A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLE

THE professor was at home on a Sunday afternoon, no expecting any visitors.  But when one of our Christian sisters called at his door, he listened.  She spoke about pollution and the future of the earth-subjects that appealed to him.  However, when she introduced the Bible into the discussion, he seemed skeptical.  So she asked him what he thought about the Bible. 

"It was a good book that was written by some intelligent men,"   he replied,  "but the Bible is not to be taken seriously."  "Have  you ever read the Bible?"{  She inquired.  Taken aback, the professor had to admit that he had not.  She then asked:  "How can you voice a strong conviction about a book that you have never read?"

Our sister had a point.  The professor decided to examine the Bible and then form an opinion about it.  The professor is not alone.  Many people have definite opinions about the Bible even though  they have never personally read it.  They may possess a Bible.   They may even acknowledge its literary or historical value.  But for many,  it is a closed book.  'I do not have time to read the Bible,' some say.  Others wonder, 'How could an ancient book possibly be relevant to my life?'  Such viewpoints present us with a real challenge.  Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believe that the Bible "is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching."  ( 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)  How, though, can we convince people that regardless of their racial, national or ethnic background, they should examine the Bible.

Let  us discuss some reasons why the Bible is worthy of examination.  Such a discussion can equip us to reason with those whom we meet in our ministry, perhaps convincing them that they should consider what the Bible says.  At the same time, this review should strengthen our own faith that the Bible is, indeed, what it claims to be - the word of God." -Hebrews 4:12.

Next time: The World's Most Widely Distributed Book

Watchtower, 1998