BIBLE ILLUMINATED: The Book New Testament Forlaget Illuminated Sweden AB; 283 pages
This review comes after spending a lot of time with this book over the past few weeks, first with intial reviews from an online versions, and now with the actual publication in my hands.
This version of the New Testament is one similar to "The Way" published in the 1970's - the idea of a 'living Bible' applicable to to current events and situations. The translation is the Good News Translation (Today's English Version, Second Edition), from the American Bible Society. Unlike most Bibles, this version uses no chapter and verse notations; nor does it follow the "red letter" idea, or even the newer "green Bible" notations.
What this book does include are numerous images and provocative ideas throughout the scriptures. One section that I am excited to spend more time with is the "Eight Ways to Change the World" feature, which highlights a photography exhibition on the Millennium Development Goals. These images are laced throughout the gospels, which, I think, is the most appropriate place to talk about what world citizens are called to do to demand justice.
As I alluded to in my Part 3 review of this book, some of these images, their placement, and the use of decontextualized verses to connect them to the narrative makes me uncomfortable. Some would give credit to the publication for being something that puts the Bible in a context that individuals might be more inclined to pick up than a "traditional" Bible. I would say this is true, but want to classify it that this might only be appropriate if there is also someone to talk it over with.
Scripture contextualized to modern day needs to be discussed and understood in the greater historical tradition of the Church, and the larger story of Christianity. I wouldn't give this version of the Bible to a new Christian, or a seeking non-Christian, unless I could also make a commitment to walk through it with them. I don't think that challenging images and ideas should be absent from the Church; I DO think that the scriptural narrative as a whole has a lot to say about our lives in the world, and requires both the Old Testament and New Testament, but not a publisher's decisions about an appropriate ideological position.
I say these things with other Bible versions, like Thomas Nelsons' Revolve, in mind as well. (Check out a Christianity Today article on this from 2003.) And, of course, the Bibleman Biblezine, and Magnify, the Biblzine for kids. I think that care, moderation, and conversation is called for in any situation using these resources -- not considering them a substitute for the whole Bible, Old and New Testaments. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12)
If you want a chance to win your own copy of BIBLE ILLUMINATED: The Book New Testament, Corrine over at The Book Nest has one to give away.
BIBLE ILLUMINATED is also available for purchase, online and in bookstores.
Yesterday the Bible Illuminated: New Testament, was released, and is now available for purchase in the U.S. I have been thinking about the format and imagery offered in this new publication, and figured it is time to weigh in with my own opinions and initial review.
One week ago I left the blogging worth with this image, which is admittedly shocking, and even more so when considered in the context of the Bible. I would venture to say that it is shocking even for the non-Christians among us, who have at least some cultural idea of what the Bible is and how it is supposed to be used.
Shortly said, I think that Bible Illuminated paints some dangerous pictures -- but I also don't think that the Bible is ever really safe.
As a magazine-design junkie, I am incredibly drawn to the unique devices used throughout the text of Bible Illuminated to highlight passages, add color to pages of text, and force the reader to think about what they are reading. I can also appreciate the depth that unexpected images can bring to a text, forcing the reader to think outside standard box of "I'm reading the Bible." I especially appreciate, for example, the imagery used to introduce the first Gospel (Matthew) - a sonogram of baby in the womb. As a Christian who is familiar with both the Scriptural narrative and some of the theological challenges that the Gospels present to individuals, this is a powerful reminder of the humanity of Christ.
What concerns me most, though, are the instances, like the image I displayed last week, where the Scriptural narrative is ignored. It is like reading a novel, but only flipping through and picking a sentence here and there, and from that "reading" forming an opinion of what the author is trying to say. It is an incomplete picture, and could be misleading. In the theological realm, this type of reading does a disservice to the text that is dangerous and leads to the using of verses in erroneous ways. I would venture to say that this may be a product of publishing a Bible led by no theological convictions; its publishers claim "no religious agenda nor do we support a specific faith. Bible Illuminated is intended to be a unique vehicle for reacquainting today’s reader with one of the most important historical, and cultural texts ever written."
This said, I am looking forward to receiving my own copy of Bible Illuminated: New Testament and flipping through the whole thing.
The text on this spread reads:
"Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. Some people's faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in faith eats only vegetables."
This passage is from Romans 14, verses 1 and 2, and appears opposite this image in the Bible Illuminated that I am working my way through this week. The spread is fairly indicative of the images and juxtapositions found throughout the book. Before I write extensively about my own reactions and opinions to this sort of imagery and process in presenting the Biblical canon, I'd love to hear what you think.
Some questions to consider:
- What is your first, visceral reaction to this image?
- What do you like/dislike about presentations like this?
- How much does imagery affect your consideration of the text?
- Does this spread make you want to look more deeply into Bible Illuminated?
http://www.bibleilluminated.com/
http://www.illuminatedworld.com/
Pre-order Bible Illuminated on Amazon
I have joined a project that maybe I don't really have time for.
Why, you ask, do I need more projects? Don't I have enough of them, between school and work and church and many friends getting married?
It's true - there probably are enough. But, the thing is, I have found this thing that I cannot ignore; I have been given an opportunity that is too near to my heart, my passion, to let it pass by. I've been asked to review THE BIBLE.
I look across my bedroom to a stack of Bibles which is quite tall. There is the Reformation Study Bible(ESV) and the Student Bible (NIV - my confirmation Bible). I have the Praise and Worship Study Bible (NLT), a pocket New King James Version, and the Archaeological Study Bible. And, as any good seminary student has, I have the New Oxford Annotated NRSV with Apocrypha (Paperback College Edition). I carry with me a smaller, soft-leather-bound English Standard Version, and the One Year Bible sits atop my bookshelf, waiting for me to pick it up for another year of reading.
You might say I have enough Bibles to get me through any day - maybe even the rest of my theological education.
But I also have Bible lust (sinful, I know). Or maybe it is Bible love. I cannot be convinced other than that the Bible is the single most important compilation of written words that humankind has ever had the privilege of knowing. The Bible is not just words, but is the outpouring of The Word. Paul writes passionately to Timothy (in 2 Timothy 3) to remind him from where he learned of Christ and the salvation offered to him, which strengthens all Christians for the difficult road ahead of them. "All Scripture is breathed out by God," Paul writes, "and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the (hu)man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
SO - this is my background, this is my foundation. And it is from this I begin my new project: to offer a series of reviews of a soon-to-be-published edition/translation of The Bible.
On October 28, Bible Illuminated will publish its English Language presentation of The Book: New Testament. I wrote about this a couple weeks ago, exploring a bit of the publishers' perspective in creating this version of the Bible. They claim no particular faith background, or religious bent. For the publishers, Bible Illuminated is a new way of approaching an important historical and cultural text. As I have been looking at an advance-release PDF of the book, I have had to remind myself of this, and also to keep a bit of an open mind, knowing what my foundational perspective of the Bible is.
Over the next week, I hope to publish several reviews, looking at different elements of Bible Illuminated, The Book: New Testament, and what it means in the broader cultural context of how the Bible is used, unused, misused, and overused.
A few links that will be helpful:
http://www.bibleilluminated.com/
http://www.illuminatedworld.com/
Pre-order Bible Illuminated on Amazon
POST EDIT: I need to learn how to ask questions to get people thinking, not just assume that all know I welcome comments and others' thoughts, and am not just out to throw my 2 cents into the wind. SO:
What do you think about the Bible? If you are a Christian, do you have a preferred version or copy of it? How much thought do you give to the Bible as culture and history, versus the Bible as scripture?
The Best Place to Be
A Novel in Stories
Lesley Dormen
Simon & Schuster, 2008; 174 pages
It has been a few months since I have been able to read something not for a school assignment. I forgot about this part of continuing my education. And I must admit that when it came time to read The Best Place to Be, I was a bit overwhelmed at the thought of fitting it in somewhere between theology and church history and fundraising papers (weird combination, I know). But I am glad I did.
Lesley Dormen, in my opinion, captures the style of "novel in stories" expertly, weaving a cohesive narrative, but letting each chapter also stand alone as a story unto itself. Though I have to admit that I did not quite like her main character, Grace, from the first story, Dormen captured my attention somewhere in "The Secret of Drawing," and Grace became much more heroic than she seemed at first. As Grace's story rounds on itself, I found myself wishing for my own "best place to be."
I think I found a little of myself in Grace Hanford (or a little of what I may find in 20-some-years). The independent, self-determinedness covers all manner of transgressions for this character - not excusing, but explaining in blunt truth. This, I think, is what made the fitting in of the stories not so much a chore, but a welcome escape for a few hours.
Check out Dormen's discussion of her work and this novel here, (I particularly like her reasons for writing a nonlinear story, and her discussion of the story "I Asked My Mother," which was my favorite).
More reviews and tour stops organized by TLC Book Tours can be found here.
Order The Best Place to Be for yourself at Amazon.com here.
My friend Jen, over at Devourer of Books, has been doing an excellent job highlighting books that are being celebrated by the American Library Association's Banned Books Week, which ends on Saturday. In my fantasy world of having plenty of time for all the many things I love to do, I would be right there with her, spotlighting all my favorite banned/challenged books, and waxing poetic on the importance of intellectual freedom. Not to mention generally reading things that are not assigned by a syllabus.
Alas, the fantasy world of books remains a bit out of reach. But, in a few minutes on my lunch hour today, I decided to pay a small tribute to the great work of the ALA and the fight for intellectual freedom by highlighting the most recent "frequently challenged book" I have read: "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." by Judy Blume.
You may recall that I just read this for the first time this summer. Crazy, I know. And I love it. LOVE it. Maybe this is a throwback to my deep connection to truth-telling, and vulnerability. Maybe it is a reclaiming of my love of working in a Children's/Young Adult library (maybe the best job I've ever had). But, whatever it is, it's love. Why, you may ask, is this particular book to be celebrated this week? Due to its content, both sexual and religious, it is one of top 100 challenged books (requested to be banned) of all time, and Judy Blume is the second most challenged author between 1990 & 2004, according to the ALA. She has earned this status not just for "Margaret," but because five of her books are frequently challenged. "Margaret," written in 1970, is number 62 of the top 100 challenged books of 1990-2000.
Blume is concerned with censorship, if only for the implications it holds for the future of reading. “[I]t's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.” Her website speaks frankly about her thoughts, here.
The American Library Association has many great resources for seeing what books have been challenged, why, and other ways to celebrate the week (which occurs annually). So check it out and keep reading!
This weekend I was determined to get in a lot of reading (by my standards, at least). I was pleasantly surprised that it actually happened in the midst of a lingering work project, a road trip (audio books are so helpful), and family craziness! Thank goodness for three-day weekends!
I woke up early (for a holiday) on Friday expressly to finish The Gargoyle (Andrew Davidson); I had scarcely been able to put it down for about a week, and fell asleep each night reading it. Jen over at Devourer of Books recommended it to me, and even went to the trouble of having a copy sent to me. She promptly scared me off by telling me not to read the opening chapter late at night, due to its fairly graphic nature. But when I finally started, I couldn't stop. As Jen described in her review, in reading this I became one of those people that slow down to gaze intently at the accident or oddity at the side of the road, completely enthralled at what I was seeing.
I was continually astounded that this is Davidson's first novel. Though the genre is not something I generally choose - historical fiction meets fantasy meets something-I'm-not-quite-sure-of-yet - the writing was so engaging that I forgot I wasn't really supposed to get into it. I was never quite sure where the story was going to end up, but was more than happy to ride out the journey. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that feels like getting lost in a fantastic story.
This weekend I also read my first book for the LOST Books Challenge: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume. I can't quite believe that I have not read this before. Seriously. Reading it now was the great experience of fantastic Young Adult literature that reminds me of all the things that I worried so deeply about when I was 11-going-on-12. Though written more than three decades ago, its subject matter still rings true for pre-teen girls all over the world. What is it like to kiss a boy? When will I start to "grow"? Am I old enough to make adult decisions for myself yet?
Blume's timeless story of Margaret Simon is still a must-read for any young girl (or any mother of a young girl, or anyone who remembers being an 11-year-old-girl...).
Finally, during the driving portion of the weekend, I finished listening to the audiobook of Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers. Downloaded from Librivox.org (great place!), this was my first Lord Peter Wimsey detective story, by an author I can't believe I just discovered. Sayers is amazing: she can write pointed, entertaining essays as well as completely engaging detective stories with strong characters and great matters of intrigue.
In this mystery, Lord Peter faces both an unidentified dead man found in a bathtub and a missing nobleman. At first the two do not appear to be connected... but things are seldom as they first appear. After the fun of this novel, I am looking forward to reading more Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries!
Admit One: A Journey into Film
Emmett James
Fizzypop Productions, 2007; 197 pages
I really wanted to like this book. It combines two of my favorite things in the realm of multimedia: memoir and film. While in college I took as many film classes as possible - production, general study, the relationship of film and theology - the phenomena of Hollywood and motion pictures is endlessly fascinating to me. I am captivated by culture.
And this is what I was expecting to read on the pages of James' memoir. And it is generally what was there... though I was less than inspired by most of it. Perhaps I have been too deadened to the simple memoir by the rowdy likes of Augusten Burroughs and David Sedaris, and the politically charged thoughts of Anne Lamott; but in the realm of these writers with some seriously messed up lives that they bare for all to see, Emmett James seems pretty "every man."
And perhaps that is the point? Maybe he wanted to write a story that could be each of our own stories?
There were definite moments within the narrative that made me chuckle with familiarity; I know full well the overwhelming desire to emulate favorite movie characters. I understand the importance, above all else, of getting that Millennium Falcon toy - and the necessity of the Star Wars movies in inspiring this need in young children all over the world.
Overall the narrative is easy to read (proved to be a great airport book for my bookends of delayed flights this weekend), and ends in a fairly convincing, potentially refreshingly simple, "aha" moment of James' life. Certain chapters would have been excellent companions to some of the more dry texts in a couple of my film classes, specifically in the discussions of how people watch movies.
Picador 2002, 304 pages
Well, I have finally finished this book... and it has made me question my enduring, indiscriminating love of the memoir genre. I think I need to take a break for a while.
What is it about 'memoir' that captures me in an instant? I think it is incredibly brave of anyone to honestly disclose not only true facts, but deep, personal reflections on those truths. The genre of memoir demands honesty that is not masked even by layers of self-deprecating humor. Authors like Anne Lamott and David Sedaris (among many others) have mastered this genre.
Running with Scissors, from the beginning, held potential. Augusten Burroughs lived what seems to have been a hellish life from a very young age, yet managed to survive. What it misses, in my opinion, is an element of humor to mask the horrors. Or, if not humor, the other end of the spectrum in which Burroughs would divulge some great truth learned from it all. He hits neither mark for me. At no moment did I laugh out loud; any laughter was nervous and born out of uncomfortable disbelief. At points I had a hard time believing that what I was reading was truth. Instead Burroughs sits his narrative in this matter of fact world that exudes "chip on my shoulder" in a rather off-putting way. He ends the crazy tales with two sentences that demonstrate this quite well: "I threw the meat in my cart. And moved on."
Which, I think, is what I will do as well.
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
2005, 69 pgs.
How did I miss Dorothy L. Sayers for so long? This pair of thoughtful and witty essays speaks eloquently the language that I fear still rings true: a struggle exists for the recognition that the state of one being human does not have to be mediated by a label of gender, race, ethnicity, age, etc. Women, men, boys, girls, blacks, whites, Latinos -- we are all human beings before we are any of those other things. Can we not recognize people as people and as individuals before we lump ourselves into groups and assign generalities that are viewed as immutable truth? Sayers gave this speech at a women's group in 1938 - I am a little saddened that its relevance has not faded.
The second essay in the book, "The Human-Not-Quite-Human" was written directly to the Church, and is another argument for the recognition of each person as an individual, and the ability of the individual to exercise his or her giftings and talents, regardless of "proper role" limitations. She ends this with a pointed jab at the male authority of the Church and its abandonment of the character of Christ as it is today exercised. "Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were the first at the Cradle and last at the Cross," she wrote. "They had never known a man like this Man - there never has been such another. ... There is no act, no sermon, no parable in the whole Gospel that borrows its pungency from female perversity; nobody could possibly guess from the words and deeds of Jesus that there was anything "funny" about woman's nature. But we might easily deduce it from His contemporaries, and from His prophets before Him, and from His Church to this day..."
I think this is a must-read for any person interested in the evolution of gender roles or the movement toward a more whole society. Entertaining, engaging, thought-provoking, a quick read - there is no reason NOT to pick this up.
Accept, O Lord, my thanks and praise for all that you have done for me. I thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. Above all, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of His Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Amen.
