Have you read the Bible for non-religious reasons?

The Bible is more than just a holy book; it’s a canonical collection of texts with literary significance that many authors throughout history have alluded to in their works. But unless one is religious or is the product of a Christian upbringing, the ability to understand these allusions in literary works is lost.

I don’t know the story of Cain and Abel, but I do know the story of Sonny and Cher and of Ike and Tina. It’s too bad authors don’t use pop culture to influence their works.

Honestly, without some Christian knowledge, I’d probably assume that the book of Revelations was something Oprah published after she lost weight and rediscovered her inner goddess.

As a graduated student who majored in English, I wish I had more biblical knowledge. There were numerous instances throughout my undergraduate degree in which I could not fully understand the biblical reference that my professor or fellow student was drawing out of a given text.

My second-year Canadian literature professor even encouraged us all to read the Bible because its stories are alluded to or directly referenced in the works of so many talented authors.

Whether it’s Canadian literature, middle English romances, American poetry or Shakespeare, biblical references appear everywhere. So, why does the English Department at the University of Saskatchewan not offer a class on the Bible as literature?

Unlike a religious studies class, where one may focus more so on the religious aspects of the Bible — duh — an English class would focus on these numerous canonical stories for their literary value, and perhaps relate these stories to modern texts where authors have used biblical allusions.

Having this kind of class would be academically poignant to English majors, regardless of their specific areas of interest or their personal religions.

Whether we want to accept it or not, world religions have influenced the arts throughout history and western religions are no exception.

Rather than deny that the Bible exists, let’s study it and see how these stories have been used and referenced by literary titans like Margaret Atwood, Mark Twain or John Milton. I mean, is it even possible to study Paradise Lost without a working knowledge of the Bible? I think not.

In some classes, I know that English professors have requested or encouraged students to read a particular section of the Bible, but is that enough?

The University of Victoria offers a course called “The Bible as Literature” and I think it’s high time the U of S did the same thing. Now the U of V not only has nicer weather than us but they also have better knowledge of an extremely important and relevant text! Hogwash!

There may be problems implementing such a course. The department of world religions might feel their toes are being stepped on if the English department were to offer a class on the Bible as literature. But in that case they better put on some steel-toed boots and toughen up. English majors need biblical knowledge, and they should be taught this by a professor whose focus is on the literary aspects of the Bible rather that its religious qualities.

I beseech the U of S department of English to look into offering a class on the Bible as literature. I’d even go so far as to say that the power of Christ compels the department to do it.

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Photo: Jordan Dumba/Photo Editor