Why does the Bible endure?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is an enduring intrigue that despite the historical and current hostility that the Bible has faced, it’s still standing as the unshifting lighthouse to a meaningful life and standard of morality.

Both physical and intellectual onslaughts have done nothing to really dent the Bible’s value as a true road map and guide to our existence.

Often, misrepresented readings and interpretations are forged as egregious strawmen to discredit the Bible as a book issuing from God, and yet, a further reading therein would put those very interpretations in doubt. Our anxiety to defame should not override our knowledge of what we’re decrying – or because the rules may infringe on our concept of freedom and ways to live.

If the Bible does not align with our objectives, often, the adjustments aren’t for us but the Word. Interestingly enough, our current COVID-19 pandemic may have been greatly reduced if recommendations in Leviticus on cleanliness – strict washing of hands and social distancing from transmissible diseases – were observed.

The Bible’s prescriptions on moral behaviour are not unrelated to the rise in various transmissible diseases and the general social breakdown that results from our reckless irresponsibility.

So it is not the Bible’s counsel that are irrelevant, outdated, and archaic but our own impermeable devotion to self and freedom from consequence. And even the fact that there is always an inspiration for a renewed attack on the Bible itself suggests that previous attacks were lacking.

For why would we be rehashing settled disputes? Basically proving why the Bible endures.

HOMER SYLVESTER

New York