WHEREAS, Baptists have been called a people of the Book and the Book is the Bible; and
WHEREAS, Baptists believe that the Bible is the inspired written record of God’s revelation to men; and
WHEREAS, The Bible has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people; and
WHEREAS, Deeply held religious convictions springing from the Holy Scriptures led to the early settlement of our nation; and
WHEREAS, Many of our great national leaders paid tribute to the important influence the Bible has had in the development of our nation; and
WHEREAS, History illustrates the value of voluntarily applying the teachings of the Scriptures in the lives of individuals, families, and societies; and
WHEREAS, The Bible provides a major source of hope for the poor and repressed people of the world; and
WHEREAS, The renewing of knowledge and faith in God through Scripture reading can strengthen international relationships; and
WHEREAS, Numerous individuals, organizations and denominations around the world are joining hands to encourage international Bible reading in 1990;
Be it therefore RESOLVED, That we, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 13-15, 1989, call upon Southern Baptists to recognize the importance of reading through the entire Bible; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That Southern Baptists participate in and encourage international Bible reading in 1990.