Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, & 400 year old bibleYou may have read recently of the efforts to turf the Gideons and their free bibles from the few school boards in Ontario which still allow distribution. We wouldn't want young minds to be destroyed by the reading of one of the most important holy texts in human history.
Well, take it as gospel that Richard Dawkins, a leading atheist, is all for the distribution of bibles in the schools of Britain as part of the 400th anniversary celebration of the King James Version. Not only is he in favour of the bibles being handed out, he says that he would contribute money to help: "A native speaker of English who has never read a word of the King James Bible is verging on the barbarian."
Dawkins, as with many other intellectuals who do and don't believe in God, realize that it difficult to understand Western culture without some basic knowledge of the Judeo/Christian bible. Lest you be worried that Dawkins is losing his atheistic edge, he adds that if the children read the bible they would realize that it is not a moral book and presumably be converted to non-belief.
I'm with Dawkins and a host of others who realize the importance of the bible regardless of religious convictions. Dawkins and others make the mistake of assuming that the bible was intended to be a moral manual. It is a narrative of God's saving action in the world, and because of the multitude of contexts and cultures contained within scripture we do get the good, the bad and the ugly. Despite the problematic and troubling texts the message of grace repeatedly springs to the surface. We are invited to wrestle with the weird and the wonderful as a discerning community.
Bye the way Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Sikh religious leaders in Britain support the distribution and have praised the King James Bible as a “landmark” in the English language. How gracious of them and a reminder to those whose political correctness can be stifling.
Are you surprised by Dawkin's defence of scripture for kids? Would you be okay with bibles being handed out in our schools? Are you afraid of the Gideons?
6 comments:
Are they not handed out in our schools? Although I think parents have to sign a request that is sent home in grade 4-ish, and few do.
Just heard an announcement at my school today saying ours were ready for pick-up.
Curious as to why you didn't capitalize 'bible,' David. Is there a correct useage I'm unaware of?
Hi, Christian newbie here again. Please keep in mind that I don't mean to offend anyone!
It is interesting that Dawkins is in favour of this to apparently gain non-believers, while Christians are in favour to apparently gain believers. So I see this as a battle for young minds. Dawkins looks at it from the point of view of a young mind. However David's argument is decidedly a sophisticated and adult point of view ("We are invited to wrestle with the weird and the wonderful as a discerning community"), which I think is a mistake. If a young mind reads the story of Noah, will (s)he see a vengeful God? I am not talking about youngsters from Christian families, who already have guidance (and Bibles).
Also, I recall from my youth (1960's) that the KJV left me quite cold, as it was difficult to understand (for me at least!). With no help from my parents, I quickly became a Sunday School dropout. It wasn't until I received an NIV study Bible, as an adult, that things became interesting for me. It doesn't surprise me that he has no objections to that version being distributed in the schools!
Thank you for letting me know what happens in Clarington. I'm glad families have the option.
Good question Ian. As society has become more pluralistic and secular the use of "Bible" has become more sporadic, with "bible" often used instead. I tend to use both without any particular rhyme or reason. When I use the lower case it doesn't denote any lesser respect on my part.
Geo, I think what appears to be polar opposites in intent for distributing bibles (Bibles?) actually reminds us of a shared respect for Judeo-Christian scriptures in Western tradition as literature while having a different view on the moral and ethical value.
Study bibles are very helpful I find, and so are more modern versions and paraphrases, such as The Message. The KJV can be heavy sledding, especially for young 'uns, but it seems to be the favourite of atheists! There is a grandeur to the language which isn't matched in any other version.
It's interesting that you refer to the story of Noah because it is both ominous and hopeful. God punishes the world, but promises not to do so again and to be steadfast in love. There are so many biblical stories that offer both perspectives. Finding a community for reflection and discussion is really helpful. Of course, as the best-selling book of all time, the bible is available everywhere to everyone -- just take a look in any used bookstore.
Thanks all!
Hi, writing this from England(here for my mother-in-law's funeral}. This has made all the papers here. Lots of letters pro and con. has been interesting reading. So much of our literature is based on bible stories.
Thanks for this "on-site" perspective Laurie. Please express our condolences to your husband.
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