In my study, I have a large number of copies of the Bible, in many versions and translations. The vast majority of them were gifts, which is one reason why I retain them. However, in all honesty, whilst I sometimes find it helpful to check out a verse, or passage, in something other than my favoured RSV (Revised Standard Version), there are a number of those Bibles that are very rarely used.
So, if I were to receive yet another gifted Bible, I would be grateful; I would say "Thank you" to the giver; and then I would add it to the long line of Bibles that stretches only inches short of the width of my study desk (all 5' of it!).
What a difference if I were a Chinese disciple of Jesus like those in the video-clip below. They are students, receiving their first ever copy of the Bible. When, as you will see, they kiss it, it is not in any form of bibliolatry (worship f the book as an object), but because of what it represents to them.
The video is from International Christian Concern, one of a number of Christian Ministries that support those who are persecuted for their Christian faith, in more than 50 countries in the world today.
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