Today on Celebrate the Bible:
Roosevelt WWII Bible: An American Symbol of Faith.
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In 1941, the smallest Bible known in the world was produced for United States of America military troops.
The folded card that holds the bible shows the stars and stripes. It also has a red ribbon that attaches the Bible to the card. It says: “For God and Country. May This Bible Keep You Safe from Harm”.
As we open the card, it has the subsequent messages printed on the inside:
It states: “This little Book attached to this card is The World’s Smallest Bible. Containing over 200 pages of the New Testament and the Lord’s Prayer. Every word can be read with good eyesight or a magnifying glass.”
And it goes on to present a welcome letter from the President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt:
As follows:
The White House. Washington. January 25, 1941.
To the Armed Forces:
As Commander-in-Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States. Throughout the centuries, men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration. It is a fountain of strength, and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the human soul.
Very sincerely yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Printed on the right-hand page is a poem that states:
As you march along in line,
your rifle by your side,
Your bayonet protects you,
your officer’s your guide.
These things are all assurance,
but in moments of alarm,
The Word of Him is in this book,
’Twill keep you safe from harm.
If you are listening to this as a podcast, please go to celebratethebible250.com to view the photos linked to this episode. In the search box, type WWII Bible, and this episode should come up in the results for you.
Along with the Bible, I also have several pieces of ephemera. One example is this folded brochure published by the American Bible Society. It is titled: “Stand by the Bible. The Christian, The American Way.” Showing a soldier placing the Holy Bible into his left jacket pocket. It also shows a crest printed with the words: “Our Country’s Strength Is Founded On The Holy Bible”.
Also, let’s not overlook the giant cut-out “V” for victory.
Next we have what are known as Cinderella Stamps. Cinderellas are stamps that look just like postage stamps, but can’t be used for legal postage. They’re named this way because the literature character Cinderella is considered inferior to the rest of her family.
I should also take this opportunity to mention that there ARE legal, U.S. denominational postage stamps that are Bible based. I’ll post a photo of a few here with this episode.
Let me also mention that a very famous example of a Cinderella stamp would be the Christmas Seals. Christmas Seals were first used here in the U.S. in 1907, and are still being printed today.
They were first issued to help fight tuberculosis, and still contain the famous cross of Lorraine. The Red Cross also issued seals, as did many other organizations throughout the calendar years.
The Cinderella stamps that we are covering here today were issued by the American Bible Society. The stamps show three soldiers. They have the “Stand By The Bible: The Christian / The American Way” theme printed on them.
These examples are but a small sample of the role that the Christian Holy Bible played during wartime. Christianity in general also had a significant impact during these times.
So, until we meet again, and for Celebrate the Bible 250 this is Francis Douglas. If you’re interested in learning more about the History of the Christian Holy Bible in America, please like, share, and subscribe now:
America 250 Semiquincentennial Bible Celebration 