Mr. AKAKA--Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate one of the most important books in the history of mankind: the Bible. As the Senate Co-chairman of the 2005 National Bible Week, it is my honor to join the National Bible Association and our nation's citizens in celebrating the Good Book and its teachings. During the week of November 20 to 27, I encourage everyone to participate in this fine tradition by reading and reflecting on the important lessons of the Bible.

As a child growing up in Hawaii, my parents introduced me to the Bible and it has always played an important role in my life. I turn to it on a regular basis in search of inspiration, guidance and strength. The Bible is a resource of profound but fundamental truths that retain relevance throughout the ages. They are the lessons that serve as the building blocks of good citizens, good families, good communities and good government.

One of my favorite scriptures is contained in 1 John 4, which teaches us that God loved us so that he sent us his only begotten Son so that we might live through him. Because God so loved us, we ought also to love one another and his love will be perfected in us. In this time of international strife, natural disaster, and political turmoil, this basic instinct of caring for our fellow man, of love for our neighbor, is a good place to begin.

The Holy Bible is one of man's greatest legacies. I congratulate and commend the National Bible Association for its efforts to promote the Good Book and to encourage better understanding of its universal truths among people of all faiths. Aloha ke Akua. God is love.