By Steve Eickhoff
Fountain, MN
Mr. Gustafson’s commentary on February 21, “Ban this Book,” cast a very negative, dark shadow over the Holy Bible, which most Christians believe is the inspired Word of God. While the Bible contains a lot of what he claims, murder, adultery, prostitution, ethnic cleansing, etc., his vague account of those stories doesn’t speak to their intended meaning.
As our culture tries to persuade us that anything goes, and our emotions should rule our lives, the Bible sets standards built on truth that will bring true joy to our lives. It teaches us how to be good husbands and wives, parents, children, and leaders. In addition, it teaches us how to respect our fellow man, while remaining grounded on solid moral and ethical footing.
The Bible points out to us the consequences suffered by those who ignored God’s word. History was recorded in the Bible and elsewhere in an effort to discourage us from making the same mistakes as others. This, in turn, should prevent us from suffering those same consequences.
Mr. Gustafson failed to mention that the Bible sets the bar high in regard to how we treat our fellow man. Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies, Matthew 7:12 instructs us to treat others as we would like to be treated, and Luke 6:37 says “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” All words to live by.
Atrocities/sins have been committed in the name of religion throughout history. People have misinterpreted scripture and committed grave sins as a result. This doesn’t negate the truth of the Bible, but simply proves the sinful nature of man.
The Bible IS exclusive, as Mr. Gustafson claims, Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me,” John 14:6. It’s also INclusive in that God desires ALL to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Timothy 2:4.
Rather than banning the Bible, it should be studied and applied to teach respect, morality, and civility in a culture that is in desperate need of it. Rather than excepting Mr. Gustafson’s opinion of the Bible, or mine for that matter, read the verses and stories mentioned by both of us in context, and study it for yourself. You’ll find that God’s desire for all of us is that “your joy would be full,” John 15:11.
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