Promoting Biblical Values in America Today
By Whitney T. Kuniholm President, Scripture Union/USA Ever since The Essential Bible Guide was published, I’ve had opportunities to do radio interviews. Often, the first question is, “Why did you write your book?” Usually I explain my desire to help people see the big picture of God’s Word. Or I talk about my hope for Bible reading revival in America. But my original motivation for writing the book was more personal. When I became the President of Scripture Union/USA we had to move from Virginia to Pennsylvania, leaving behind a very happy neighborhood, a good church and excellent schools. The move also marked the end of the small child-rearing stage for my wife Carol and me, and for the first time I had to face the fact that our children would grow up and leave home someday. It was an emotional thing for me. The Deeper Motivation So I began thinking about what I wanted to communicate to them before that day arrived. In my own devotions I started a list of important Bible passages that I wanted to read and discuss with our children. Gradually the list grew and I got the idea to make it 100 passages, mostly because there is an odd motivation for reaching 100 of anything. Then over the next year, I spent a lot of time in our basement writing what became The Essential Bible Guide. But for me, the deeper motivation for the book was a father who simply wanted to share his love for God's Word with his children before they went out on their own. That's why I dedicated the book to our three children—Anna, Matthew and Stephanie. It was my way of saying, “This is what I’ve learned from reading the Bible and praying each morning throughout my life, and it’s what I want to share with you as you go out on your own.” Passion for God’s Word Today many Christians fret over the gradual erosion of biblical values in our society. It’s a valid concern and one that raises an important question: what is the best way to reverse the trend? Is it to contend for the Bible in the media, the courts and the public square? Of course. But I am convinced that until more individual Christians and more local churches become passionate about reading and living God’s Word, we’ll never see an increase of biblical values in our culture at large. When I got the idea to write The Essential Bible Guide, I wasn’t thinking about starting a great campaign for the Bible. I just wanted to show the people I loved the most how I meet God every day in his Word. I believe that’s the best way to promote biblical values in our society. |
