Amy Goldthorpe

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Biblical literacy is not just knowing about the bible, most people have some kind of
understanding of the bible as it is a famous book. Though the foundation of biblical literacy
is the factual knowledge interacting with the places, people, events and teachings in the bible
(Harrigan, 2011, P.41). It also gives one the ability to apply discerned wisdom to all aspects of
life today. (Perkins, 2001)
Today the Bible by most is valued just as an old book that is open to interpretation, filled with
suggestions that we can choose to act upon or ignore. As a society we have been conditioned
to think this way as part of the philosophical movement called post modernism especially
influenced by the media. (Beyon& Sach, 2005, p.12) Instead of taking its actual meaning we
choose what we want it to mean. We particularly base this on our feelings and emotions, as
we dont see its relevance today. The Bible is in actual fact a living book that I believe is
extremely relevant and important in 21st century Aotearoa New Zealand. The grass witherth,
the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8, King James
Version.) We see that New Zealand is a nation that is founded upon Christian principles,
values and morals needed to be an active member of society and spiritual growth,
transformation of ones self. These are important aspects that are wanted and needed in
society today.
The first missionaries William Hall and John King came to New Zealand in 1814. They
brought with them Christian principles which they used to influence and change the Maori
way of life. (Lineham,2012).Just like the way God presented the Jews with the 10
commandments a law in which they are to live by because he loved them, Thou shalt not
murder, Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt have no other Gods before me. (Exodus, 20:2-8, KJV)
As a society we dont think that the 10 commandments are relevant today but many of these
are embedded into the Laws of New Zealand. To murder someone is a crime that is
punishable of jail time, so is stealing. Just like God we also have laws that we as a nation hold
too. We cannot just accept these actions as okay as our nation will fall apart. We have to give
an account of our actions. Everyone shall give an account of his actions to God (Romans
14:12, KJV).We can go to God for wisdom and guidance one aspect of this is through prayer
Another important part of biblical literacy is prayer and its relevance still in society today. If
any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men (James 1:5a, KJV) Prayer is
said to be irrelevant and dated. Yet it is still used in New Zealand Parliament today. Every
time the house meets it is commenced with a word of prayer. Almighty God, humbly
acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and
personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House and
of our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the
honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace, and tranquillity of New Zealand, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Office of the clerk of the House of Representatives, 2010,

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ch.14). God is still seen and valued as important in helping us make decisions even in the 21st
century. If it is seen relevant and important for the government to apply Christian principles in
parliament shouldnt this also be important to us when we are also making decisions all
throughout life.
We live in a world that appears to have lost its moral moorings and absence of values (Tripp,
1999).Research shows that morals give one a purpose and guidelines to live by. Every person
in society wants and needs morals and values in their life. Research shows that suicide
particularly in youth has increased from 1985 to 2005 (Statistics New Zealand, 2011). This
has been closely linked to the lack of values and morals. We are missing the fruits of the spirit
which are love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness meekness, faith and
temperance (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV) these are no longer considered very important.
Therefore with the decline of values and morals comes negative effects. This is particularly
evident in New Zealand society today. This being seen by the growing crime rate between
1971 and 1999 the crime rate doubled from 60.0 percent recorded offences out of out of a
100,000 people to 160.0 percent (Cleland, 2000, P. 3) Through this we see that biblical
literacy is very important, these statistics tell us that people need values and morals to live by
a purpose, theses morals need to be brought back into society. The Bible is full of rich values
and morals that God has given us to live a life that is pleasing to him. He that followed after
righteousness and mercy: shall find righteousness and honour (Proverbs, 21:21, KJV)
We see the effects that this world can have on a person as there is many trials and temptations,
but Gods word is a tool for us to use. We have to explore Gods word personally. This is an
important process for everyone Christians and non-christens alike. This is because the bible is
applicable to everyone throughout all walks of life, facing challenges, moral choices, money,
knowledge and wisdom. It is a human book, God used different people in different time
periods and places to write the bible with their humanity and experiences coming through
(Beynon & Sach, 2005). From theses experience we can learn many things. All scripture is
given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, for instruction
in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV) As we study Gods words and apply it a
transformation will take place in us, and be not conformed to this world but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2, KJV) If we as a nation apply Gods word
we will also be transformed as ones values and morals will change.
Although the Bible is valued as just an old book, as we begin to dig deeper we see its
relevance and importance in Aotearoa New Zealand in the 21st century. Biblical literacy is
embedded into the heart of our nation. Beginning with the missionaries who brought the good
news to New Zealand in 1814, building a foundation on biblical principles. If we value the
bible as just a history story and not the divine book given by God for us to live by, then our
society will continue to fall apart values and morals will continue to disappear. Where there
is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18, KJV) God has created each and every person

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for a purpose, He wants to lead and guide us, all we have to do is come to him. Its start by
spending time in the bible.

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References
Beynon, N., & Sach, A. (2005). Dig deeper! Tools to unearth the Bibles treasure. Downers
Grove, IL: Intervarsity press.
Cleland, G. (2000) Crime in New Zealand a statistical profile. Retrieved from
http://www.parliament.nz/resource/minz/00PLLawRP00081/273af7b76b02fa99906774b173f003a152559940
Harrigan, D (2011) Biblical illiteracy: its impact on Christian worldview and the integration
of faith and learning. Nyack College.
Lineham, J. (2012) Missions and missionaries. Retrieved from
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/missions-and-missionaries
Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. (2010). Chapter14 Business of the house.
Retrieved from http://www.parliment.nz/en-nz/about-parliment/how-parlimentworks/ppnz/00HOOOCPPNZ_141/chapter-14-business-of-the-house#_Toc268767523
Perkins, L. (2011) What is Biblical literacy and why is it important. Retrieved from
http://biblicalliteracy.nbseminary.ca/what-is-biblical-literacy-and-why-is-it-important/
Statistics New Zealand. (2011) NZ social indicators. Retrieved from
www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/snapshots-of-nz/nz-socialindicators/Home/Health/suicide.aspx
Tripp, D. (1999) Exploring Christianity-m http://www.christianity.co.nz/moralit1.htmorality.
Retrieved from