Try to imagine Western civilization with the Bible. It can't be
done. The writings of Dante and Tolstoi, the art of Michelangelo
and Chagall, the music of Mendelssohn and Bach, the Gothic cathedrals
-- these and so many of the great works of Western culture are
filled with the words, images and spirit of the Bible.
Above all, our moral tradition can be traced
to the ideas found on its pages. Over the centuries, the teachings
of the bible have
challenged and inspired our great philosophers and have shaped
our laws and customs. They have also provided inspiration for countless
men and women who look to the Bible for guidance in their daily
lives. As the Psalmist says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path."
Nowhere is this more true than in our own Nation. The United States
was founded upon the ideas of freedom, justice, equality and democracy
-- ideas rooted in the biblically supported belief that every human
being is made in our Creator's image and is deserving of respect
and dignity.
This year we celebrate the bicentennial
of the inauguration of our first President, George Washington.
President Washington was
keenly aware of our Nation's reliance on Divine Providence and
of the Bible's unique role as a matchless guide in human affairs.
To the oath of office prescribed by the constitution, he added
the words "so help me God" and then kissed the Bible
upon which his hand had rested. In every Presidential inauguration
since, the Bible has played a simple yet powerful role, serving
as a symbol of eternal truths from which our ideals of liberty
and justice are derived.
Every year since 1941, the Laymen's National
Bible Association has sponsored National Bible Week as a time
to renew interest in
the Bible and to recognize its place in the hearts of Americans,
as well as in American life and culture. The 49th annual observance
will begin November 19, 1989, with the theme, "To Know Where
You're Going -- Read the Bible." In communities across the
United States, events will be held to celebrate the Bible, and
I urge all Americans to participate.
To understand where we have been, to appreciate our history and
culture, the Bible is indispensable. To discern where we are going
and how we should get there, the Bible offers us a timeless source
of wisdom, hope and inspiration.
GEORGE BUSH
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
November 20-27, 1994
As Honorary Chairman, I am delight to extend warm greetings to
everyone celebrating National Bible Week, 1994.
The Bible has played a powerful role in the spiritual development
of our nation. Its sacred teachings continue to influence countless
lives, in homes and communities across the country. I include myself
among those whose lives have been dramatically and personally changed
by study of the Bible, and I am heartened that so many people are
taking this opportunity to recognize its timeless lessons and to
remind us of its relevance to the problems we face today.
Our constitutional guarantee of freedom of worship ensures that
all of us will continue to have the opportunity to embrace the
Bible. Since becoming President, I have endeavored to strengthen
and advance that liberty. The Religious Freedom restoration Act,
which I had the honor of signing last year, allows greater freedom
for people to worship as they choose. By exercising our cherished
right to worship freely, we can promote the importance and power
of moral values in our lives.
As we grapple with the daunting problems that confront our communities
and our children -- from violent crime to substance abuse to the
dissolution of the family -- we can drawn inner strength and guidance
form the Bible. It provides us with stirring examples of men and
women of honesty, integrity, courage, faithfulness, and compassion.
I believe that the Bible can fortify our families and neighborhoods,
and enable us to live more meaningful, responsible lives.
As we work together to further the spiritual renewal of our nation,
I encourage all Americans to read the bible often, to study its
teachings, and to make it an important part of our lives.
William T. Clinton
NEW TESTAMENTS IN THE CLASSROOM
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT:
To provide New Testaments for Christian teachers, students and
staff members.
To interest students in reading the Bible, an
all-time best-seller and literary classic.
To provide teachers New
Testaments to make available to students
within approved legal practices.
HOW NEW TESTAMENT COPIES ARE PROVIDED
Funds
will be provided by Christian friends and members for the purchase
of New Testaments and from grants of Bible publishing
firms.
Teachers may secure copies from the CEAI office; a donation to
cover mailing and handling costs is requested.
Additional information can be found
in the MEMBERS ONLY section,
or you can call CEAI at (626) 798-1124
"Blessings to you for the New Testament Bibles. I cannot
tell you how much this will mean to the children and I thank CEAI
for the willingness to provide this resource for the public school."
B.B. from CA