Those Lutherans are on top of it, again! Recognizing that few people have an opportunity to learn about the Bible and so are at a disadvantage for understanding the bases of their faith as well as for engaging the rich questions of lived belief, they've established the Book of Faith Initiative. Reverend Dr. Stan Olson, ELCA's Executive Director for Vocation and Education put me on to it in reply to my inquiry about how preachers might help their parishioners boost biblical literacy (and so get more out of their sermons). Great stuff! Check it out. Critics rightly point out that (as is so often the case) it can be tricky to distinguish between teaching about the Bible and teaching particular readings, interpretations, or applications of the Bible.
Book of Faith Initiative
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Hey Kristin,
I saw your post on the BOFI site (offered a brief reply), and that led me here. Greetings from Northfield!!
I too am an author although I approach Biblical history through fiction. I have a novel due to hit the marketplace this fall, tentatively entitled "A Wretched Man, a novel of Paul the Apostle".
I also have an active blog, Spirit of a Liberal, which you will find if you click on my name. My last post touches upon your issue of Biblical literacy, starting with the premise of another blogger of seeking a middle ground, a holy agnosticism, between militant fundamentalists and the angry atheists who debunk their myths.
Nice to chat, and I'll be following your blog.
Thanks much for your post re: biblical literacy in churches. I'm discovering that this is a multi-faceted and hot-button issue. All best with your Paul book -- sounds intriguing.