The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has officially launched a new edition of the New International Version (NIV) Bible, two decades after the previous edition was released in 2005.
The launch ceremony took place at Russell Offices, the ADF’s administrative headquarters in Canberra.
Tina King of Bible Society Australia presented the new Bible to Major General Sue Graham, who represented the Chief of the Defence Force at the event.
“We acknowledge in the Defence Force how we are continually supported by the public, and the sacrifice from Bible Society volunteers is another embodiment of that,” Major General Graham said.
“It’s particularly important to have a Bible that is available and relevant to all our soldiers, sailors and aviators.”
The new edition includes content tailored specifically to ADF personnel, such as contextually relevant prayers for those serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force.
“This is not a book for a bookshelf, it is a book to be near,” said Ms. King.
“We hope it will be dog-eared, underlined, searched and cherished.”
THE BIBLE THAT LITERALLY SAVED A SOLDIER’S LIFE ON DISPLAY
Bible Society Australia also hosted a historical display at the event, showcasing military Bibles dating back to the Boer War.
Among them was a Bible that saved the life of Lance Corporal Phillip Davies during World War I.
Photo: ADF/Corporal Michael Rogers
Christian Daily International reports he was digging for telephone cables at Messines Ridge, near Ypres in Belgium, when two bomb shells exploded nearby.
Shrapnel struck his arms and legs, killing one colleague and injuring two others.
The next morning, Lance Corporal Davies discovered a piece of shrapnel stuck in the back cover of his Soldier’s Bible, which he had kept in his breast pocket.
The shrapnel had been stopped just millimetres from his heart.
It was one of a million Bibles donated at the time by Bible Society Australia.
PRINCIPAL ARMY CHAPLAIN NOTES “CONTINUED RELEVANCE OF SPIRITUAL RESOURCES IN MILITARY LIFE”
Director General Chaplaincy – Army, Principal Chaplain Kerry Larwill, noted at the Bible presentation event the continued relevance of spiritual resources in military life.
“About 44% of Australians identified as Christian, and more are interested in spirituality of different varieties,” Chaplain Larwill said.
“For people who serve in Defence, which we know has demands on individuals and their families, it’s a source of light and hope to those who derive their meaning from a Christian perspective or value its wisdom.”
Representatives from the Military Christian Fellowship of Australia (MCF-A) and other chaplaincy networks such as the Forum of Christian Military Ministries, also attended the event.
The new Bible includes a foreword written by former MCF-A patron and former Governor-General of Australia, General (retired) David Hurley.
A chaplain from England brought 2000 bibles to Australia with the First Fleet, and a Bible Society auxiliary was established in 1817.
The military bibles can be found at Christian chapels on Defence establishments, and can be requested through ADF chaplains.
