She quickly grabbed my attention while it was still early in the interview. Her name was Eden Lipson and she had been introduced as the Children's Book editor for the New York Times. Her purpose for appearing on this national news program was a very worthy one.
Shortly after the tragic events of September 11 she was appearing to give book recommendations that might be of help to children during a time of crisis. After recommending a number of good books she delivered the statement that is indelibly stamped in my memory. She said that these books will be of help, then she said, "but I don't believe in bibliotherapy".
She continued her comments by saying, "there is no book that can solve all our problems".
With all due respect to the scholarship of Ms. Lipson, I must beg to differ and take exception with her. I believe that there is one book that will solve every problem we face in this life.
Ms. Lipson even used a form of the name of this wonderful book in her statement. That book is the Bible. Only the Bible makes such bold and wonderful claims for itself. The Bible claims to be a book that came directly from the mind of God.
The apostle Paul said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Peter says that the Bible gives to us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). Only the Bible can correctly claim to be a light to guide our path (Psalm 119:105).
Are you struggling with the deepest questions of life? Does life seem to throw more at you than you are able to handle? Do you need guidance from a source greater than yourself?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions may I suggest that you read, study and meditate on the Bible.
Maybe Ms. Lipson was partially right. No mere book written by mere men can solve all of our problems. But the Word of God can! Praise God for His marvelous Word. I'm thankful that I can believe in Bibliotherapy!
[Used by permission from Forthright Magazine (http://www.forthright.antville.org). Copyright © 2002 in author’s name. If you'd like to reproduce this, please contact the editor at the site link.]This item originally appeared in www.forthright.antville.org
