Edition of Bible Aimed at U.S. College Students : Scripture: The introduction sets traditional themes in humorous relief.

Even though there seems to be a Bible edition for almost every point of view, a Colorado publisher thinks there’s room for at least one more--this one aimed at American college students.

The International Bible Society believes God has spoken clearly on such issues as terrorism, wars, homelessness and AIDS, but that most American college students haven’t heard the message.

So the society, based here, has published the NIV (New International Version) University Edition Bible.

Representatives from the Bible society consulted with members of Young Life, Campus Crusade for Christ and four other student-oriented groups to find ways to make the Bible more relevant to today’s college students.

Based on their joint research, the campus groups claim that 80% of college students, who are grappling with the issues of dating, marriage and career, do not get the connection between God, the Bible and the message of Jesus.

Spruced up with a little humor and a little instruction, the new NIV University Edition is geared to students who think the Bible belongs in an ancient history or mythology course, not current events 101.

It contains an outline of biblical books and a study aid section, including what the editors term the evangelical “bottom-line” biblical answers on various issues.

The introduction contains some upbeat and offbeat quotes which set biblical themes in humorous relief. Woody Allen is one such citation: “It’s not that I’m afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

There are endorsements by well-known historical figures such as Soren Kierkegaard, Napoleon and Abraham Lincoln saying the Bible is the book to read.

Even the iconoclastic Mark Twain has his say: “It ain’t those parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”

Fifty thousand copies of the new edition have been published in its first run.