Why copy scripture?

People have copied holy texts for centuries as a spiritual discipline. In monasteries, monks spent large parts of their days copying sacred scripture, lettering the text, illuminating it with illustrations, and commenting on its meaning. Writers share that writing has had a healing, liberating, centering effect. It connects us across time, and allows us to become part of a community.

Our goal is to copy whole books of the Bible, using individuals’ handwriting or calligraphy. We are looking for people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, languages, abilities, and experiences who commit to each copy a chapter. Contributors are also welcome to add a personal commentary and illustrations or artistic interpretations to their passage.

We’ll begin by copying the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and Acts. If there is additional interest in this project we’ll expand to include as many other books of the Bible as possible.

Groups and larger teams are encouraged to adopt an entire book of the Bible.

Who Can Participate?

Any person living in Metro Chicago or who calls Metro Chicago home is welcome to participate. We hope this project will be exciting to people of a variety of religious backgrounds, life experiences, and social locations.

You do not have to be a particularly devout or religious person to copy scripture. The only requirement is your openness toward the text and the process of writing, while allowing room for your questions and insights.

Commenting and Illustrating

Copying sacred scripture can be a form of meditation. You may discover that the act of handwriting gives rise to a response. Whatever bubbles up in the process of writing your chapter: your thoughts, questions, or insights, are welcome to be included in this project.

You may want to add a few words of reflection underneath the copied scripture. Please make sure your commentary is short and focused. Another expression could be to illustrate your text, add calligraphy of individual letters, or include photos or images (please use only your own original photos or images).

Step-by-step Instructions

• People across Chicagoland will copy the Bible in their own handwriting.

• Every writer chooses a chapter of a biblical book.

• Groups, teams, and congregations can commit to copying a whole book.

• How will this look? Find step-by-step instructions on our Particpate page!

Sign up on sign-up Genius to be a part of this project.