NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—The Billy Graham Training Center
Bible doesn’t run from hot-button issues. Abortion.
Cohabitation. Homosexuality. They’re all covered, along with
more than 100 other topics covering less controversial issues
like depression, love and loneliness.
It is the first Bible project undertaken by the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association.
The dust jacket bills the Bible, released in November, as
providing “time-tested answers to your toughest
questions.” Throughout the biblical text, topic notes
explain and interpret various passages. Readers then are guided
to other parts of Scripture where the same issue is tackled.
The New King James Version translation is used.
“It runs a pretty good spectrum—from abortion and
homosexuality on one end to fear and bitterness on the other end.
I think it’s balanced,” BGEA spokesperson Mark DeMoss
told Baptist Press. “It was not an attempt to be a
news-making Bible. But of 100 or so topics, there are a number
that would be considered controversial or delicate, and
they’re included.”
A few examples:
• Homosexuality. “The only cure for
homosexuality, or any type of sinful behavior, is a personal,
intimate, and continuous relationship with Jesus Christ,” a
note on the same page as 1 Corinthians 6 reads.
• Abortion. “The Bible teaches that the
unborn child is fully human,” a note on Psalm 139 reads.
Speaking to those considering an abortion, it says, “we urge
you to consider having the child.”
• Suicide. “It is Satan who convinces people
to take their own lives,” a note on Job 6 reads. “...
Jesus does not want you take your own life; He wants to give you
abundant life.”
The Training Center Bible also includes answers to 50
frequently asked questions concerning various topics. For
instance: “Is there anything wrong with living with my
boyfriend if we plan to be married someday?”
“Living together without being married is common in our
culture, but this goes against God’s will,” the answer
reads. “... When you have this kind of relationship outside
of marriage, you do not have a lasting commitment to each other
and thus cannot have a full measure of trust and security.”
Some of the notes are taken from another BGEA publication,
“The Billy Graham Christian Worker’s Handbook.”
But while the handbook was aimed at Christian leaders, the Training
Center Bible targets both believers and non-believers.
And while Billy Graham himself didn’t write it, his
sermons and articles throughout the years provided the
foundation.
“Theologically, it would mirror the theology of Mr.
Graham and the Graham organization, which is certainly a
conservative evangelical bent,” DeMoss said. “Through
50-plus years of public ministry, he has in one way or another
addressed most of these 100 or so topics in sermons or messages
or talk show interviews. The Graham organization keeps all of
that information as well, which helps them respond to people that
write or call with questions.”
The Billy Graham Training Center Bible also includes a
topic index, a 195-page concordance and maps.
The Billy Graham Training Center Bible is available at
LifeWay Christian Stores and online at www.lifewaystores.com.
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