I thought about writing a post yesterday on the possible Bible shortage. Sometimes with news events, though, I figure everyone has the same access to television newscasts and articles on the internet that I do. But life is busy and sometimes I miss some pretty big headlines myself. So here’s a couple of things you may or may not have heard about.
Word up. A modern trade war has been waged between the U.S. and China for about a year now. The latest round of tariffs, on hold for now, would include the paper used to print Bibles. Publishers warn that the price of Bibles could go up as a result and possibly lead to a shortage. You may have several in your home as well as access to online Bibles and smartphone apps. But think about churches and ministries that give away Bibles, such as the Gideons. As many as 150 million Bibles are printed in China each year. Printers in China are set up for the special requirements that printing on the ultra thin paper that Bibles are made of. Moving that production elsewhere would be complicated and expensive. “The proposed 25% tariff would apply to all books, but critics say it would disproportionately affect Bibles and children’s books.” Publishers believe the Trump administration is unaware of these unintended effects. More details here via CBS News for those interested.
The tomb is empty; no, not that one. Two graves were opened on Vatican property as investigators searched for the remains of a 15 year old girl who disappeared in 1983. That’s not even the strange part of this story. The graves belonged to Princess Sophie von Hohenlohe and Duchess Charlotte Frederica of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, who died in in 1836 and 1840 respectively. There were no remains found in either grave. Neither the missing person for the remains of the princesses were found. Instead of answers the Vatican now has more questions. Click here for more details via Catholic News Agency.