Expert: Eric Christy - 2/16/2008

Question
Eric,

I want you to know I read every persons description in this category and picked you. Please do not send a generic "I don't know" answer if you're not SURE, because you'll know better than me.

I am in traveling Europe until the end of June. Today, I was in the Cambridge Universities book store and came upon an ENTIRE SECTION just of bibles. I am not a Christian, but any educated human being should acknowledge that The Bible is the most influential book in human history.

Feeling inspired, I almost bought one of their beautiful copies but decided to wait. If God has inspired me to buy a Bible on this trip, I want to get one in the most meaningful, significant location possible.

The Vatican has already come to mind, but I wanted to ask someone with more knowledge than me if there is anywhere else that might have more meaning, in retelling, to my children.

I want to be able to say to them "lets go take a look at this bible I bought at 21 years old from _____."

Can you help me?

Answer
Hi David,

Thank you for considering me in your question. Well, you certainly have a most interesting dilemma upon your hands :)

I've never had a question like that. Most questions I deal with have to do with various doctrines of the Christian faith.

However, I can answer your question best if I put myself in your shoes. Sure, the Vatican would be an inspiring place to buy one's Bible. But if it were me, I can think of one other place even more inspiring.

Jerusalem.

If *where* I bought my Bible from were the most important factor in buying a Bible, Jerusalem would definately be my choice. It's the most important city in biblical literature, both in the Hebrew Bible as well as in the Christian New Testament. After all, Jerusalem is where the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Definately an awe-inspiring place.

But if you were not going to go to Jerusalem, then buying one's Bible from the Vatican would be my second choice.

I hope this helps,

Eric