Of Literary Classics and Scripture

I was sad when I read the last book by Jane Austen. Her use of the English language delighted me with each and every volume, combined with her subtle wit and charming dialogues. I wanted to read more, but there was no more.

I felt much the same way when I could find no more to read from the pen of J.R.R. Tolkien. His fantasy works are the models of the genre, combining beauty, with plot, with never-ending-inventiveness that is marvelously varied and yet always internally consistent. Moreover, he is a great story teller.

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series demonstrates that mankind has not exhausted its ability to produce classic literature. The stories combine entertainment with depth of theme and timelessness of message—imbued with a magical charm. I loved the last book of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, even more than I loved the first, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. My only regret was that the series was over, done. I would be eager for more, if the quality could be maintained.

Aye, and there’s the rub. These authors are all too human. Either they die—as do we all—or the challenge of continually meeting the test of producing a classic becomes too daunting.

Is God subject to these same limitations? Certainly He does not die, but is the Author of the scriptures in danger of falling short of continuing to meet the high standards of light and inspiration that make the scriptures what they are? That is to say, will the Source of inspiration ever be less than eternally abundant? The answer to that is equally, no.

All of that being so, then why would any believer in God give any credence to assertions that the canon of scriptures is closed? Even more, why would any believer in God react with anything other than delight at the news that there is more of the word of God available.

That was certainly how I greeted the news of The Book of Mormon. Raised with a deep reverence for The Holy Bible, I was overjoyed to learn that there was even more scripture, more of the words of Christ and His prophets and apostles.

A belief in God must mean a belief in a living God, and if living, He must continue to do what He has always done, be a Creator, a Father, a Comforter, a Guide, and a Revealer of His will to His children.  Thus the Lord proclaims through His modern prophets and disciples,

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Articles of Faith 9)

Our Heavenly Father has promised us more of His word. I can hardly wait for the next volume!