EPISODE 001:  DEBUNKING THE DA VINCI CODE

The American Bible Society examines Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and discusses the book’s inaccuracies and its impact on Christianity today.  From the Knights Templar to the alleged crucifixion hoax, the novel’s claims are taken to task.  Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Dr. Robert Hodgson and Prof. John Wilson for this hard-hitting look at a modern literary phenomenon. 

EPISODE 002:  FAITH COMES BY HEARING

The transforming power of God’s word is exemplified as The American Bible Society explores how hearing the Gospel message changes lives.  Rev. Paul Irwin speaks with Morgan and Jerry Jackson of Faith Comes by Hearing, a group dedicated to distributing audio Bibles around the world in every native language.  The success of their mission is demonstrated during a visit to a Ukrainian school.

EPISODE 003:  A.B.S. MINISTERS TO PRISONERS

The American Bible Society highlights one of the most dramatic and compelling missions that ministers face – spreading God’s word to the incarcerated.  Rev. Paul Irwin interviews New York prison chaplains Rev. Edwin Muller and Rev. Alfred Tywman Jr. about their experiences in this challenging and rewarding ministry.

EPISODE 004:  TRANSLATING THE BIBLE

Reading the scriptures in one’s “heart language” is the most powerful way to experience God’s message.  But translating the text is a daunting task, and Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Dr. Robert Hodgson and Bible translator Robert Bascom for an enlightening discussion of the process.  A visit to Gullah Island demonstrates the impact that a Bible translation can have on a community.

EPISODE 005:  A.B.S. MINISTERS TO AFRICAN AMERICANS

The American Bible Society has a long and celebrated history in ministering to African Americans.  From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, A.B.S. has helped the community grow closer to God.  Rev. Paul Irwin speaks with Rev. Dr. Fred Allen and Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter about the past, present, and future of this blessed partnership.

EPISODE 006:  SPREADING THE WORD INTO GULLAH

The American Bible Society takes an in-depth look at the recent Gullah translation project, which transcribed the scriptures for a small island community near South Carolina.  Rev. Paul Irwin discusses the project with Dr. David Frank and Vernetta Canteen, a member of the Gullah translation team.  Their story demonstrates the power of God’s word to uplift people when read in their native tongue.

EPISODE 007:  A.B.S. FIGHTS ILLITERACY

Illiteracy is a growing problem in our nation today, and The American Bible Society is committed to helping teach people to read using the scripture.  Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Karina Lucero and Kathleen Hayes, two women leading the fight against this dire dilemma.  By using new programs that incorporate proven educational methods, there is great hope for the future.

EPISODE 008:  A.B.S. PARTNERS WITH ALL DENOMINATIONS

Today, more than ever, Christians are working together to spread God’s message.  The American Bible Society strives to partner with every church, denomination, and Christian agency.  To better illustrate these relationships, Rev. Paul Irwin meets with Roman Catholic nun Sr. Joan Curtin and Metropolitan Nicholas of the Greek Orthodox Church.

EPISODE 009:  CELEBRATING THE KING JAMES BIBLE

Although it’s nearly 400 years old, the King James Bible continues enlightening and inspiring Christians to this day.  From church pulpits to night tables, it remains one of the most widely read scripture translations.  To discuss the history and legacy of this monumental volume, Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Prof. David Lyle Jeffery and Rev. Prof. Cheryl Sanders.

EPISODE 010:  A.B.S. WORKS WITH THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The American Bible Society believes that all Christian denominations are united in common fellowship.  And their work with the Roman Catholic Church exemplifies this holy alliance.  To discuss the past, present and future of their partnership, Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Fr. John Endres and Dr. Philip C. Stine.

EPISODE 011:  A.B.S. MINISTERS TO THE SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITY

With the rapid increase of the Latino population in the United States, the American Bible Society strives to find ways of reaching out and ministering to this community.  Rev. Paul Irwin speaks with Rev. Emilio Reyes and author Karen Valentin about the specific needs of Hispanic Christians.

EPISODE 012:  MINISTRY IN CRISIS

Tragedies like Hurricane Katrina are a true test of Christian convictions.  But in such troubled times, the Bible is a source of comfort, hope, and promise.  To discuss how God’s Word heals victims of disaster, Rev. Paul Irwin welcomes Rev. Charles J. Southall III and Dr. Steve Berneking.

EPISODE 013:  THE BIBLE IN CHINA

For decades, the American Bible Society has made Scripture distribution in China a high priority.  However, getting the Word of God into the hands of Chinese Christians has not been easy.  To illustrate the victories and hardships of this ministry, Rev. Paul Irwin speaks with Dr. John Erickson and Dr. Choi Chan Young.

EPISODE 014:  A.B.S. AND MEDIA TECHNOLOGY

The American Bible Society has always been at the forefront of new media technologies.  From radio days to the information age, they utilized every medium available to spread God’s Word.  To discuss past, present and future media endeavors, Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Prof. Paul Soukup and John Walter.

EPISODE 015:  WOMEN’S BIBLE MINISTRY

For decades, the Women’s Bible Ministry has been instrumental in the sacred mission to provide Scriptures to young women and men.  Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Melinda Trine and Rev. Sally Robinson to elaborate on the historical partnership between their organization and the American Bible Society.

EPISODE 016:  CAMPUS MINISTRY

Christian students are faced with numerous faith decisions during their college years.  In this time of academic, personal and social development, organizations like Campus Crusade and faith integration programs serve to support and inspire growth in Christ.  Rev. Paul Irwin speaks with Charles Gilmer and Janet Cromwell about the impact God is making in colleges across the country.

EPISODE 017:  A.B.S. MINISTERS TO THE DEAF

Although over 30 million Americans are hearing impaired, most people don’t understand the challenges they face.  The American Bible Society is committed to spreading God’s message to the deaf community, and Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Debbie Buchholz and Dr. Robert Bascom to discuss this unique and inspiring ministry.

EPISODE 018:  MINISTRY IN CRISIS  (PART II)

The Bible says that as God’s children, we’re united in a community of faith.  And in the midst of tragedies like Hurricane Katrina, we’re called to action in charity and Christian fellowship.  Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Dr. Steve Berneking to discuss this sacred calling, and illustrate how Christ’s followers are helping Gulf Coast residents.

EPISODE 019:  CELEBRATION OF AZUSA

The Pentecostal Celebration of Azusa is growing larger every year, and Rev. Paul Irwin meets with Dr. Gary McGee and Rev. Emilio Reyes to illustrate what makes the movement such a success.  They’ll also clarify the role of Scripture within a group so focused on the Holy Spirit.  And a visit to the Azusa Street Centennial shows the true magnitude of Pentecostalism today.

EPISODE 020:  THE BIBLE IN CHINA  (PART II)

Through decades of persecution, the Word of God has found a home in the hearts of millions of Chinese believers.  With the help of organizations like the American Bible Society and Amity Press, Christians have beaten the odds and kept the Scriptures circulating.  Rev. Paul Irwin is joined by Dr. John Erickson and Dr. Kua Wee Seng examine the struggles of the past and the challenges that still lie ahead.

EPISODE 021:  MILITARY MINISTRY

For nearly two centuries, from the Mexican War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the American Bible has distributed Scriptures to American soldiers.  But this has not been
an easy task.  Rev. Paul Irwin discusses the challenges and rewards of this mission with John Cruz and General Bob Dees.

EPISODE 022:  THE BIBLE: DNA OF AMERICA