The Bible is one intense book filled with drama, gore, romance, sacrifice, chivalry, singing, sex scandals, tears, and humor.

Just from a historical perspective, it is unmatched in its influence. That's why some make it the apex of their studies, the shepherd of their travels, even willing to endure unspeakable torture to preserve its accuracy. Yet for the same reason, others write it off as dumb, passe, and even the manipulated product of power-hungry religionists who couldn't make it in politics.

Many accuse the Bible of being used to justify war, bloodshed, and even torture. This accusation is true in its facts, but is it fair to direct the accusation against the Bible instead of the abuser of the Bible?

Just as using evolution to promote racism does not automatically invalidate evolution, so misusing the Bible does not make it an evil book. I can use a butter knife to spread butter, or I can use it to carve hieroglyphics into my neighbor's new Ferrari. But I doubt the judge would outlaw butter knives (come to think of it, in our day he just might!). More appropriately he'd indict me, the butter knife user, for taking sick pleasure in playing Mt. Rushmore on my neighbor's idol.

One of the more popular objections leveled against the Bible is that it presents a controlling God, much like a possessive husband who blows his lid every time his wife dares to go out with her girlfriends or leaves the laundry undone. The accusation goes like this: The Bible creates a religion that tries to control people and make them conform to one so-called ideal that inhibits their creativity and even twists their natural abilities and desires. Philip Pullman's Golden Compass unleashed this accusation through fiction; many religion professors do the same–just more directly—in the classroom.

I pondered this accusation of all moments during my two mile run today while my son rode his bike. I noticed a wire cage and my son remarked, "It's for holding rabbits."

I thought he was right but after a second look realized it was not for keeping rabbits in but for keeping rabbits out. The cage housed several plants being carefully nurtured (by a green thumb no doubt!) perhaps for a flower garden or something else green. Instead of being used for restriction, the cage was used for protection.

Excusing the negative imagery, the Bible is like that cage in both ways. The Word both restricts and protects. It helps to restrict our sinful desires yet also protects us from dangerous traps. Is this controlling? I'll leave that up to the reader. But if controlling means to help restrict me from doing stupid things that I'd otherwise pay the dues on for years to come, I'm thanking God for a book bold enough to confront my sinful desires and point me down the right path!