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The Massachusetts Bible Society used to be known by our bookstore which we operated from 1895 to 2006 on Bromfield Street in downtown Boston. Those many books represented the many voices of biblical interpretation and our commitment throughout our 200-year history to make those voices available to those who would listen. But we are still in existence after 200 years because we have learned to change and adapt to the times without changing our core principles. Selling the Bromfield Street bookstore is only one example of that. This website is another. "One Book, Many Voices"--we're still about giving a platform to the voices who would speak about the Bible, whether they speak in Boston or in cyberspace. Thanks for listening in and adding your voice to the chorus.
The Massachusetts Bible Society is a Christian organization that exists to promote biblical literacy, understanding and dialogue that is grounded in scholarship, socially relevant, and respectful of the many voices within the Bible and all those who turn to the Bible in faith.
We work to accomplish that missionthrough a variety of means — educational programs, grants, and resourcing — so that the ecumenical church is empowered to be faithful; that individuals might have faith strengthened for service; and that the broad outlines of a biblical vision of reality might be lifted up in the larger world.
As our mission statement and our name would imply, we are committed to the Bible; but our byline "One Book, Many Voices" should clue you in to the fact that we do not have a monolithic view of Scripture. We like to say that we take the Bible seriously, but not literally and you will find that attitude reflected throughout our programming and this website. We are committed to bringing you the many voices of scriptural interpretation and helping you to open God's Word not just on the surface, but to its depths.
Our theological outlook is progressive, by which we mean both an openness to what God is currently doing in the world and the humility to recognize that God's nature and will cannot ever be fully grasped or comprehended by human beings. We prefer not to instruct God on how to run the world, who to bless, or how to judge others. We have a feeling we would probably get that all wrong. Best to leave it in God's hands.
We are an independent, ecumenical, Christian organization. Our support comes from individuals, churches, and other organizations who partner with us in our mission.
The services of the Massachusetts Bible Society falls into three broad categories: grants,education, and books. Some of those services, like our monthly luncheons or Beck lectures, are carried out at certain times in specific locations, while others, like Ask-a-Prof and the Bible Quiz are located here on the website. Some services, like our book tables, are customized for you and your event. We're always open to your feedback. If there's something we could do to help you in your study of the Bible, please contact us and let us know.
The Massachusetts Bible Society is governed by a Board of Trustees that represent a number of Christian traditions. Our current Executive Board are: Christianne Humphrey, President; Angela Markert, Treasurer, Dr. Derek Kotze, Rev. Dr. Stephen Butler Murray, Frances M. Taylor & Preeti Pabreja Wesley. Other Trustees: Rev. Dr. Mark Arnold, Rev. John Buehrens, Rev. Lyn Brakeman, Dr. Charles Dickinson III, Rev. Anne Deenan, Rev. Dr. Anita Farber-Robertson, Jonathan Jones, Stephen R. Silver, Celia Sirois, & Charles Wibiralske.
The Massachusetts Bible Society is able to sustain its ministries of Bible Grants, promoting Biblical literacy and nurturing open spiritual/theological dialogue through financial contributions from people and organizations such as you. Please click here to support MBS.