This student paper is used by permission of the author.

 

Beau Norton

Epistle

To all who wish to learn, who are students that shall be called scholars:

Grace and peace to you from those who wish to teach and desire for you to learn.

First, I thank the school for all of you because your desire to learn is being reported all over campus. Knowledge which I strive for and a desire to learn new and important things like the bible and all that it can teach you have made me never forget you and your desire to learn. I hope that your mind may be open so that you may accept this message I give to you.

The bible is a useful tool, and one who refuses to use a tool to work is foolish. Let the bible become useful to you and you may gain great knowledge from it. Look in the world around you and show me, has the bible not affected all life? It is impossible not to see a hint here or there even if you refuse to look.

In the books you read, there it is. In the paintings you see, there it is. The shows and movies you watch and even the music you listen to – this book more than any other book affects all life whether you believe the words or not.

Religious thought aside, read the book and try not to learn. It is a history of ancient traditions and stories. It is a book of morals that apply even now. It is a book that is known by more than half the world, and refusal to learn is like refusing to breathe. This book is in all life from the islands of Polynesia to the heartland of Asia, from the European nations to the bustling Americas.

It is a book that has touched and taught millions. It is the basis to the predominant religion of the world. Wonderfully articulated literature and beautiful stories, this is the bible.

Why then not study it? Is ignorance the way to go? To know and refuse to learn? Let your prejudices aside and embrace knowledge. If you must, take it as a book and a book alone, but use this tool because it affects you every day in some form or another. Be wise to the world around you and know the origin of inspiration for most things you see daily. Be a scholar, be a student, use the bible and learn. Let the will of desire or knowledge and learning be with you all. Amen