Dag Soderberg of Sweden was inspired to create this: Bible Illuminated: The Book New Testament. It is the entire New Testament, in a glossy magazine type finish, chock full of photographs and art depicting the culture that we currently find ourselves in. It's kind of like the Bible transformed into a National Geographic, or high fashion magazine. As Dag describes in his video, sometimes people are ashamed of their Bibles because they make people uncomfortable. But, it should be celebrated, shared, and out in the open for everyone to see. Sweden is a nation nearly void of all God-fearing people, but since the launch of this version, Bible sales have increased by 50%, not to mention that 10% of Stockholm attended The Book launch.
The mission of The Book is as follows:
"Illuminated World seeks to introduce today's audience to a revolutionary contemporary Bible, one that encourages dialogue and is culturally relevant, readily accessible and easily digestible for any reader regardless of religious, economic, racial or social background.
We have no religious agenda and support no specific faith. Bible Illuminated is intended to be a unique vehicle for reacquainting today's reader with one of history's most important texts."
Interesting.
So many people have been hurt by the church, and the "religion" of the church, that the Bible becomes a disgusting object associated with that pain. By getting rid of the uncomfortable stigma associated with the traditional Bible, and actually creating a Bible that is unlike anything else, yet still a Bible nonetheless, people will be attracted to the Word once again. It is a shame, however, that the WORD OF GOD isn't already attractive to many by what it is in and of itself. The Bible will forever remain timeless and relevant to our world, rather than remain an ancient, dead text that many believe it to be. By adding modern artistic interpretations depicting the joys and pain of our culture, the life breathing forth from the words is exemplified.
I think the fact that this Bible wasn't necessarily created by Christians is making many Christians angry. I agree with Paul: "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." philippians 1:18 If this gets people who normally would be embarrassed to own a Bible, to read a Bible, then I say it is beneficial.
These angered Christians see the artist's interpretations of some passages as adding to the word of God. They perceive it as a "secularized" (which by the way, I don't believe there is a giant schism between the secular and the sacred), distorted view of Scripture. What then do you make of your study Bible that adds little blurbs within the text on how to apply the verses, and includes all sorts of commentary? Are these not also someone else's interpretations of the Scripture? I would argue that the added thought provoking photographs further prove that the cross of Christ is relevant to every aspect of culture, and every corner of the earth. God works in mysterious ways and I find it a blessing that people who we wouldn't traditionally consider "believers" are able to be touched by the Word of God.
I'll admit, some of the images are disturbing, but we must ask why. Are we disturbed because the images actually provoke anti-biblical principles? Or are we disturbed because we become aware of certain issues we have been ignoring that a picture is able to remind us of? Jesus may be prompting us to be his hands and feet in that area. We are able to play our part in restoration only when we know what it is that is broken. Or are we disturbed because someone's modern, artistic, culturally in-tuned interpretation of a verse might be different from our own? The Word of God is so brilliant and moving that it is in fact able to touch people in different, unique ways, and has done so for millenniums. I believe God's hands are very much in the arts and he speaks volumes through paintings, sculptures and photographs. Occasionally, we have some artistic members of our church present "prophetic paintings" that are able to bring a new spin on Church, drawing every aspect of culture and gifts into the body.
Nevertheless, it is important to hold fast to the words held in The Book, which of course is the Bible we know and love. The text shouldn't be compromised for the captivating photographs adjacent to it, but it should be approached with prayer and discernment. Prayer for your eyes to be illuminated by the words, first and foremost, and then to the artistic interpretation. Discernment as to whether the interpretation is valid, and what you should do about it, if anything.
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