The Baldwin's Biblical Manuscript Research Institute and Bible Museum

About the BBMRI

The Baldwin’s Biblical Manuscript Research Institute and Bible Museum is the first institute of the BALDWIN INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY. This institute, formally known as the Baldwin’s Biblical Manuscript Research Institute is situated online at www.bbmri.com. This institute serves two distinct purposes: 1) to provide research opportunities in the scientific complexities that have to do with the manuscript history of the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures and 2) to educate the general public pertaining to the history, preservation and development of the Biblical text, thus enhancing an intelligent and informed faith in God.

To achieve these purposes, the Institute seeks to ventilate issues that relate to how, when, and by whom the biblical texts were written, preserved, developed, organized and transmitted. In addition, we also explore the influence of orality on the evolution of the Biblical text. These issues form the basis for demonstrating that real practical, social, spiritual, political and economic benefits are to be obtained from the manuscript study of the Biblical text. Thus, the study of the Biblical manuscripts is a very rewarding discipline that addresses many of our tough questions.

Additionally, and of primary importance, the institute serves to anchor the students of BICU in such areas as Textual Criticism, Canon Studies, Orality and Biblical Exegesis. While the research component is geared primarily to the students of BICU, the Institute welcomes students and scholars from other institutions to use its facility.

VISION: To become one of the world’s leading research institutes in Biblical Manuscript Studies with several centers around the world.

MISSION: To create a positive research environment/opportunities for students and bible scholars as well as to provide the non-specialist with a more informed understanding of the Bible that enhances faith in God.

GOALS: The goals of this institute are to:

1. Become one of the world’s leading institutes in the study of manuscript research
2. Provide students of BICU and other religious institutions with research materials in the field of Biblical Manuscript Studies
3. Gather, archive and display artifacts pertaining to the Bible
4. Provide a pleasant educational environment in which all persons can view artifacts, read and learn about the Bible
5. Enhance the theological education of BICU students in particular and other students in general

EXHIBITS: Currently the center grants access to the display of 100’s of ancient Greek and Hebrew Biblical manuscripts, charts, etc.

DIRECTOR: The center is directed by Dr. Clinton Baldwin, President of BICU. Dr. Baldwin holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies with special emphasis in New Testament Textual Criticism. His dissertation is entitled, The So-called Mixed Text: The Non-Alexandrian and Non- Byzantine Text Types in the Catholic Epistles. He continues to teach, research and write in the area of New Testament Manuscript Studies.

The center will:

1. Offer short certificate courses in the areas of:

i) Origins and Developments of Versions of the Bible
ii) Canon Studies
iii) NT Greek
iv) Hebrew
v) Orality
vi) Textual Criticism

2. Sponsor trips to Israel and other Middle Eastern countries relating to the Bible
3. Offer seminars in churches, on radio, TV, online and in other fora.
4. Host at least one annual scholarly conference on Manuscript Studies, Development of the Biblical Text, Textual Criticism, etc.
6. Conduct collaborative research efforts with other international manuscript research centers.
7. Investigate opportunities for offering Manuscript Studies in an interdisciplinary manner to programs at other institutions of higher learning
8. Facilitate the publication of research papers, articles, books, etc.
9.Encourage the attendance of international scholarly conferences such as the Society of Bible Literature (SBL), Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) and the Greer Heard Conference (NOBTS, etc).
10. Provide opportunities to students and professors to participate in collaborative research ventures with Dr. Clinton Baldwin and other scholars associated with the centre, with the possibility for publication in scholarly journals and to be featured on Bible Beyond the Basics, an online program operated by Dr. Baldwin/Dikaioma Ministries International).