Field Trip to Passages Exhibit

Yesterday was a GREAT day.  We had an opportunity to go to the Passages Exhibit in Atlanta, Ga.

Have you heard of it?

It is an exhibit of over 300 Biblical artifacts that date back 2,000 years!

While I was excited about this opportunity and the ability to share it with my entire family, I have to admit, I was a little concerned that my children may not be able to grasp what the exhibit was about.  But, they did.  And…I believe one reason they did is because the exhibit has been very creative in reaching out, not only to children, but also adults.

Every child who goes through the exhibit receives their own iPod and ear phones (this is included in their ticket, while it is an additional $3 charge for each adult).

As you enter the exhibit, you begin with the oldest artifacts and original transcribed Torah(s)

 

My favorite…was found at the beginning:  a piece of a Dead Sea Scroll.

I have often wondered what it would be like to actually view a document so old…so truly saved for a time such as this, when more and more scrutiny over the Bible exists…from all areas of the world….  And here, I found myself…in front of this beautiful artifact…saved and on display…

It was truly all I could do…not to cry.  (I know, I’m a sap!)

Each Artifact is numbered and has a description of it that you can read.  In addition, many have a symbol for a ‘headphones’ (as you can see in this picture of the Dead Sea Scroll).  The exhibits with the Headphones allow you to listen to more details on your iPod regarding that particular window and/or individual artifacts in that enclosed area.

Now, if you are worried about your children getting ‘bored’ while you are busy reading and listening, no worries!  They have Louie The Lion to keep them busy.  The exhibit has planned a treasure hunt for your children.  (Back at the beginning)…they receive a pamphlet that they fill out based on clues from the Lion.  My 5 year old fell in love with the Lion and was so excited each time he found a paw print…or watched a video, etc of the Lion

There are also many hands-on exhibits that help adults and children learn how the Bible was copied from the early days with quill/ink and candle light

And…moving forward to the Gutenberg Press, you get to experience what it was like creating the first printed Bible!

But, don’t think the adults could sit back and let the children have all of the fun

And the creative juices flow for those who learn what it was like to add pictures to the bible….

Each exhibit….was breath taking.  To view the Bible from its original writings, through time….

from the time it was hand-written, up through current times, when it can be mass-produced.  To witness a few with mistakes and how some took advantage of changing the Bible to meet their needs…

BUT, how God has maintained it’s integrity through providing us with the original documents written two+ thousand years ago…was amazing.

The exhibit ends…with a room that made me truly sit and ponder the amazing power of our Heavenly Father.  The exhibit has procured several Torahs that had been BURNED…rather….someone had attempted to burn them.  Yet, they were there…singed, but still legible!  What power, what detail….our God has…that he cares so much that He has given us HIS WORD…and HE PROTECTS IT!

All in all, this was a very special day.  There are may activities, videos I can not show you.  The exhibit has a ‘NO PHOTOGRAPHY” policy..and I was blessed to receive permission to take pictures to share with you….to get you there….

Go, See this exhibit!  You will witness Martin Luther speaking of his 95 thesis through his window…as he debates two other individuals from his time frame.  You will also have a chance to sit outside the window of two women, as they debate the need or desire to read the Bible in their own language…especially when they consider being caught reading the Bible could lead to their own death.  And then…you also witness the impact of King Henry VIII and the impact his wife Queen Anne Bolyn….her own life and the impact of her reading the Bible…not only on her life, but in our lives today!

As a side note, the exhibit does have speakers scheduled through Mid-May.  We did not attend on a day when a speaker was there.  However, I imagine any speaker would be highly qualified.  I was quite impressed with the knowledge of the staff throughout the exhibit….so, I can only imagine the knowledge the speakers would have and would share with those who attend!

All in all, it was a GREAT day!  I hope to go back again and soak up more knowledge.  If you go, make sure you block out an entire day and pack a lunch.  It can take about 8 hours to listen to every single recording and read everything….  You may not (want) to read or listen to everything…but, you will miss out if you skip something!  Make sure you go with a friend…so you can take notes and compare with each other on the way home…  That’s what we did….and it was TRULY a BLESSING!

So, what do you think?  Are you ready to go?  Go on, Go…and when you get home, send me a note and tell me your thoughts!

Blessings,

 

 

 

Disclosure:  My family received free tickets to the exhibit in exchange for our honest opinion.  No other compensation was received