GQ magazine recently included the Bible on a list of 21 books not worth reading, calling the text “repetitive” and “foolish” (among other things). Push back came from both secular and religious folks. Writing in USA Today, Tim Swarens argued that even if you don’t believe in God, the Bible helps you understand Western culture, history, current events, and your neighbors.
For Christians, the Bible — God’s inspired Word — reveals God’s love and will. It isn’t always easy to read or process, but no other book contains such good news.
As Danielle Shroyer writes in Original Blessing,
“Scripture is a sacred book meant to provoke us in ways that will move us toward God. And often, that is the very last thing we are looking for. We would rather have an answer, a simple plan, even a nicely tidy moral story.
But Scripture gives us none of these things because the holy is anything but domestic. We go looking to find a plan and instead are sent on a treasure hunt.”
(NN 9.18)
During this Lenten season, spend some time with the Scriptures as you settle into your book nook this month.