New Bible highlights women’s issues

Women reading a copy of the Philippine Bible Society’s Tagalog Women’s Bible following its launch during the Women of Blessing Rally in Cuneta Astromdome in Pasay City on October 22, 2005. Philippines. Photo: PBS/Edna Mae Rabago (PHI05DJ-189.JPG)

PHILIPPINES — In a world that claims men are from Mars and women from Venus, it is fitting that a new Bible especially for women was formally launched at the aptly-named Cuneta Astrodome during the Women of Blessing rally on October 22, 2005. The rally was attended by 4,000 women from various parts of Luzon.

However, the motivation behind the Philippine Bible Society’s new Scripture product is very definitely not from another planet – it is rooted in today’s contemporary world. The Ang Biblia para sa Makabagong Filipina was especially produced for the needs of modern-day Filipinas.

Unique

Nora Lucero, General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society, said, “The Filipina is unique, as well as her goals, interests and struggles in life. And we want to address these in a Bible that she can claim as her own.”

The new Bible contains carefully written articles on the relevance of God’s Word to current women’s issues. Most of these articles are based on life experiences of reputable women from various fields, including Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano, Catholic Mass Media awardee and best-selling author; Jophen Baui, writer and Bible translator; Sarah Jean Padrinao, FEBC radio announcer; and Amyjay Riconalla, Chairman of Fellowship of Christians in Business. The articles address topics such as sexual harassment, marital/domestic violence and balancing work and rest.

Buried

“Women’s issues are often buried in the pages of the Scriptures,” said Ms Baui. “The articles are like pointers that will direct the readers to passages speaking to women, for women and about women.”