The Family Bible

A recent memory carried me back to my early teens, to a day when I
attended a family funeral. There on a little round ornate table by the coffin
lay a large deluxe bible. It was open and bold old English script was exposed.

The elegance and prominence of that stately bible never left me.

Years passed: During a family visit to an aging uncle, there it was
again! That elegant old bible on the little round table. Now closed, the gray
fabric cover exposed in gold impression – The Holly Bible. Centered on that
cover was our family name followed by a Latin proverb I never quite forgot –
Credo ergo ita esse.

It would be about seventy years before the power of that proverb would
glow like a light in the darkness. “I Believe, therefore it is!” Should this not
be a motto for our very lives?

As an example of my reasoning, the pre-Christian old testament reveals
the six day creation of all that is. (Genesis 1-11) My question has always
been; is Genesis literal, or figurative? That question had remained on my
mind for a lifetime. Have I been right or wrong in harboring doubts?
Suddenly the impact of that little Latin proverb answered that question!
Credo ergo ita esse! – I believe therefor it is.

Like many, I identify as being spiritual but not totally bound by guidan-
ce from the structured environment of an organized religion. There is no
biblical or technological reason to be discredited for believing in either a
literal or spiritual six-day creation. I now accept the truth that I perceive!
Credo ergo ita esse!

I have long contemplated spiritual and social values. Which is more
essential? Being a God fearing, law abiding, kind, and caring person, or truly
believing that Jesus willed water to turn into wine.

“Both” – says my friend, a retired ordained Christian minister.

“I agree!” I replied.

The little Latin proverb answered my question. Credo ergo ita esse!