www.BibleVisit.com

Your Bible - a traveling companion on life's journey.

Home of the Touring Historic Saur Bible

Purpose

This web site shares the story of a unique German Bible and its impact upon an entire religious tradition. The third edition (1776) of the Saur Bible was printed near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the same year the Declaration of Independence was signed. In a variety of ways its printer, Christopher Saur, Jr., sought with his colonial press to share his Christian convictions and to declare that people of faith should have freedom to serve and worship God without governmental interference.  A copy of the Bible he printed is being taken to congregations in the Church of the Brethren. This traveling Bible is on a mission to:

1. …encourage Brethren to become faithful readers of the Bible, increasing their appreciation, study and application of it;
2. …acquaint them with Christopher Saur, Jr., a colonial Brethren printer, and our biblical heritage;
3. …create a spirit of unity and renewal as the traveling Saur Bible reminds us that we are linked with those of the past and with each other.

To support the above purpose, a DVD program has been created that offers a pictorial biography of Christopher Saur Jr., interviews with scholars, a colonial hymn, and a practical challenge for making the Bible more important in ones life.  Click here for more information about the DVD program.  

Background 

In 2003, as the Church of the Brethren faced some major challenges, members and friends were urged by the Annual Conference Moderator, Harriet Finney, to pray for the church, nationally and locally. To support this call, a 1776 Saur Bible was taken to nearly 100 churches on the way to and from the Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho. During these visits the Saur Bible also served as a symbol of unity, reminding congregations that they were connected with other Brethren by their biblical heritage and their faith in Jesus Christ, whose work they were to continue "peacefully, simply, together".

Recently another challenge was given by Ron Beachley, 2006 Annual Conference Moderator: for Brethren to grow in their study and use of the Bible. Consequently, it seemed appropriate that the Saur Bible should again make its visit to churches. As the Saur Bible tours this time, it is emphasizing the importance of the Scriptures, sharing about Christopher Saur, Jr. and his unique Bible, and highlighting  the unity and renewal to which our biblical heritage calls us.

Even though the Saur Bible may not come to your church, on this web site you will find a wide variety of pages related to the purpose stated above. Look the side bar over. You are certain to find something of interest and challenge.