-Caveat Lector-
December 11, 2000
Old-time religion competes with new-age concentration gap
By Larry Witham
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Most Americans believe the Bible is more factual than newspapers — not
necessarily much of an endorsement — but find their daily newspapers far easier
to read. Top Stories
• Divided court finds recounts unconstitutional
• Democratic support begins to crumble
• Florida House OKs Bush electors
• Democrats won't disclaim Jackson's remarks
• Daschle denies blocking bill on military voting
• D.C. police prepare for protests at inauguration
• CDC report links TB, immigrants
This ambivalence toward the ancient Scripture, confirmed in a recent survey,
suggests Americans are more willing to enter the complex Bible world if they find it
packaged palatably and easy to grasp, scholars and publishers say.
"For years, Gallup polls have found that huge majorities believe the Bible to be
God's word, but a far smaller segment read it regularly," says Jeff Sheler, author of
"Is the Bible True?"
When Americans say they believe in the Bible, Mr. Sheler says, "Are they merely
reflecting a cultural assumption or a personal experience, having read it or applied
it to their lives?"
Whether Americans are truly Bible-literate in a era of slipshod literacy
standards, more than eight in 10 U.S. adults told the survey that the Bible's ancient
stories speak to today — and can solve "most or all" of life's problems.
The independent market survey of 1,000 representative U.S. adults was
commissioned by Zondervan, the world's largest publisher of Bibles. It was released
for National Bible Week ending Nov. 26, but also shows the publisher's ear for what
Americans want in a Bible.
Most adults trust that the Bible got "its facts straight" more than newspapers or
even history books. But two-thirds find a supermarket tabloid easier reading. The
survey also found:
• The hardest part of the Bible "to read and understand" is the creation
account in Genesis.
• Adults most often say the Bible's great value is in teaching children
right and wrong, with David and Goliath the most memorable story and the Good
Samaritan the best for moral instruction.
• Eighty percent agree that Bible language can be "confusing," and welcome
modern translation. Most say that different parts of the Bible speak to different
people and needs — and thus approve of specialty Bible materials.
For the past decade, the story in Bible publishing has been customized versions
aimed at different ages, sexes, ethnic groups, professions and theological persuasions.
One growing format is the Bible anthology, such as Tyndale House's "The One Year
Bible." It covers the entire Bible by giving excerpts from the Old and New Testaments,
Psalms and Proverbs each day.
Presidential candidate George W. Bush reads this version, and friends say the
pithy Proverbs have guided his decisions.
In 1999, Aug. 20 was the day after the toughest grilling by reporters on rumors
of Mr. Bush's cocaine use. "The One Year Bible" reading that day included Proverbs
21:23: "If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble." Mr. Bush did so
and the story faded.
When the Florida recount battle began after Election Day, "The One Year Bible"
text for Nov. 8 was Proverbs 27:10: "Never abandon a friend — either yours or
your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask relatives for
assistance."
That day Mr. Bush asked James A. Baker III — secretary of state in his
father's administration — to lead the Florida fight.
Zondervan, which publishes the easy-to-read New International Version (NIV),
markets Bibles in the categories of study, devotional, youth, children, specialty and
gift. Its "NIrV" kids Bible reads at a third-grade level. A teen version includes 500
questions and answers.
The finding that Americans tend to say "no single Bible can meet everyone's
needs" is good news for publishing — but also reflects the Christian Bible's
structure.
"The Bible is not a book, it's a library," Mr. Sheler says. Because it features
poetry, genealogy, prophecy, legal codes, parables, proverbs, theology and history,
"You can't read one portion the same as another," he says.
Mr. Sheler's book, called one of 1999's best by Christianity Today, has the tone
of a journalist investigating what current textual and archaeological research says of
Bible factuality.
"Those parts that present themselves as history, when put under critical study,
show themselves to be remarkably reliable," Mr. Sheler says, referring to accounts of
the Israelites, the life of Christ and the early church.
"The Genesis story would be hard to understand for Americans who are
sophisticated and familiar with science," he says. But it's an example of what
believing scholars call a narrative with a theological or moral truth, not a
scientific or historic description.
Belief that the Bible is "literally true" has dropped from 65 percent of U.S.
adults to 33 percent over 40 years, Gallup polls report. But belief in its divine
"inspiration and authority" stays more than 80 percent.
"There is a conflict in the minds of lots of people about just what the Bible
is," Mr. Sheler says. "Unfortunately, they often reduce it to 'either-or.' It's either
all true in every detail or it's a [nonfactual] faith document."
Either way, a third of respondents to the Zondervan poll say they "feel
comfortable and safe" when a Bible is around, and 20 percent see someone holding a
Bible as a "good person."
From CBNnow web-based E-mail, part of the growing CBNnow web presence. CBNnow, your
source for news, information, and inspiration in the new millenium.
<A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A>
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic
screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are
sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis-
directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with
major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought.
That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and
always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no
credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html
<A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]</A>
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
<A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A>
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
