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In addition to being the written record of the essential theological
knowledge for mankind, the Bible is also great literature, with many literary forms and
devices—poetry, prose, allegory, epic, parable, history, even humor. It is often open
and frank, and yet at other times it is discreet and obscure. The Bible exposes the
weaknesses of its heroes, but calls them the friends of God. It shows the glory and power
of the Creator through His many miracles but it shows Him to be intimately concerned with
the smallest details of human lives. It holds out the answers to the riddles of life, yet
hides enough of God's nature and the universe to tantalize us and draw us further along in
a profound growth process.
We see through the pages of the Bible the lessons of human
experience. We read of men and women like us, those who share problems common to
all—with the same pulls and passions, hopes and dreams, fears and frustrations. The
Bible not only shows the common heritage of human nature, but enables us to understand the
process whereby we may overcome the destructive elements within us and attain our
God-given potential.
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