#191 Boraas on the Bible

Here's a really good quote comparing the Bible with other religious books that I found in my Atlas of Bible Lands of all places:

"[The Bible] belongs to and affects all humans. The Bible is also a very specific, down-to-earth book. Like all of us it is rooted in time and place. This is part of its strength. It reaches people where they are -- in this world, of this time. Unlike many speculative religions, which project worlds and meanings from emotions or spectacular imaginations, the Bible deals with folks who are born, learn, work, fight, marry, rejoice, weep, struggle and die. It declares the meaning of our shared life, our common experience, our present dangers, our hopes, our sense of purpose. In that it is God's word to his people... [the Bible atlas] reminds us that the places of knowing God are the places of earth, of our ordinary life."

Roger S. Boraas, Professor of Religion, Upsala College

Speaking of Bible lands, Ben Witherington is leading a two-week tour group to the Biblical lands of Turkey and Jordan. This would be a dream vacation for me or any Christian.