44 years ago, in June 1980, I was baptized in Jesus. That same month, I received my first Bible, a black leather-bound edition of Thomson’s Original and Complete System of Bible Study. This edition was subtitled:
“A complete numerical system of chain references, analyses of books, outline studies of characters, unique charts, pictorial maps, and archaeological discoveries” compiled and edited by Frank Charles Thompson, D.D., Ph.D.”
What immediately caught my attention was how every single verse was cross-referenced to another part of the Bible. It was unlike any book I had ever encountered.
Next up were the maps and pictures at the back of the book. One image showed a middle-aged woman digging in the sand, which, at first glance, seemed as if she was hunting for treasure. It led me to believe that the Holy Land must be filled with hidden treasures!
The book itself was vast, thick, and bound in a black leather cover. In hindsight, it appeared rather formidable, unlike the lightweight paperback versions of the GNT we used during Monday night catechism at the Catholic church when I was a child.
As a 16-year-old, I found the "Thomson Chain" version fascinating. At that time, I didn't realise how significant this book, brimming with Bible references, would be in fostering my love for the Word. It also sparked a minor irritation regarding the grammar, syntax, and stylistic differences among the individual authors. Nonetheless, there was something unique about this book that spurred my lifelong quest for the Truth it held.
Although we are still several months away from the official “grand opening” of the QSH Biblical Literature Collection, you might be curious to know what graduate-level research looks like. Students of the Bible examine it from every conceivable angle, covering aspects of church history and systematic theology you might never have thought to explore and codify. What comes to mind are the words of St Luke in his opening remarks in his gospel: “I also thought it would be good to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus. This way you can be certain of the things you've been taught” (Luke 1:1-4)
Nevertheless, here we stand in the complex era of the 21st century, holding on to the belief that we have unraveled all the mysteries and acquired comprehensive knowledge about profound disciplines such as theology, the intricate dynamics of family, and the multifaceted process of human formation. We presume we have mastered these areas, despite their profound depth and the endless possibilities for new interpretations and understandings.
With every passing day, we continue to explore and evaluate our beliefs, challenging our own understanding and assumptions. We live in a time where knowledge is abundant, yet the questions and complexities of life persist. Can we truly say we know everything there is to know about theology, that complex and vast field that has puzzled and inspired humanity for millennia?
Similarly, the intricate dynamics of family life, with its joys, challenges, and contradictions, continues to fascinate and perplex us. Despite numerous studies and theories, the family unit remains a complex entity, continually evolving and adapting to the ebbs and flows of societal changes.
As for human formation, it is a process as old as humanity itself. It encompasses not only our physical growth but also our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development. Despite our scientific advancements and psychological insights, the process of human formation remains a profound mystery, filled with infinite nuances that we are yet to fully comprehend.
Thus, as we stand in the 21st century, we must acknowledge the vast expanse of knowledge that still lies unexplored. We should not become complacent, thinking we have unraveled all the mysteries of life. Instead, we should strive to deepen our understanding, expand our horizons, and continue our quest for truth, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Please get in touch if you're interested in aiding the development of a classification system. This system would be particularly beneficial to pastors and leaders from various nations who visit Singapore, as they seek to apply ancient biblical wisdom to faith challenges within everyday life contexts.