Expert: Thomas Hussein - 8/6/2007

Question
This is quite a big question and I'm not sure how to answer it in the round.What are the great influences that the Bible has on the western world£¿Especially on their daily life.Thanks for you helping.

Answer
***HERE ARE SOME noteworthy commentaries as to its worth:

*** w96 12/1 p. 17 par. 10 Youths Who Remember Their Creator ***
--The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe noted: “The greater the intellectual progress of [a people], the more fully possible will it also become to employ the Bible both as the foundation and as the instrument of education.” Yes, a study of the Bible will better equip you for life than will any other education!—Proverbs 2:6-17; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
*** g00 12/22 p. 4 A Far-Reaching Educational Program ***

--THE 19th-century antislavery activist William H. Seward believed that “the whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever growing influence of the Bible.”

*** ba p. 3 A Book to Be Read ***

--THE Bible, made up of 66 writings, has been described as being “probably the most influential collection of books in human history.”1 Indeed, it has influenced some of the world’s greatest art, literature, and music. It has had a significant impact on law. It has been extolled for its literary style and has been held in high esteem by many well-educated individuals. Its effect on the lives of people in all strata of society has been particularly profound. It has inspired in many of its readers a remarkable degree of loyalty. Some have even risked death just to read it."

*** Multiple Articles ***

--Commenting on the value of translation, a Canadian writer notes: “It is commonplace to hear learned people say that such-and-such a book must be read in the original language to be appreciated, but Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: ‘What is really best in any book is translatable—any real insight or broad human sentiment.’” As proof of this point, the writer refers to the Holy Bible as the most translated book and adds: “No book has had so revolutionary influences or had such a world-wide effect as the Bible. . . . People of all races find through these translations the answers to the great problems plaguing the world: war, immorality, crime, juvenile delinquency, racial and religious prejudice, atheism and despair.”