How many times have you heard someone comment on whether the
Bible is fact or fiction? One too many I'll bet. But the real
question is whether or not it matters.
Some of you may already be pounding your monitor and crying
"Blasphemy!" but bear with me. Let me make a few obvious
comparisons and then you can draw your own conclusions.
The Bible is the best-selling book of all time for one very
simple and inescapable reason. The Bible has outsold all other
books and been translated into more languages than you can count
because it's a fantastic read.
That's right! The Bible is a fantastic read. And just like any
other great book, no matter how many times you read it, you
realize or learn something entirely new. And like any other
great book, there's something in it for everyone.
Consider a great work of fiction: There's interesting characters
and relationships between those characters. There's social and
political tension and unrest. There's a great story-line and
wonderful sub-plots. There are wars and famines, and great men
and generals all playing on the same stage.
Consider an outstanding non-fiction book: History is being made
or repeated. Great events are being played out on a global
scale. Tragedy and triumph weave their way through the lives of
kings and peasants alike.
If the above sounds familiar, you've been reading and studying
your Bible. Fact or fiction, the Bible has all the elements that
make for a great work of fiction and/or fact. The next time you
pick up your Bible, make an effort to identify with one of the
characters you come across. Great or small, there is some
nugget, some gem you can learn from him or her. Try to identify
with the time or events surrounding a particular passage. You
will find yourself immersed in some of our history's greatest
events.
To know the Word of God, you must study the Word of God. To
study the Word of God you must read the Word of God. Give the
man upstairs a little credit: If the bible was not such a great
read, nobody would read it. And the question of whether it's
fact or fiction would be entirely moot!
Most importantly, if you read and study the Bible, you will find
yourself changed as a result. Like any great book, something in
your being will begin to resonate with the words and the message
they convey. And that, my friends, is what matters.
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