BIBLE REVIEW

Friday, May 20, 2011

MOSAIC

Holy Bible
New Living Translation

OVERVIEW: Mosaics are bits and pieces of stone and glass that on their own may be interesting, but only fleetingly so. From the simplest forms to the most complex, it is the combined effect of tiles arranged in their diversity that brings about something much greater than the sum of the parts. Mosaic is not merely the title for this Bible. It also describes its contents and our story as Christians, too. The purpose of this Bible is to provide a way to encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian history. Why? Because when this happens, God's profound and often unexpected work on behalf of his children becomes clear in new and exciting ways. It is important to see that the body of Christ is much bigger than the small piece we each experience in our everyday lives. When the rich and varied ways in which God's people have encountered Christ become clear, a deepening sense of his presence and power will surely be the result. It's not about the individual pieces, as important as they are. It is about the whole picture that emerges when all these pieces come together to form the beautiful mosaic that is God's church.

REVIEW: I have many Bibles. I did not need another one. But this Bible is unique. It is not a study Bible with notes and helps. It is not a devotional Bible with 365 daily readings sprinkled along the way. This Bible offers the complete text of the Bible without interruption, except for a robust cross-reference system and brief book introductions. At the front, you will find an extensive block of weekly meditations that draw on the collective wisdom of the global church across two thousand years of history, which will engage your heart and mind and guide you back into God's life-changing Word. The first and most important element is the weekly listing of five Scripture readings. And then there is a collection of historical and global contributions. This includes art work, prayers, hymns, poetry and quotes from Christian thinkers throughout church history who have wrestled with ideas related to each week's theme. And there is white space for taking notes. This is a Bible that can be used liturgically if that is a part of your tradition. Thematically is another way to use this Bible. It can be used organically. That means you may want to follow your regular plan for Bible reading and this Bible can be used along with it. And a number of ways might be imagined for using this Bible as you say, "I'll do it my way."

Note: I am an independent book reviewer and was not asked to review this Bible. I received my copy from Tyndale House Publishers by submitting my name to the company. I was pleased to be a winner of this splendid Bible. As I said, I have many Bibles and did not need another one. I am happy to have this one and will use it often.