Month: November 2015

Bible Reviews

A Review of the HCSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students Indexed Hardcover Edition.

Bob Snyder2 Comments

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I found this Bible to be significantly thinned out compared to the regular Apologetics Study Bible.  This is targeted at teens and younger students.  You can read my review of the Apologetics Study Bible here. Keep in mind that this Bible is not the same as the Apologetics Study Bible, and it is intended for students.  It would make a great Bible for young people with questions that you perhaps are not equipped to answer.

Christian apologetics is the defense of the veracity of Christianity and its doctrines, by utilizing logic, reason, philosophy, and evidence.  So when you think of a Bible including the word, “apologetics” in its title you would assume that it is going to be focused on apologetic arguments.  This Bible does not do as comprehensive a job as the standard one, but for the intended audience, it is just what is needed, without getting bogged down.  There are several articles, and testimonies.  

One feature that is useful is the, “twisted scriptures” asides.  There are 60 of them throughout the Bible.  They take commonly misapplied scriptures, put them in the proper context, and explain the errors made with their application as well as the proper application.  This should be very helpful for kids who have been exposed to cults by their friends.  Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and all of the other repugnant cults, spread such lies about the Bible, that it is common to hear them repeated, even by kids raised in a Christian home.  

Another nice feature is the, “bones & dirt” asides.  There are 50 of them placed all over the Bible.  They add archeological evidence as an apologetic aid.  Students can see physical evidence, coincide with the testimony of scripture.  This support can tip the scales towards belief and acceptance, when doubts are raised by their peers.  It also adds to their individual education.

My review copy arrived damaged.  It was packaged sufficiently.  The damage looked like a problem from the factory.  The end papers in the front as well as the presentation page, and the first pages of this Bible were deeply creased down the center.  This is probably a fluke, but if you did get a damaged Bible, Holman will be quick to replace it.
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Generally speaking, you should return it to the retailer.  The hardcover is pretty standard fare.  

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The spine is sewn for durability, and flexibility.  This ensures that it lays flat when opened.  Overcasting was also employed, ensuring durability.

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There is one very thin, and unintentional looking ribbon marker.  It just seems out of place.  Given their exceptional use of overcasting contrasted with this anemic ribbon, I’m at a loss. I’m kind of a stickler for ribbon markers.  All Bibles should come with 3 ribbon markers that are wide enough to not bite into the page edges when opening the Bible with them.  They should be thick enough to be durable.  They should be thin enough to not leave grooves in the pages from when the Bible is closed on them.  Finally they should not be folded haphazardly into the Bible from the factory.

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The paper is opaque enough and the font is 8 pt. in size.  I doubt young people will have trouble reading this black letter edition.  I do however, have some difficulty with the choice of font on the feature headings.  It looks very much like stylized scribbling.  The font is arranged in a double column format with notes and references at the bottom.  The book introductions and articles are well done.  They should be helpful to the young reader.

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I do not like the index tabs.  In my opinion they are not as easy to use as the crescent cut ones.  Your opinion may differ.  All in all it is a descent Bible for young people.  It is not sufficient to serve as a study Bible for a mature Christian.

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Here is a list of features it has.

  • Two-color design-intensive layout on every page for the visual generation
  • Study notes providing evidence of the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture
  • 120 articles by leading Christian thinkers dealing with life’s ultimate questions
  • 50 “Notable Quotes” from influential people throughout history
  • 25 “Tactics” against common anti-Christian arguments
  • Twenty “Personal Stories” of how God has worked in real lives
  • 20 “Top Five” lists to help remember key apologetics topics
  • Bullet notes explaining Bible terms
  • Book introductions for each book of the Bible
  • Presentation page
  • Ribbon marker
  • Thumb-indexed page edges
  • 8-point text size
  • 9.25″ x 7.00″ x 1.25″

9.0 X 6.75 X 1.5 (inches)

ISBN-13: 9781433616976

Please don’t forget to look at the pictures I took of this Bible here on my flickr page.

God · Theology

Modern American culture places a dubiously high value on individual personal happiness.

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

Modern American culture places a dubiously high value on individual personal happiness. This is purposefully, and directly opposed to the will of God. It is an elevation of man’s position and authority over God’s. The sinner should first and foremost seek to do the will of God and find His happiness in the peace that comes through being in God’s will. We are commanded to do what is right. Right, is not some secular consensus. It is what God has deemed right and good in His sovereign will as Creator and Sustainer of all things. To do God’s will is where we will find peace, happiness, joy, contentment, and fulfillment. We won’t find those things in any lasting or meaningful way seeking our own understanding of what happiness is. So you go ahead and try to find your happiness in the world, among things, and fleshly pleasures, and when you are empty, broken, and full of misery, remember… you did what made you happy…

Book Reviews · God · Theology

“God Wins” from Author Mark Galli, is a Mature Response, to Bell’s, “Love Wins.”

Bob SnyderLeave a comment

Hello, Soapbox fans.  Today we are going to look at the book, “God Wins” written by Mark Galli the Senior Managing Editor for Christianity Today.  In his book, Mark answers many of the questions raised by Rob Bell’s book, “Love Wins.”  First and foremost, I have to applaud Mark for his maturity, and propriety in handling the heresies of Rob Bell.  I tried to read Bell’s book without getting angry and could not.  It made me furious with him every time.  The slick, used car salesman, shysterly, manipulative, methods he employed to convince people of heresy seemed to me, to slip supplely, from this silver tongued devil’s mouth.  So, bravo Mark!  You are a better man than I, and I mean that.  Furthermore, I admire Mark’s maturity when dealing with this book.  Mark even explains his reasons for doing so in Appendix 3.  

I am Lutheresque in my polemics at times.  I tend to attack, without considering the effect I’ll have on the followers of the false teacher.  Instead of seeing the correction and accepting it, they see me slaughtering their golden calf.  When I read a work like this, I can see how it is better for  the sheep.  In dealing with the sheep we must be gentle.  If this book were for Rob Bell alone, I would expect a more belligerent approach.

Mark takes a very thoughtful and thorough approach addressing the major issues of heresy in Bell’s book.  It is almost impossible to talk about Mark’s book without mentioning Bell’s book, since it is an antithetical response to  Bell’s.  As Galli draws out, isolates, and entertains, the questions Bell asks, he offers orthodox answers and corrections that are easily understood.  He explains doctrines that the Church has affirmed for over two thousand years.  Don’t think that Galli is using kid gloves.  He deals with the false gospel, and universalism of Bell.  He even explains and contrasts the differences.

I encourage all of you who have read Bell’s book, have family who are fans of Bell, or plan on reading Bell’s book, to read, “God Wins.”  For those of you with Bell fans in the family, after you have finished reading, “God Wins” give it to them as a gift, and pray for them to accept godly correction with humble repentance, and godly sorrow.  

ISBN-13: 9781414366661