The five senses – touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound
- Reason – that which sets us apart from the animal kingdom
- The third he called “Divine Madness” by which he referred to the spiritual world of supernatural communication
Later, his disciple, Aristotle, eliminated the third source — the entire intuitive faculty by which divine perception comes to man. Aristotle said knowledge comes only though the senses and reason.
Much of the Western World was affected by what Aristotle taught. While Aristotle would have rejected the Bible as a source of knowledge, Jesus never hesitated when He said the Bible is the primary way through which God reveals Himself to mankind.
Today, millions of people are looking for a reliable voice of authority. They have found they cannot trust treaties between nations, statements from scientists, and even some religious leaders. The Word of God is the only real authority we have. Proven across the years, the Bible sheds light on human nature, world problems, and human suffering. But beyond that, it clearly reveals the way to God.
There are many misunderstandings about the Bible. It is interesting to note that the Bible holds two distinctions. First, it is one of the best-selling books of all time. Second, it is one of the most shoplifted books of all time. Can you imagine shoplifting a Bible?
For some people, the Bible itself is an icon. It is the book you put out on the coffee table to show that you are religious. For others, the Bible is like an Ouija Board. They let it fall open, and they place their finger on a verse and do what the verse says. Still for others, the Bible is a source of proof texting to help people win arguments.
Sir Walter Scott, a famed British novelist and poet, was also a committed Christian. On his deathbed Scott is reported to have said to his secretary, “Bring me the Book.” His secretary thought of the thousands of books in Scott’s library and inquired, “Dr. Scott, which book?” “The Book,” replied Scott. “The Bible — the only book for a dying man!”
And the committed Christian would have to add that the Bible is not just for a dying man, but it’s the only book for a living man, because it is the Word of God.
The BBFI has long been known for a strong commitment to the Word of God.
With these things in mind I am asking the pastors of the BBFI to work together to distribute 100,000 Bibles in the U.S. this year. We all agree that this world needs the Word of God. The Bible is not just some ancient book. It is the Book of Life.