LEARNING FROM THE PAST THROUGH THE BIBLE

When, most of us think of the "Bible," we think about a big book, which is: sometimes hard to read and understand; and sometimes very dusty, due to lack of use. But did you know that for nearly 2500 years before Christ, and up until 1400 AD, most believers never saw the Bible written down as words in a book. Yet somehow, the stories of the Bible were passed down from generation to generation through out the ages of time. How did that happen?

PEOPLE TOLD THE STORIES. People told the stories to one another, to new converts, to children,and to anyone who would listen. Sometimes the stories were told at the dinner table. Other times they were told at religious gatherings. Other times, the stories were acted out as dramas. So for thousands of years, most believers learned the Bible by watching and listening.  

However, now everyone, even those who are illiterate, has the chance to learn the heart of the Bible by watching TV. As you may have heard, the History Channel will be debuting an epic miniseries called "The Bible," on Sundays, March 3 --March 31. There are 10 hour long episodes, two of which will be shown each Sunday night. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the heart of the Bible, while watching the drama unfold.

 Now for those who worry as to whether or not the bible is 100% historically accurate, I say this: This miniseries is only telling the stories. Those are valuable even if you believe that they are only myth, and/or legend and/or symbolic. The fact is, these stories can be enjoyed at many different levels; historical, literary, legend, and inspiration. It has been said that if you do not learn from history, then you are bound to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors. Perhaps learning from the bible an save us all from some future trouble. [The community is invited to open discussion on the series on Friday nights, 7 PM, March 7 - April 5, at Christ Church Quaker farms, 470 Quaker farms Road, Oxford, 203-888-4936]

---The Rev. John Donnelly