It would be hard to find a more influential book of Biblical studies than his Canaanite Myth and Hebrew Epic [1973].

I know that the Bible has been a central influence in [Elie Wiesel and Frank Moore Cross] lives - but in a very different way. In truth, you inhabit very different Biblical worlds.

I think that there is a certain schizophrenic aspect to my own relation to the Bible.

In my work, I attempt to deal with the Bible as I would deal with any work of literature.

To treat the history of Israel as I would treat the history of England or Russia or China; that is, an attempt at a scientific, historical approach.I am particularly fascinated with origins.

I think that there are these two very different sides to my relation to the Bible: one, my professional life; the other, a more private concern, interest and fascination with the Bible.

[My father was ] Presbyterian [minister]. But I did not take the Bible seriously until I was forced to take Hebrew at McCormick Theological Seminary.

We [with Frank Moore Cross] have the same fervor, the same passion when in front of us is a page, a unique page - every page is unique - of the Pentateuch.

We differ [with Frank Moore Cross] simply because of our differing backgrounds.

Both of you [Elie Wiesel and Frank Moore Cross] are giants, dare I say nephilim [giants; see Genesis 6:4; Numbers 13:33], in your world.

I don't think there is any other professional Bible scholar who is more respected and honored [like Frank Moore Cross].

Finding the reason to live doesn't put you on top, it's the hardships faced in process that get you there.

Why is it men are permitted to be obsessed about their work, but women are only permitted to be obsessed about men?

The future is an infinite succession of presents.

It is the place of feeling that binds us or frees us.

But you are right, being stupid is not illegal. Otherwise half this town would be behind bars.

If you do enough small things right, big things can happen

Whoever despises the high wisdom of mathematics nourishes himself on delusion and will never still the sophistic sciences whose only product is an eternal uproar.

Courage doesn't know what's around the corner, but goes around it anyway.

No accurate thinker will judge another person by that which the other person's enemies say about him.

Continue to witness to the Gospel every day and commit yourselves generously in the next missionary initiatives in the Diocese of Rome.