The importance of the Bible not only to the church but also to individuals is emphasised by the Sydney Anglican Archbishop, Dr. Peter Jensen, in his monthly column in the Southern Cross publication.
The profound influence of the Bible, Dr. Jensen wrote in the Sydney Anglican monthly publication, has the power to shape the worldview of those who read it.
"More important, it has shaped the way we see the world and live in it," he wrote. "There are many testimonies to the power of the Bible to bring people to a knowledge of God."
Despite the Word of God being described as a 'chief evangelistic weapon,' he said the challenge, as in the past, was making available for all to access it.
However, unlike the past the Church could now use contemporary means of communicating, in addition to books, the Word to everyone through listening as well as viewing it.
"…We want people to have access to the Word of God in their own language. Books remain an easily transportable and accessible way of communicating knowledge.
"But books are not alone … If we wish to make the Word of God well-known, we may expect to use contemporary means of communication so that all will have access. For some this will mean reading, for others viewing or listening."
He concluded his column by outlining his dream of giving everyone within the Diocese a copy of the Bible, which would also help fulfil the aim of its mission of hearing God's call to repent and believing on Him.