Welcome to the latest Bible Review on Enthusiastically, Dawn. Today’s featured Bible is the Rooted Bible for Men. Zondervan has released two new Bibles for Men and Women, Rooted and Flourish. Both are New International Version and feature the easy-to-read Zondervan NIV Comfort Print®. Through the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid program, I was offered the opportunity to review the Men’s Bible.
If you are wondering why I would be interested in a Men’s Bible, me being a woman and all, well obviously, I have to live with these Creations of God, right? But seriously, I thought it was an excellent opportunity to see what is available for the men in the Bible arena, and if perhaps my husband might also appreciate the features of this offering. The theme of these latest Bibles (Rooted and Flourish) is growing in one’s identity in Christ, a worthy goal if ever there was (and is) one. And ideally the goal of any and all Bible reading, meditating, and studying.
Alright so let’s get to it! As I first opened this Bible I appreciated that it begins with a two-page spread – a glorious reminder of God’s specific archaeology of the structure of His words…in the beginning were the five books of Moses, known as the Pentateuch. I appreciated this as I was blessed to have a few years of Bible College in my early years at a New England Bible Institute and this was one of the first classes I enrolled in. I felt a rush of memories enter my brain at the sight of this and joy. Pretty sure Pastor Foster, our teacher won’t read this but, what a blessing to have him as a teacher early on. It was a rich, memorable season of seeking and learning for me. Both life-changing and life-sustaining. But I digress.
As you turn to the first book Genesis, the structure continues, in soothing green tones. These details add to the reading experience. You want to enjoy time with God in His Word. The features may seem secondary to some, but finding a pleasant, enjoyable reading Bible allows for an approachable, hence more likely to happen, time for Bible reading and reflection. The one page overview lists the chapters with interesting focus questions instead of summary statements. I absolutely love this element. As one who is ever inquisitive, I appreciate a question to ponder more than a spoonful offered to swallow. Additional overview page information includes the author, audience, date written, setting, theme to consider, and verses to remember.
I am listing the features below as an all-inclusive list from the website description. I will touch upon a few of these in the rest of the review.
Features as listed:
- Text of the New International Version (NIV)
- 100 Myth articles
- 50 Get to Know profiles
- 200 Rooted: Questions for Growth
- 200 Knowing God notes
- 300 Think About notes
- Articles for men’s Bible study
- 66 book introductions
- Subject Index
- Ribbon marker
- Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print®
- Print Size: 9.5
A strong feature offered for men is the “Myth” sections with a countered Truth to balance the scales. The myths have focused areas and are experiences shared by men about a false belief held personally. It allows one to relate and exposes the idea that one is isolated in their thinking. 1 Peter 5:9 comes to mind. Some of the titles are, ” My spiritual life will take care of Itself”, “I am defined by my career”, “My wife should always meet my needs”, and ” If I can just secure a good standard of living I will be happy”. Topics cover Parenting, Money, Fullfillment, Anger, Sexual Temptation, and many more. There’s enough for married, single, and maturing men of faith of varying ages and stages of life. For those on the older side, the myths may be a reminder of how God has come alongside in some of these myths and an opportunity to remember is often also a discipleship opportunity in the making. It is good to remind ourselves of the many things Christ has freed us from to be useful and relatable to those around us. Lots of good discussion points for men in these titles. Iron sharpens iron after all.
There are short profiles (Get to Know the Men of the Bible) highlighting men in the Bible. As one who appreciates biography, I think these are helpful character studies (though short) with glimpses into applicable lessons for our own lives. The Rooted: Questions for Growth help support thinking an important activity in today’s quick-to-retort but slow-to-ponder society we are striving to hold our own. Knowing God is an important area of focus that aims to direct men closer to understanding the God they are to seek, serve, know, and love.
The back pages hold some wonderful action opportunities. The Reading Plans offer a 60-Day Overview of the Bible, 30-Days Through Rooted: Questions for Growth (which covers specific themes for men), 30-Days with Jesus, and 30-Days through The Myths. All look like encouraging and practical paths of study and focus. Following these reading plans is a page dedicated to Being a Mentor, Finding a Mentor, another page on ways to hide God’s Word in our hearts, and appropriately the last page speaks to Lasting Change.
The Hardcover issue I was sent is lovely with the protective cover painting of a landscape and tree with sunset and mountains, which is imprinted onto the hardcover of the book itself. In my opinion, this Bible is beautiful and would make a nice gift for a man in your life.
Disclaimer: I received this Bible for free as a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member. #BibleGatewayPartner.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this Bible, anything I have written, or about my faith!
Thank you for reading!
Enthusiastically, Dawn 