The most influential book of all time has frequently been a lightning rod for debate through the years. Some take the Holy Bible literally, as the infallible word of God. For others, it’s more or less a helpful guide to life and how to live it. Regardless, it’s a poetic historical document that has divided humanity regarding interpretation. That an exhibit titled Dead Sea Scrolls to the Forbidden Book has sparked arguments within the religious community as it attempts to separate fact from myth should come as no surprise.Consider the case of Richard Hunne, a Christian martyr believed by many to have been executed by the British after being branded a heretic for possessing an English version of the Bible in the 16th century. Portions of Hunne’s handwritten Wyclif Bible, according to the exhibit the first to be translated into English, is one feature in the nondenominational presentation, which will be on display January 5 through 31 at the Von Braun Center North Hall in Huntsville. Actually, some Biblical scholars question whether Hunne was really put to death or committed suicide in prison. Critics of the exhibit also claim that English versions of the Bible existed in the 8th century, long before the Wyclif translation.

Controversy has always been a nagging aspect of religious history. For years the Dead Sea Scrolls have been at the center of an argument regarding their role in either clarifying or contradicting traditional interpretation of Jewish history and the beginnings of Christianity. The Scrolls, which date back to 250 B.C., are the oldest known manuscript of the Old Testament. Prior to their discovery in 1948, the oldest known Hebrew copies in existence dated back only to the 9th century, which caused many Biblical scholars to question the validity of the Old Testament.

Despite any controversy, the exhibit is a remarkable look at the history of the Bible. Included are 5,000-year-old pictographic clay tablets, the most ancient form of writing, from Mesopotamia, and the oldest known written example of the Hebrew name for God, Elohim, on an ancient scroll that dates back 2,600 years. Excerpts from Paul’s letters to the Colossians, written in Coptic, are on display along with a 1611 first edition of the King James Bible.

All viewings must be scheduled because only 50 people are allowed in the exhibit at any one time. Organizers explain that this allows visitors a couple of hours to completely view the pieces, which are presented in a timeline format. No cameras are allowed. Admission is $15 for adults, and $10 for ages 8 to 18. The exhibit runs Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. That way, no one misses church. For more information, call 800-277-1700. &