Mother's Learning Library: A Mother's Influence

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undiluted, is to share the same experience as the greatest minds that have ever lived. The Bible belongs to all of us, Methodist and Baptist, Mormon and Presbyterian, Catholic and Jew. It is the one book capable of uniting us as a people because no one group can claim ownership of it. Its marvel is that it is not the work of one man, such as the writings of Confucius or the words of Mohammed, but a collection of writings over hundreds of years from prophets, herdsmen, kings, physicians, tax collectors, and fishermen, all being acted upon by the same sublime Spirit of Truth and delivering the same hopeful message: that life has purpose and meaning and there is a guiding power. We are not left alone to muddle our way through. Its universal message of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man touches the hearts of the poor and the rich, the scholar and the unlearned, those in captivity and those who are free. Its wisdom is valued by the Hindu, the Muslim and even the atheist. It needs no commentary to be understood. It offers ideas so simple a little child can grasp them, and yet scholars can spend a lifetime attempting to uncover the depth of their meaning. One simple phrase from its pages, on many occasions, has changed the course of a life and even the course of nations. The most deeply moving music that has ever been composed, the most inspiring art that has ever been painted, and the most exquisite words that have ever been written have found their inspiration in the Bible. As Lincoln exclaimed, the Bible is simply the greatest gift God has given to mankind. Serious Gardeners of Liberty cannot ignore it. 157


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