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The Influence of the Bible

December 2005

Did you know that:

  • Shakespeare used over 1300 documented biblical references in his thirty-seven plays?
  • no biblical account had more impact on the music of African American slavery than the book of Exodus?
  • the construction of SolomonÕs Temple impacted the designs of Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance basilicus?
  • Moby Dick can be read as an American inverted version of the Book of Job?
  • Bach was a deeply religious man who signed his cantatas ÒS.D.G.Ó which stands for Soli Deo Gloria, Òto God alone the glory.Ó
  • Noah Webster quoted Bible verses after the definition to illustrate the usage of many words?
  • (warning: understatement): much of the great works of Western art (literature, paintings, sculptures) were prompted by the writings of Scripture?


These tidbits of information do not begin to tap the wealth of information found in The Bible and Its Influence, a new textbook written and produced by the Bible Literacy Project with public schools in mind. If you are a public school teacher and looking for a text that will show the impact of the Bible on Western culture this is the book. The Bible and Its Influence was written in strict compliance with
the guidelines set for public school textbooks.


Each chapter includes the following features:


¥ A General Introduction to each book in the Bible
¥ Cultural Connections
¥ The Bible in Literature
¥ Into Everyday Language
¥ Student Projects
¥ Unit Features


The book is oversized and hardbound in full color which helps to explain the $70.00 plus price. It illustrates, page after colorful page, why Northrop Frye describes the Bible as The Great Code.


For further information on the project go to www.bibleliteracy.org. While there, check out Jay LenoÕs man on the street interview.

 

 

Steven Lloyd