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[Newbie]

Why should I live my life exclusively or at least primarily according to the guidance contained in just one book? Wouldn't it be better to synthesize the wisdom from many different texts? And even if it's good or inevitable that one book gets relied on more than others, why should that book be the Bible rather than any of the gems in the history of philosophy?

[jimwalton]

Truth is found in many places, and whatever is true is true, wherever you find it. There are thousands (tens of thousands?) of worthy books from which we can learn fantastic and wonderful things. It's quite a value and a benefit to synthesize the wisdom from as many places as we can find it. The Bible is the record of God's contract with humanity. Within the pages of that contract, God reveals to us the plan he is executing in history, and the characteristics of his nature. What he desires is to enter into a relationship with us. It would be difficult for people to enter into a relationship with God whom they don't know. If his nature were hidden or distorted, an honest relationship would be impossible. In order to clear the way for this relationship, then, God wrote down what he is like and how to have a relationship with him, because he wants people to know him. That's why the Bible is so important, but that doesn't mean it's the only book anyone should pay attention to.