The single most important function, in my opinion, of the Bible is to give people evidence that there exists something beyond themselves. The belief in a higher power, no matter what god or ideal is chosen, is (in my opinion) vital. The Bible does not only allow this belief through religion. The reader is not required to join any organization or even believe in God. Through reading the text, one may find belief in the power of language. After all, this is not just any book; this library of stories has impacted lives throughout history. The tales of the book may guide believers and nonbelievers. The story of Ruth may guide the reader to establish and stand behind relationships. Some say the book of Job teaches patience, I personally would not think that would be a lesson contained in this story, but it is up to each reader to decide what to take from these stories. It would be remiss to omit the guidance of Proverbs concerning relationships, faith, action, and discipline.
The paradox of the creation myth satisfies the human yearning to discover their origins and still have mystery. The Bible states how God and man were created, yet there is the enigma of what or who created God. It seems that the Word created God (see the book of John), but God created the Word and they were one. This leads to the obvious question of how they came into being. Many people seek knowledge while reveling in the mysterious this paradox satisfies both desires.
There are interesting stories to explain the world scattered through out the Bible. Where do rainbows come from? They are the symbol of the covenant of God. Where is the tree of knowledge? We will never find it; God had it hidden and locked away. Do animals have everyday worries? No, God takes care of even the tiny birds. Why not be greedy? If you are rich you will have difficulty getting into heaven.
Another crucial function of the Bible is to establish societal order and law. Reason is given for the importance of kings and spiritual leaders. Laws are written in hopes that a peaceable community will result from the code. Justification of the laws and incentive to follow them comes from stories of the power of God.
The fact is that the myths contained in the Bible explain the unexplainable. Additionally, they give reason for the belief in a higher power, and they establish order. Do we not still today swear on a Bible when testifying in court and while taking oath of office? The stories of the Bible and the beliefs that it creates and their power that encompass it are its truth.
The paradox of the creation myth satisfies the human yearning to discover their origins and still have mystery. The Bible states how God and man were created, yet there is the enigma of what or who created God. It seems that the Word created God (see the book of John), but God created the Word and they were one. This leads to the obvious question of how they came into being. Many people seek knowledge while reveling in the mysterious this paradox satisfies both desires.
There are interesting stories to explain the world scattered through out the Bible. Where do rainbows come from? They are the symbol of the covenant of God. Where is the tree of knowledge? We will never find it; God had it hidden and locked away. Do animals have everyday worries? No, God takes care of even the tiny birds. Why not be greedy? If you are rich you will have difficulty getting into heaven.
Another crucial function of the Bible is to establish societal order and law. Reason is given for the importance of kings and spiritual leaders. Laws are written in hopes that a peaceable community will result from the code. Justification of the laws and incentive to follow them comes from stories of the power of God.
The fact is that the myths contained in the Bible explain the unexplainable. Additionally, they give reason for the belief in a higher power, and they establish order. Do we not still today swear on a Bible when testifying in court and while taking oath of office? The stories of the Bible and the beliefs that it creates and their power that encompass it are its truth.
No comments:
Post a Comment