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Discover the Bible and Hope in HistorySample

Discover the Bible and Hope in History

DAY 5 OF 5

Two Great Ideas

When she was a child, deaf and blind author and activist Helen Keller (1880–1968) was introduced to her lifelong faith in Jesus and her love of the Bible by the Episcopal minister and later Bishop Phillips Brooks. They maintained a friendship until he died in 1893.

“Bishop Brooks taught me no special creed or dogma; but he impressed upon my mind two great ideas—the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, and made me feel that these truths underlie all creeds and forms of worship. God is love, God is our Father, we are His children; therefore the darkest clouds will break, and though right be worsted, wrong shall not triumph.”

Reflection

Brooks taught the young Helen Keller a summary of Jesus’s teaching on the greatest commandments (Mark 12:28–34). Read today’s Bible selections from the first letter of John; part of which Keller quotes. Do you find them hopeful? What other passages help brace you in times of cloud or setback? 

Day 4

About this Plan

Discover the Bible and Hope in History

Americans have always turned to the Bible for wisdom to live together. We argue over how to read and use it, but the Bible has helped shape our values and institutions. In this plan, you will read the Bible as a freedom text alongside five voices from our past, focused on the value of Hope. Discover fresh takes on the Bible, and inspiration for facing today’s challenges.

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