The Bible's Influence on Western Civilization

DISCOVER THE BIBLE’S REMARKABLE INFLUENCE ON CULTURE. This book represents a fascinating journey through history, art, music, literature, and language, exploring how the Bible has shaped creative expression across centuries and civilizations. Biblical stories have inspired everything from the music of U2, Bob Dylan, and Mozart to cinematic masterpieces like The Matrix. Learn how the Bible’s themes echo through iconic sculptures like Michelangelo’s David, paintings like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and classic literature such as Paradise Lost. This book focuses on educating students about the Bible’s rich cultural impact on art, literature, history, and more. The steady flow of historical examples and images allow you to assess levels and types of connections to societies—especially America’s. Each chapter presents examples of the Bible’s influence, offers concise story summaries, and highlights cultural masterpieces inspired by these ancient texts. Explore how the world’s most widely read book continues to stimulate creativity and cultural dialogue today.

Author Biography

Jerry Pattengale, PhD, is a founding scholar at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. where he still serves as Senior Advisor, and a distinguished professor and administrator at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). His influence also extends beyond academia. As a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute, CSR associate publisher, on the JEC board at Yale Divinity School, and on the National Press Club’s Membership Committee, he continues to shape thought leadership on history, faith, and culture at the state and global levels. Pattengale has authored dozens of books and hundreds of articles and columns, including in prominent publications like The Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. His recent works, The New Book of Christian Martyrs (Tyndale House, 2023), The Anxious Middle (Baylor University Press, 2023), The World’s Greatest Book (2nd ed., Tyndale House, 2023), and Habits of Hope (IVP, 2024) have received critical acclaim. He is known for his award-winning “Buck Creek” newsprint series for its engaging and insightful storytelling. His Inexplicable TV series, hosted by Dennis Haysbert, also won three Telly Awards. Born and raised in Buck Creek, Indiana, Dr. Pattengale’s journey from poverty and homelessness at the end of high school to becoming a globally recognized scholar is an inspiration. He even addressed the United Nations, attended meetings at the White House, and was interim president of Religion News Service. With the support of church members and alumni of Marion College (now IWU), he pursued higher education, serving as student body president and recognized as the outstanding graduate. Dr. Pattengale went on to earn Masters at Wheaton (IL) and Miami University (Ohio). He then earned his PhD there under the eminent historian, Edwin M. Yamauchi, with perfect marks and established himself as an active voice in his field. Timothy Dalrymple, PhD, is a graduate of Stanford University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Harvard University’s Graduate School of the Arts and Sciences. He helped launch Patheos (2008-2014) – the world’s largest forum for religious conversation. He began as managing editor of a channel, then director of content and vice-president of business development. In 2013, he also founded and led Polymath, a creative agency that helps businesses and nonprofits serving the world with branding, design, web, video, marketing and communications, and content development. Its clients have included the Museum of the Bible, International Justice Mission, the American Enterprise Institute, Indiana Wesleyan University and many others. In addition to his writing and film commitments, in 2019 he became CEO and president of Christianity Today. Its storytelling venues have greatly expanded under his tenure, including such offerings as The Mars Hills podcast (around 30 million downloads). He and his wife Joyce, married for more than 25 years, have three daughters. They shiver on the periphery of soccer games and track meets in the suburbs west of Chicago.