The Bible was written by many authors, but all inspired by God. It is neither a simple collection of books written by human authors, nor is it the literal words of God dictated to human scribes. It is a source of religious truth, presented in a diversity of styles, genres, and languages.
The Massachusetts Bible Society likes to share how the Bible inspires in new and exciting ways. Recently, we heard about the podcast on the for reading the Bible in a year by Father Mike Schmitz of the Catholic ministry at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The podcast is number one in America, with more than 238 million downloads and counting, landing a billboard in Times Square. They have listeners of many faiths and atheist followers from around the world, as well. The podcast has the largest following of any podcast in America.
Here is a look at that composition, including how many books are in the Bible, the Old and New Testaments, and the structural placing of some books that do not appear in all versions.
Q: Is the word “mark” of the beast in Revelation associated with the word "pharmakeia"?
Dear Friends,
The Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Bible Society staff express heartfelt thanks to each of you for your ongoing support.
The "Exploring the Bible" series has been a wonderful addition to our church’s adult education program. It provides a challenging yet safe space to examine the Bible among a diversity of backgrounds and previously held opinions. Additionally, the materials are well developed and easy for laypersons to facilitate which takes pressure off of our pastor and staff.
-Todd Vosper, Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, Coronado CA
For over 210 years, the Massachusetts Bible Society has been at the work of distributing God’s word - the Holy Bible - to those in need. Small churches, hospitals and hospices, prisons and street programs have all benefited from this dedicated service mission. We have found ways to encourage small groups of people to really study the sacred texts to help apply old lessons to current problems.
As a career professional in the field of education and child care before coming to MassBible, I was intrigued by Frank Thomas' lectionary column in the November 3rd edition of The Christian Century. Drawing on sacred text (1 Samuel 1:4-20) to ask what our society would look like if we truly held a sacred view of children, Dr. Thomas reflects on the far ranging impact of the world pandemic.
-Dr. Ted Wilson
November 14, Ordinary 33B (1 Samuel 1:4–20)
Living by the Word What if we put children at the center of our policies and decisions? by Frank A. Thomas October 19, 2021
On a beautiful first day of November, I found myself walking past swarming students and heading into the quiet of the library at the Boston University School of Theology. The school's archivist, Kara Jackman, had pulled out several boxes of historic records pertaining to what is known as the "MBS Bible Collection."
The First Congregational Church of Wareham celebrated the Installation of Rev. Philomena Hare, Board President for the Massachusetts Bible Society, on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. Installation is a rite in the United Church of Christ that confirms and celebrates the relationship among a congregation, pastor, and the wider church.
LITERACY
UNDERSTANDING
DIALOGUE
