The Biblical Garden

The Bible has long been an inspiration to humanity. Authors have written innumerable treasured masterworks based on its themes, metaphors and parables. From Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales to Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, William Faulker’s Absalom, Absalom!, John Milton’s Paradise Lost, or Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, the tremendous impact of the Bible on human thought and writing remains unparalleled. The Biblical Garden provides a quiet respite - “Beside restful waters He leads me; He refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23). The garden encompasses quotations for the 45 plants that can grow in this region amidst other symbols. As a member of the Biblical Botanical Gardens Society - USA, this garden joins an increasing global movement to provide such places to augment campus and public life. The garden was dedicated in 2011, the 400th anniversary of the printing of the King James Bible (1611 A.D.).

Established: 2009

Founded by: Michael Schwartz (Class 2003), Paul Schwartz (Class 2009), David Freedman (Class 2011), and Professor Joseph Faryniarz

Pedagogical role: This garden demonstrates the links between the Bible with literature, plants, and animals. It promotes greater class discussion of the greater meaning of classical literature.

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