Life & Style
The Bible Tops Most Romantic books
The romance novel is by far the most popular genre in modern literature. Romance , through out history, has been nothing more than a strong feeling of excitement, affection and adventure that brings beautiful imaginations and a medley of joy and sorrow. Compulsive readers of romance must have buried their heads into a series of romantic books and novels from time to time.
However, they may not have laboured to rank these pieces of literature. Ardent readers of romance would testify that the Bible is the most romantic book in history and modern time. It is actually more romantic than the Jewish people.
An attempt to come up with the Top 10 romantic books brought to the surface beautiful pieces. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is ranked No. 1. Jane Austen’s classic tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her difficult relationship with the aloof and intelligent Mr. Darey.
The second novel Ann Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is not only a story of love and passion but belongs on lists of the greatest novels of any genre. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is the third novel. In this book a heroine must ultimately choose between her desire to be with the man she loves and the morals that form the core of her character. Outlander by Diana Gabalda is the fourth book in the rankings.
The fifth book Love Story by Erich Segal details the timeless story of a young couple in love, who marry against the wishes of their families. Sixth on the list is The Note Book by Nicholas Spark. This is a nostalgic tale that takes place mostly during the year of World War II and it sends the message that true love never fades and always takes as much time as it needs. Cecilia Ahern’s book PS, I Love You takes the seventh position.
In the eighth position is The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart. This exotic adventure is set in Greece and blends the elements of romance and suspense to create a gripping story. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is No.9 while Naked In Death by J.D Robb is the tenth book.
But the strength of a book not only lies in its ability to attract the widest readership but also to influence the readers. Bible romance has the magic that captures the attention of the reader by bringing forward spiritual dimensions of love to manage ones life. According to the Christian faith, the Bible is a message of love to mankind. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another”- John 13: 34-35.
Love is patient, love is kind. It doesn’t envy. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude. It is not self-seeking, nor easily angered. It keeps no records of wrong doings. It does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and preserves. There is nothing love cannot face.
There is no limit to its faith, hope and endurance. In the world there are three things that last forever: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of all is love. This is an extract from 1Corinthians 13: 4-7. From the above we can conclude that all the breath-taking romantic novels we have read are only a reflection of the biblical love and romance.
When Shakespeare grabs our attention with his Master piece play Romeo and Juliet we are left wondering where the young hero gathers audacity to hold the sword by the blade in the name of his love for Princess Juliet. But the bible has said it all in 1Johns 4: 18 that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear…”
This is punctuated by Hebrews 13: 5 which says “I will never fail you or forsake you”. Even amidst rough tides Juliet will never forsake Romeo. Novelists tend to create a belief among readers that two love birds are inseparable and love will always bind and keep them together against all odds. This is a borrowed concept from Mathew 19:6 which says “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together let not man put a sunder”
Both modern and historical love song writers have borrowed romantic lyrics from Songs of Solomon to spice up their works. The Songs of Solomon make the Bible an archive of love songs and poems. These songs have also been used by people in day to day love conversations, love cards and other writings. There is no doubt that the Bible remains the most romantic book ever known.