My Favorite Literature

Some may call me old-fashioned and completely out of style, but my favorite literature to read is the good old-fashioned Holy Bible. I love that book and I read it all the time. Though this is largely because I'm a Christian and the book plays a big part in my faith, I find the Bible to be action-packed, full of poetry, laced with love stories, and garnished with comedy.

First of all, because I am a Christian, and a Holiness Pentecostal at that, I read the Bible because of necessity. I need to read it. This book blesses my heart, gives me answers, and helps grow my faith. I believe I need to read it because God commanded his children to do so. According to John chapter 1, the Bible is God in words. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God..." When I read the Bible I feel like I am hearing God himself speak directly to me. I feel that the words were penned by God himself and like any other author he loves it when people take time to read His work.

The second reason I read the Bible is because it is action-packed. Who does't love a good action-packed story? Why would anyone read a boring story when they could read one that keeps them on their toes the whole time. Some of my favorite action scenes from this work are the stories of Jonah and the Whale, Gideon and his soldiers, and the resurrection story of Jesus Christ. Jonah disobeys God so God has him swallowed by a giant fish and spit out on the shore of the most evil city in the world! Then Jonah saves the whole city from the wrath of God and then goes and sits under a tree and pouts because he didn't think they deserved it. How dramatic and what a story! Gideon was an Israelite who took three hundred soldiers to fight against thousands of opposing soldiers and somehow God caused them to win! It seems impossible but it is a true story! And the story of Jesus' resurrection has to be my favorite. He was God and man at the same time. How does that even work? He lived a life here on earth as a carpenter's son, he traveled the continent preaching with twelve of his best friends, then he was killed for no good reason. But the story doesn't stop there. After being dead for three days He got up and walked out of the tomb like nothing. These stories are incredible and so much fun to read. You cannot get bored while reading this book. I think that would be impossible!

Third, this book is full of love stories. I don't care how manly or macho you think you might be, deep down everybody loves a good love story. I don't know if you've ever read the story of Hosea but it is beautiful and might even jerk a few tears. Hosea is a preacher who marries a woman who is not faithful to him. She goes out and sleeps around with a bunch of men and is eventually kidnapped and sold into slavery. Hosea pleaded with her to come back to him and to come home to their children but she would hear of no such thing. Finally, she found herself naked, abused, and chained to a block at a slave auction. With her head bowed in shame she listened to a man bid on her and eventually she recognized the voice! It was her husband, Hosea. He found her at the auction and paid for her to be set free. Even though she was undeserving and belligerent, he loved her enough to pay a high price to get her back. Have you ever heard of a more incredible and geniously written love story than this?

Finally, the Bible is actually funny. Most people don't think of a good laugh when they think of the Bible but it's absolutely true. Some stories in the Bible are a riot! Take the story of Elisha for example. Elisha was a bald man and like many middle-aged men from our century he was very self-conscious about it. One day he was walking up a hill when a bunch of young boys began throwing rocks at him and calling him a "baldy". So like any good prophet, he rebuked them in the Name of God and God had them mauled by bears. Don't ever make fun of a preacher! You might think it's harsh but I think it's hilarious.

See? The Bible is full of stories that will make you laugh and cry. If you're in the mood for some history just read through the first five books. If you're into drama just read the minor prophets. And, if you are into poetry like me read the Song of Solomon or the book of Proverbs. There is something in this big chunk of literature for everyone and whether you are a Christian or not it is enjoyable and inspirational reading. I love this book and if you'd give it a chance I think you would find the same thing!