A new reference tool to help journalists and broadcasters get up to speed on biblical issues has been released by Bible Society.
The Bible Style Guide is an 80-page book packed with facts, figures, explanations and overviews to help media professionals report Bible stories with confidence.
It answers basic journalistic questions such as the number of books in the Bible and how Christians deal with violent texts in the Bible.
It also has a 20-page glossary of biblical terms and ideas going from Abraham to Zionism, taking in creation, Judgement Day and Satan on the way. As well as tackling controversial issues, the style guide also includes terms that are often misunderstood.
With the Bible increasingly cropping up in headlines, from the Anglican Church’s homosexuality rows to Kate McCann’s Bible being investigated by police, and with its contents discussed, dissected and debated on a weekly basis, the style guide will be a vital tool for those in the media industry, said Bible Society.
This article caused me to remember that when the Branch Davidians were talking about the seventh seal, the FBI thought they were referring to a sea going mammal.
I’m not really sure this would be of any help. But, the intent is good. They might want to include politicians in their target audience. Maybe the Diocese of S.F. should send a primer to Rep. Pelosi or better yet, back to CCD.
It answers basic journalistic questions such as the number of books in the Bible…
Interesting that this organization can definitively answer that question considering there is much variance in the Old Testament canon among various Christian communities.
Chart of Old Testament Biblical Canons
http://www.bombaxo.com/canonchart.html