Does an educated person need to be familiar with the Bible?
Why? Why not?
Back in the Dark Ages when I attended college–and earned a degree in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles–a familiarity with basic Bible stories was very helpful.
But it wasn’t universal, even then.
English Literature–obviously
I once received a high grade and exclamation points on a paper I wrote about “Methought I saw My Late Espoused Wife,” by John Milton.
The TA had never realized the veil in the following passage of Sonnet 23 might have a Biblical allusion:
Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind;
Her face was veil’d, yet to my fancied sight
Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shin’d
Moses came down from Mt. Sinai wearing a veil because he had looked upon God. Moses’ face shone with such glory, no one could look upon him and live.
It seemed to me, Milton referred to that concept when describing his wife in heaven; her face required a veil because she saw God.
Etching by Phillip Medhurs: Moses delivering the Law (Wikimedia Commons)
(Bible knowledge helped immensely in reading Paradise Lost!)
Educated Persons agree
I read the Bible because I was a Christian, but also because my favorite writer at the time, Madeleine L’Engle, once said everyone should be familiar with Bible stories.
Many educators agree.A December 11, 2014 Washington Times article cited a Bible Literacy study featuring 39 English professors at 34 “major” US colleges.
“Almost without exception, English professors, we surveyed at major American colleges and universities see knowledge of the Bible as a deeply important part of a good education. The virtual unanimity and depth of their responses on this question are striking.
“The Bible is not only a sacred scripture to millions of Americans, it is also arguable (as one Northwestern professor stated), the “most influential text of all of Western culture.”
Another question left them in near total agreement:
“When asked, “Some scholars say Western literature is steeped in references to the Bible. How would you respond to that?”
38 of 39 English professors agreed; 24 strongly. When asked, “In your opinion, how important is it for students who take your courses to be familiar with the Bible?” 38 of 39 professors said it was important.”
Archaeology
I remembered this discussion recently when an article appeared in many newspapers heralding headlines like, “Scientists Find Evidence That Ancient Canaanites Survive Today. Was the Bible Wrong?”
Naturally, I always assume the Bible is right, but the headline disturbed me.
I thought some of the Canaanites survived and presented a problem for the Israelites forever after.
A 4th century B.C. Canaanite coin . referencing Yahweh. (Wikimedia Commons)
You can argue the question of why God ordered them killed–because He viewed sin that seriously.
(You know, the first commandment: “Thou shalt have no other God before me?” There are ten commandments . . . )
But that’s not the point here.
The Canaanites survived and thrived, as this article by David Klinghoffer explains:
“The Bible is detailed and unambiguous in relating that the Canaanites survived Joshua’s invasion. So it’s no wonder they have living descendants.
I’m not here to pass judgment on ancient Canaanites or ancient Israelites, on the Bible, Joshua, or anyone else. But come on, reporters, where’s your elementary cultural literacy, of which knowing a thing or two about the Bible is a key element?”
How much is enough?
A working knowledge for Americans, at least, about what’s in the Bible and what happened is probably sufficient. (I admit the Canaanite question probably required checking).
Educated folks should know basic New Testament stories about Jesus, the Gospels and a bit about Paul. (Beyond he hates women–which is not true).
The Psalms sooth the heart, no matter your beliefs, and the Proverbs are to the point in a good way.
It’s always helpful to be knowledgeable about the book on which your culture, literature, heritage and laws are based.
At least, I think so.
Tweetables
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Why is the Bible important for English majors? Not to mention everyone else? Click to Tweet
The Bible and our country
cannot be pulled apart;
through every passing century
’tis America’s mighty heart.
The documents of founding
are Scripturally imbued
to provide a solid grounding,
lest expediency intrude.
They provide an odd protection
to those who’d tear them down
to keep in view in the direction
of who placed the thorny crown.
The Word, present at nation’s borning,
serves both as hope, and as a warning.