I am working this summer at the circulation desk of the ACU library. For the most part this means I sit around checking my e-mail, posting on my blog, and handling the odd patron who needs to check something out or send an international fax or something.
About twice during my morning shift, however, I get to witness something really odd and slightly disturbing. The ACU welcome center gives campus tours to prospective students and their parents and this invariably includes a visit to the library. They take them upstairs and proclaim the academic virtues of the school and then they descend and show them our "claim to fame." The World's Largest Bible. It is enclosed in a glass case that is sealed and protected from damaging elements. Those on the tour come and gawk in amazement over a Bible so large it prevents actual use. They are amazed and even inspired by such a mammoth book.
Maybe it is the cynic in me, but I wonder, What's the point? What is the purpose of so massive a book? Are we so in awe of the scriptures that we must create such massive images of it and fawn over them in near worship? Would we rather idolize a book than embody a way of life?
"I pause for reply"
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5 comments:
Wow, I've seen that b4. Sup Potter? It's Bekah, and i came across yours through the Walkers' through the Cukrowskis!
Oh my comment on the Bible? Uh pretty much just that it's a cool thing to look at and despite the fact that there is no point to it, I like the fact that it inspires people and that they enjoy seeing. However, I think it's kind of weird that ACU thinks that it is their pride and joy. Pretty stupid actually.
I don't know. I'm still waiting for someone to explain the big ol' pile of rust that is the "Omega Point" sculpture outside the library.
Deana; what I know about Omega Point is that when you look at from either end, it is supposed to look like praying hands.
"...a Bible so large it prevents actual use."
Harry, that line was prophetic.
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