If you have ever watched the movie “Lawrence of Arabia”, you will likely the remember the scene where Lawrence (played by Peter O' Toole) uttered the words: “Nothing! … is written.” Evidently, it was a memorable scene because if you do an organic search, you will find several movie clips.
The words of Lawrence, instantly called to my mind a contrast between words often uttered by Jesus Christ:
“It is written.”
Jesus spoke these words so confidently, and as a matter of fact, as if being literate was a given.
Of course, among the Jews, there were Scribes and their job was to write down the scriptures for future posterity. It was clear that many of the Jews could read and write. Although it is possible that some of the Apostles were not literate. In the book of Acts, they were referred to as men who had not “learned letters”.
But beyond the Jewish people, what about the Gentile world?
Many non-Jewish civilizations had a written language, but not all of the inhabitants could read and write.
But Lord! The gospel message? Isn't it for ALL?
~ Did Jesus already know that in this world there would be many people who could read and write? At least enough people to spread the good news to all the world.
~ Did He already know that men would die in order for the Bible – both Old and New Testaments - to be printed in multiple languages and circulated so that people all around the world could read it?
~ Did He know that Google would partner with the Israel Museum to convert the Dead Sea Scrolls into a digital format?
* * *
Being illiterate is not a social matter these days. Right? At least, not in the USA. That may be a problem for undeveloped countries. Right?
One would think that in a country like America, literacy would not be an issue. Think again.
* * *
Efforts to address the problem of illiteracy?
Those 3 words: "It is written."
It's really not a casual statement to be taken lightly, is it?
* * *
This post was inspired by a friend who published a post in a blogging community, Literacy Base, where I used to be an active member.
National Book Lovers Day is always celebrated on August 9th.
* Entertainment trivia:
The film “Lawrence of Arabia” won 7 Academy Awards. Peter O'Toole did NOT get the award for Best Actor. (REF: Academy Awards, USA 1963 ) Hey! When he accepted the lead role, maybe he should have got it writing that the Oscar for Best Actor was going to be a given. :) Gregory Peck won that year for his portrayal of the lawyer, Atticus Finch, in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. (REF: The 35th Academy Awards | 1963 ) I say the decision of the Academy was fair. What say you?
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