Gideons International - Definition and Overview

Gideons International is an evangelical Christian organisation dedicated to distributing copies of the Bible (specifically, the King James Version as well as the New King James Version) to those who might not otherwise encounter it (such as in hotel rooms). The organisation describes its link to the story of Gideon thusly:

"Gideon was a man who was willing to do exactly what God wanted him to do, regardless of his own judgment as to the plans or results. Humility, faith, and obedience were his great elements of character. This is the standard that the Gideon association is trying to establish in all its members, each man to be ready to do God's will at any time, at any place, and in any way that the Holy Spirit leads."

The unsigned preface in Gideon Bibles are not particulary marked as being seperate from the original text of the Bible. According to the preface, the Bible should

fill our memory, command our heart and guide our steps. Read it slowly, often, in the spirit of prayer. It is a mine of wealth, and paradise of glory and a river of delights. It is given to you during your life, will be open on the Last Judgement day and its rememberance will last forever. It implies the highest responsibilities, will retribuate highest efforts, and will condemn those who will have mocked its sacred content.

(Translated from the French version. The translation might differ from the original English)

Note:

• The deliberate imitation of the literary style of ancient Hebrew texts ("It is a mine of wealth, and paradise of glory and a river of delights")
• Emphasis on a devotional reading of the text, rather than a historical-critical approach. ("Read it slowly, often, in the spirit of prayer", "will condemn those who will have mocked its sacred content")
• Implied threats for these who neglect the teaching of the organisation ("will be open on the Last Judgement day", "will condemn those who will have mocked its sacred content")

The French texts refer to the Christ as "CHRIST" (without a definite article, and in capitals), which is a characteristic trait of U.S.-based fundamentalist Christian organisation.

External link

• Gideons International official site (http://www.gideons.org/)

Example Usage of International