Are they a thing of the past? Replaced by texts?
Replaced by messages?
Replaced by computerized digital cards? Or does it matter what form it takes?
Letters!
According to research, the oldest handwritten letter may have been sent around 500 BC by Persian Queen Atossa. I wonder what it was about? Why is it not well known?
What are the most important famous letters in history? Again if you research, you will find differing answers. However, here are some letters that appear among important letters.
Albert Einstein, with other physicists, wrote a letter to President Roosevelt. They warned the president that Germany was working on an atomic bomb. The letter stressed it was important to stockpile uranium and start an American atomic bomb program. The letter helped begin the Manhattan Project in which military and scientists would develop the atomic bomb used in Hiroshima. You can read more (OSTI.gov, Manhattan Project: Einstein’s letter, 1939)
Henry VIII wrote love letters to Anne Boleyn. She would become his second wife. The king would have his marriage, at the time to Katharine of Aragon, annulled in order to marry Anne Boleyn, who was later beheaded. The history of England changed as these events led to changes in the religion in England.
Abraham Lincoln wrote a letter to Mrs. Lydia Bixby in 1864 about her loss of her five sons in the Civil War. Lincoln’s letter of condolence was published in a newspaper and “provided comfort to not only Mrs. Bixby, but the entire war-torn nation.” (from Bond & grace.com) Although later it was found that only two sons actually were killed, the letter was so beautifully written, it became famous as it spoke to parents who gave up their sons for their country.
A letter of warning of destructive power, a letter of love, a letter of sorrow and comfort — and other famous letters that have been remembered over time.
But did you realize the Bible has many famous letters in the New Testament written to people and churches in the Roman world? Twenty-one letters we still read today! These letters are written by different apostles who Jesus had told to spread the Gospel. Many were written by Paul, who was a follower of Jesus and a missionary who took the Gospel to the gentiles.
If you read Revelation (about end times) you will find seven short letters written to churches in Asia. These letters are still pertinent to churches examining themselves before God.
Letters written to explain the Gospel, to help churches as they grew and met problems, for specific reasons, and to different people. Paul’s letters were to be read aloud and offer help to the Christians as well as explain how to be saved through God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The most important letters in history, in all time, in all the world? Letters to us in the Word of God, the Bible!
Let’s get reading!
