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After nearly four decades of preparation, for the first time ever, the complete Bible is now available for the deaf and hearing impaired in American Sign Language. Those of us who have functional hearing may find it hard to realize just how important this milestone is. Most of us may think that even if people cannot hear the Word of God they can still read the Bible, but that is frequently not true because some 95% of the world’s deaf population is functionally illiterate.
That is where sign language comes in, but although there are literally hundreds of sign language systems for the deaf in existence, many of these systems are only known by a few people. In any case, only about twenty of the various signing systems have any kind of Bible material published in them.
American Sign Language (ASL) is by far the most widespread signing system used in the United States and is used by some in other areas also. But more than a half-million people throughout the US alone use ASL to communicate as their native language. This is a sizeable population that compares with many languages in which translators have translated the Bible.
Translating a book as complex as the Bible into ASL was not an easy task. ASL is a language completely separate and distinct from English. It contains all the fundamental features of language, with its own rules for word formation and word order. Its syntax is, in fact, often different from that of English, so these are important reasons why deaf individuals need a Bible in their own language. And now they have one.
Deaf Missions, a ministry dedicated to communicating “the Gospel of Jesus with Deaf people through their heart language, culture and identity,” began the translation of the Bible into ASL in the early 1980s. Recently the ministry partnered with other translation groups such as Wycliffe USA, the American Bible Society, and others, and the final biblical books needing translation to ASL (Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel) were completed this past fall.
In March 2022, Wycliffe Associates released a translation of the New Testament in an entirely new concept-based language they developed named SUN (Symbolic Universal Notation). This new language represents the words in Scripture by small hieroglyph-like signs. The system is not extremely difficult to learn and can help both the Deaf and Blind to read the Bible, but the SUN language has to be learned before it can be used, of course. On the other hand, now, for the first time, the whole Bible is available to more than a half million people whose primary language is already ASL and also available to many more if they choose to learn ASL.
The Deaf Mission website notes that roughly 98% of the worldwide population of Deaf people have never been able to encounter Jesus in a deep and significant way, but now, finally, they have access to the Word of God through the word of God.
The Bible makes the dual power of speech – to hurt and to help – clear when it tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV). Jesus himself linked discipleship and speech together (Matthew 5:22-23 etc.) and he left no doubt about the seriousness of this subject when he said “I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:36–37 NLT). We will be judged, Christ says, as much by what we say as what we do.
But although it can be destructive, the power of speech may be used for great good and The Power of Speech: The Potent Force that Every Christian Is Called to Use Daily shows how you can stop harming yourself and others through what you say and start using the power of speech for good – as every Christian should.
You can download this new free e-book directly without any kind of registration here.
Lessons from the Life of Jesus: Practical Insights from the Gospels has always been one of the most popular downloads on this site and is now even better! The new, expanded, third edition includes five new chapters – enhancing an already helpful book and adding many new practical lessons.
Rather than simply retelling the story of the life of Jesus, this e-book focuses on some of the details of the Gospel narratives that are easy to miss, but which can help us to better understand his life and teachings. In each case there are lessons we can learn and apply – sometimes with the potential for an effect on our lives that is well out of proportion to the seemingly small detail that conveys the lesson.
Enrich your understanding of the life and work of Jesus and take away lessons you can apply today. You can download a copy in any of three formats – .pdf, .epub, and .mobi – to read on your computer, smart phone, or e-book reader. No registration or email address is needed – simply click and download from our e-books page here.
It’s often said that the best Bible is the one you will read. But given that basic truth, some Bible translations are better than others. Some translations make studying easier and more enjoyable, some are easier to memorize, and some are more accurate and profitable to study – getting as close as possible to what the biblical writers wrote and helping us to better understand their message.
That’s where our new, free, e-book comes in. Which Bible Should I Use? is designed and written to help you choose and use the best translation for your needs – and that could be one you have not heard of before. On the other hand, perhaps the best Bible for you is the one you are using now. But even if it is, this book may be worth your time by helping you to assess the version you are using, to know more about its strengths and limitations, and to get the most from it. You may also discover other translations in this book that complement the Bible you are now using – for even greater understanding and engagement with the Scriptures!
Take your Bible study up a notch – download this new book directly (without registration or having to give an email address) in formats for computer, e-book reader, or smartphone – here.
Is it unchristian to resort to force in the defense of oneself or others? The new book, The Christian and Self-Defense, by R. Herbert looks first at the biblical verses that are often used by those who claim that defending oneself or others from harm is unscriptural. It then looks at those verses that Christian advocates of self-defense feel allow and encourage self-defense. Finally, The Christian and Self-Defense looks at the issue of avoiding the need for self-defense where possible and examines practical defensive options that can help to keep you and your loved ones safe. You can get this free book without registration or email address – simply download here.
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