**Blog Alert: Life With a Bible

Matthew Blair over at The Foolish Galatian has mentioned that he has just started a photo blog centered on showcasing Bibles from photographs around the web.  You’ll just have to check it out for yourself to see what I’m talking about.  I am a fan of photography for it captures many of the God given blessings of life that we seem to overlook everyday with our eyes.  I think you will be encouraged and moved by these photos.  I know I have for the ones he has posted so far.  Below is an excerpt from his “About” page:

Matthew Blair:

I’m starting this blog sort of as a photo blog showcasing photographs from around the web of interseting snapshots into the lives of the bibles I love so dearly. While some photos are wonderful, others tell a different story all together. Some photos show how the unbelieving world neglects and abuses Gods holy word and shows it no respect or honor whatsoever. It is my plan to show both sides here…for better or worst. I don’t want to have a lot of commentary into these pictures. I would like the photographs to stand alone and speak for themselves. If I feel the urge to say something about a certain photo, I will make it as short and sweet as possible. You will also notice below each photo is a “source” link. This is a link back to the original location where I found the photo along with other pertinent information.

To date, I have well over 200 different links to various photographs I plan on using here and would like to post no more than one or two a week.

On Signing Bibles

I have never quite grasped why people have other people sign their Bibles and I’m not talking about the presented to and by portion.  I guess I can understand the whole “heroes of the faith” collection of signatures but maybe it’s me but I don’t see any spiritual value or any value at all in this exercise.  Of course there may be a season of joy if someone like Al Mohler were to sign my Bible (not that he would and not that I would ask him or anyone) but I would be much more comfortable and I am sure he would too if he signed something he actually wrote.  Signatures imply ownership and authorship.  As if anyone is worthy to sign Scripture…

Below is an account Josh Gelatt mentions regarding J.I. Packer:

After I had my book [Knowing God] signed, many more pressed him. He signed books as he answered questions. The insight he provided into the Puritans in those few minutes still have a lasting impact on me. During the conversation, a young man (my age) approached Packer with a newly purchased ESV Bible (of which Packer was a general editor). Excitedly, he asked Packer to sign it and handed it to him. For a few moments Packer held the Bible in his hands, and quietly returned it to the young man. He said, “Son, this is God’s book. If you want it signed you will need to ask him.”

(HT: ESV)