by Sherri Langton

This year, the BA hopes to publish brief news items as they become available -- about the Bible, its distribution, and its role in modern society. In this issue, we report on two recently released Bibles. This is not an endorsement of all one may read in these niche publications but simply an attempt to make Bible lovers aware of what's available. Future issues will feature other ways the Bible makes today's news.

Chronological Study Bible
(Thomas Nelson)
Released in November 2008, the Chronological Study Bible presents the text of the New King James Version in chronological order. It is the only Bible on the market to offer such an approach.

This could be a nice diversion for Bible lovers who find themselves in a reading rut. First and 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, for example, are interspersed with psalms that David wrote during his conflicts with Saul and his reign as king of Israel. The excerpts I read deepened my understanding of what happened in Old Testament times and when it happened. I like a Bible that not only communicates God's truth but also enhances my knowledge with notes, articles, and graphics.

I also found the reading plan for the Chronological Study Bible a big plus, available at www.chronologicalstudybible.com. The site offers promotional and order information as well.

The Voice New Testament
(Thomas Nelson)
If you think a Bible in chronological order is different, wait till you see what Thomas Nelson has done with the New Testament. The Voice, also released in November 2008, is the first completely new Bible translation arranged in screenplay format. In other words, there are no conventional dialogue tags, like "Jesus answered" or "Peter replied." Instead, dialogue is introduced by the speaker's name and any "stage direction," as in John 7:3: "Brothers of Jesus (to Jesus): 'Let's get out of here and go south to Judea. . . .'"

This New Testament also features more modern expressions of biblical terms. John the Baptist is called John the Immerser. Instead of "In the beginning was the Word" in John 1:1, we read "Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking." In the sample I have, the apostle John introduces his Gospel with background information about himself and his writing. It does provide a more immediate, "you are there" feel.

The Voice is not the work of Bible scholars but a collaboration of historians, poets, storytellers, and songwriters that remains true to the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Its fresh approach may put off traditional Bible readers. Still, in publishing The Voice, Thomas Nelson desires to offer an alternative New Testament to millions of Americans who are seeking alternatives to traditional church. I applaud that motive.

Your Bible study group or church drama team may enjoy the project's screenplay format. Learn more about The Voice at www.hearthevoice.com and download the Gospel of John free.

The Bible Advocate Press grants the user permission only to download and print this article. If the user wishes to make multiple copies, permission must be granted by the Bible Advocate Press. 

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