Damaras. Abiline. These are just two of more than 774,000 words in the Bible. But as Chris Chastain points out, many people are unaware of the correct pronunciation of such words.
“One of the biggest reasons for Bible procrastination in not knowing how to pronounce words,” said the 77-year-old member of MeadowBrook Baptist Church, Gadsden.
So what is Chastain’s solution? “The Bible Aid.”
First written in 1970, this resource is a “nondenominational phonetic spelling method for correctly spelling and pronouncing key words of the Bible.” Phonetics is concerned with the production, physical nature and perception of speech sounds. Chastain is a member of the International Phonetics Association, whose headquarters is in Dublin, Ireland.
While several hundred thousand words make up the Bible, “The Bible Aid” focuses on 4,800 key words. “The Bible Aid” provides the correct pronunciation of those key words and every syllable of each word is broken down.
“Wherever there’s a Bible, there’s a need for “The Bible Aid,” said Chastain.
According to Chastain, one reason for the widespread acceptance of “The Bible Aid” is because it is a nondenominational book. He notes that the resource doesn’t promote faith and doesn’t contain any Bible study.
Each “Bible Aid” is affordable, said Chastain. The book is an inch thick, 5 by 8 inches long and contains 160 pages. Each “Bible Aid” is available for purchase as either spiral bound or saddle-stitched.
Since “The Bible Aid” was first published, Chastain revised the resource nearly 50 times. Still, he said the long hours and years spent working on the project are worthwhile because “it’s a labor of love.”
Chastain first became interested in phonetics during his days at a radio station, where he served as a morning show host. “Being a country guy, I didn’t know how to pronounce some words off of the (Associated Press) wire,” said Chastain.
He then published pronunciation guides for Alabama cities, towns and schools. In a short while, Chastain thought of the idea for a biblical pronunciation guide. This led to the publication of “The Bible Aid.”
Chastain feels every church should have at least three copies: one for the library, office and pastor. “I once heard a pastor in Atlanta, Ga., admit he had trouble pronouncing certain words. This would be a helpful tool for such pastors and many others,” said Chastain.
Many Alabama Baptist leaders already found “The Bible Aid” a valuable resource.
“Every pastor, Sunday School teacher and every other student of God’s Word will find this book a useful instrument.
“The Bible Aid” will be especially helpful for those who are called upon to read the Bible aloud. I would urge every Bible student to place this book in their library,” said Troy Morrison, former Alabama State Board of Missions executive director, in a letter of endorsement.
George Williams, retired director of missions for Etowah Association, agrees with Morrison in his letter of endorsement.
He said, “I believe this is worth your consideration because of the thorough and diligent manner that Chastain approached this guide. It will be of unlimited value in studying the Bible for all age groups, whether a person is just beginning to study or has been a serious student for years.”
For more information or to order “The Bible Aid,” contact Chastain at: CC. Enterprises, 145 Bryant Street, Gadsden, AL 35901; phone: 256-546-1281 or 1-800-732-7215, access number 4-2; e-mail: chris@microxl.com.
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