Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Chronological Guide to the Bible

I had the opportunity to read and review the full color bible guide, the Chronological Guide to the bible, published by Thomas Nelson publishers. This study guide is like a study guide/ encyclopedia/ hisoty book hybrid with its main focus on biblical history, society and culture. Diveded into chronological epochs, the chapters of this book may be read consecutively inorder or individually. Rather than having a chapter based on each indivdual bible book, the bible is broken down into consecutive historical periods, analogous to a history book, The book of the bible are summarized and discussed within the historical socio- economic period in which they occur. Additional content such as mini articles, photos, maps and timelines are inserted within the text. These articles provide to the modern reader, background material for the bible stories and heroes. Such material most likely would be familiar to the ancient reader, yet not to the modern reader. Its inclusion is very enlightening and provides the reader with a much better understanding of the ancient society and cultures of the bible. This bible guide is well suited for the secular student as well as the bible enthusiast.
I would recomend this book for anyone interested in the bible as well as in ancient history. One thing to keep in mind is that this book is not intended to be a spiritually motivational book. Nor is it a text on theology. The material of this book is replicated from the Thomas Nelson Chronological Study bible. Therefore if you own that particuloar study bible this guide may be redundant.

Disclosure of Material Connection- This book was recieved free from Thomas Nelson Publishers book review blogger program. I was not required to submit a positive review and the opinion contained in this review are my own.

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