Marie Durand – Imprisoned but Free

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have no Bible? Nothing but public opinion to guide us - tell us what to do and what not to do. No higher authority than our own ideas, our own self-made religion. Some have said the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends. They think we're better off without it. Would we? Did you know France tried it once – for three and a half years?  At 1:30am, August 24, 1572, a bell began to ring in the Cathedral tower of St. Germain l'Auxerrois. The tolling bell sent a signal throughout the city – death to all Bible-believing Christians. It was one of the most horrifying massacres in European history. Thousands of Bible-believing Christians were slaughtered in the streets of Paris, and their bodies were thrown into the Seine. Up to 70,000 people were massacred. Their only crime? They read, believed and practised what the Bible says. It was during this dangerous time that Marie Durand was born in the small village of Bouschet de Pranles. The Bible is, perhaps, the most controversial book ever written. Never has a book been so loved by so many. And never has a book been so hated. It has made enemies out of friends. It's divided homes. It's been argued, debated, challenged, and attacked. But millions have died for it! Suffered imprisonment for it, refused to betray it or live without it.