The Vatican Library is one of the world's great repositories of
precious written materials. The treasures are shrouded by suspicion and
conspiracy theories that are fostered by a popular, if not accurate,
view of the Catholic Church. The inner bowels of the recently
refurbished library are filled with endless stacks of the most precious
religious tomes, off-limits to most.
Now imagine a private collection of ancient manuscripts and rare
books, based in Oklahoma City, Okla., and owned by an American
Protestant family, partnering with the Vatican to host an international
exhibit on the Bible in St. Peter's Square. The exhibit is called Verbum
Domini and it will run at the Braccio di Carlo Magno, just steps from
St. Peter's Basilica, from March 1 to April 15.
The relevant details are even more startling. The Green Collection,
presently based in America's Protestant Bible belt, is just over 2
years old. The ever-growing collection currently has some 50,000 items
and constitutes the largest and most significant collection of ancient
biblical and biblically related artifacts, scrolls, manuscripts and rare
books in private hands in the world. The collection has been
orchestrated by the Green family, owners of the American-based Hobby
Lobby arts and crafts chain. Known for their public faith, it should be
no surprise that the Greens would have an interest in collecting Bibles
and biblical artifacts. After all, people collect things they are
passionate about.
The Green Collection is destined to find its permanent home in a
non-sectarian museum that takes a scholarly approach to the most
popular, most controversial, most influential, best-selling book of all
time -- the Bible -- and its related items. While seeking a permanent
location, The Green Collection also has a 450-item traveling exhibition
called Passages that is presently on display in Atlanta through April
15. Both the Passages and Verbum Domini exhibits display the items in
immersive, interactive exhibits. For more information visit ExplorePassages.com and VerbumDominiRome.com.
Verbum Domini is a display of more than 150 items of great historical
significance, two-thirds of which come from The Green Collection. The
balance comes from significant private collections throughout the world.
The exhibit celebrates interfaith contributions to the composition,
preservation, adornment and study of the Bible. While it is easy to
think of all that divides Jews, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians and
Protestants, they all share a common ground in Scripture. God's Word is
not the possession of the Catholic Church or evangelical Protestants,
but is shared equally by all who appreciate it.
The name Verbum Domini, meaning "the Word of the Lord," was recently
used in an historic work by Pope Benedict XVI calling on Catholics to
read and meditate on Scripture. The exhibit contains an array of
priceless, little-known treasures preserved by collectors of all faiths,
although none of the items were borrowed from the vast collection of
the Vatican Library or Museum. It provides a refreshing view of the
interaction between Jews and Christians. The exhibit tells the story of
the composition and preservation of the Bible, under the shadow of St.
Peter's Basilica, using items that even the Vatican has never seen.
Verbum Domini underscores the importance of The Green Collection and
private repositories. It shows that the preservation of the Bible, much
like its survival throughout the ages, is alive and well in private
hands. The exhibit provides a refreshing take on a book that is often
equated with division and controversy. Verbum Domini also shows the
foresight and magnanimity of the Vatican Library -- and the Vatican
itself -- to allow such an exhibition in St. Peter's Square at a time
when millions will be visiting Rome.
Ironically, the day that Verbum Domini opens in Vatican City, an
exhibit by the Vatican Library on secret papal archives will open in
Rome. I guess the secret is finally out: Roman Catholics, Jews,
Protestants and Orthodox Christians can finally come together and share
their love for the Word of God and honor those who have preserved it
over the ages for that very purpose.
Dr. Scott Carroll
is director of The Green Collection. One of the world's foremost
scholars on ancient and medieval manuscripts, he has scoured the world
over--from the hallowed halls of Cambridge to the remotest parts of
inner China--to create the world's largest private collection of rare
biblical texts and artifacts. Carroll has research appointments at
Baylor University and Tyndale House, Cambridge.
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