|
|
|
|
|
Gideons InternationalGideons International is an evangelical Christian organisation, founded in 1899, dedicated to distributing copies of the Bible (specifically, the King James Version as well as the New King James Version) to those who might not otherwise encounter it (such as in hotel rooms). The organisation describes its link to the story of Gideon thusly: - "Gideon was a man who was willing to do exactly what God wanted him to do, regardless of his own judgment as to the plans or results. Humility, faith, and obedience were his great elements of character. This is the standard that the Gideon association is trying to establish in all its members, each man to be ready to do God's will at any time, at any place, and in any way that the Holy Spirit leads."
The unsigned preface in Gideon Bibles is not particulary marked as being separate from the original text of the Bible. According to the preface, the Bible should - fill our memory, command our heart and guide our steps. Read it slowly, often, in the spirit of prayer. It is a mine of wealth, and paradise of glory and a river of delights. It is given to you during your life, will be open on the Last Judgement day and its rememberance will last forever. It implies the highest responsibilities, will retribuate highest efforts, and will condemn those who will have mocked its sacred content.
(Translated from the French preface to the Gideons edition of Louis Segond's Protestant translation. This might differ from the preface in English Gideon Bibles.) Note: - The deliberate imitation of the literary style (parallelism, etc.) of ancient Hebrew poetry ("It is a mine of wealth, and paradise of glory and a river of delights")
- Emphasis on a devotional reading of the text, rather than a historical-critical approach. ("Read it slowly, often, in the spirit of prayer", "will condemn those who will have mocked its sacred content")
- Implied threats for these who neglect the teaching of the organisation ("will be open on the Last Judgement day", "will condemn those who will have mocked its sacred content")
The French preface refers to the Christ as "CHRIST" (without a definite article, and in capitals), in constrast to the standard usage among French Catholics and mainstream Protestants (who would more typically say "Jesus-Christ" or "le Christ", as does the text of the Louis Segond translation). This usage is a characteristic trait of French-speaking fundamentalist or evangelical Christian organizations. See also External link
|
 |
|
| Copyright 2005-2009 OnPedia.com. All Rights Reserved |
|
|