My latest Bible review through Bible Gateway’s Blogger Grid program is the Timeless Truths Bible.
This Bible is a hardcover, but beneath the paper cover is featured a beautiful grey textured appearance which gives it a classic and timeless look and feel. If you keep this one at home for use, it seems as though it may hold up well. It will undoubtedly serve as an inviting reminder to have at the ready atop your desk or other study space.
Let’s investigate the details and my one complaint about this latest Bible.
What I Love
What I love most about this Bible off the top are the single-column setting and uncluttered layout. Apparently, this is a recurring theme for me because I notice the BIbles I do favor most are the ones that are primarily Scripture in clean design with simple, clear, fonts. The Timeless Truth Bible has a generous font (9) and a page count of 1696. The dimensions are: 9.65(h) x 6.7(w) x 2(d) inches. Its size is fairly compact for the most part. It does not feel too beastly to carry, but it is certainly not a personal-sized carry either.
I was pleased to discover it is the New English Translation (NET) – a translation I have not read/studied before (but in short pieces). I was excited to explore- and still am acclimating to this newest English Bible translation. From what I can gather it has been around since about 2001 in its earliest form. The NET is used for this Timeless Truths Bible but minus the extensive notes of the original translation. These notes are available online- from what I understand. If you are interested in the reasons for the NET’s creation, check out this short video:
OK, back to the Timeless Truths Bible features that I do love. The Easy-to-Read Comfort Print is easy on the eyes. This makes a huge difference for reading and studying. I have written before about how much I appreciate it and prefer it. It makes it hard to suffer through scripture that does not have it.
This Bible challenges believers to “Be anchored in the faith with timeless wisdom from the church’s most trusted voices”. It includes devotional notes and commentaries from church leaders, theologians, and pastors from the second through the 20th centuries. Both Protestant and Catholic thinkers are included. There are key creeds and confessions of the faith in part. The featured artwork is from some of the most memorable historical works handed down throughout the centuries. As one who loves religious artwork, and also ekphrasis poetry (the writing of a poem after an image), I appreciate the 16 beautiful full-page images of the artwork included. To name a few of these The Light of the World by William Hollman Hunt, Christo Crucifado by Diego Velazquez, and Rembrandt’s famous The Storm on the Sea of Galilee. There are 16 paintings in all and three pages which briefly describe the works (List of Sacred Artwork).
I love the idea of finding common ground between denominations for innumerable reasons. The first is that Jesus holds no denomination. But that’s a conversation for another day. We all have to find our place to “live, move and have our being” this side of eternity among the body of believers here on earth in the here and now. Yes? As imperfect as the church is- it is His Bride. Finding common ground is key in this time of swift-shifting foundations everywhere. OK, OK. Back to the Good Book for review.
The focus on church history is key to the creation of this Bible. Editor, Matthew Z. Capps says “There is a sense we do not simply read the Bible, the Bible reads us.” With the many influences over time that have shaped the church and allowed for the generosity of divisions and denominations, here comes a unifying-themed Bible full of idealism. On these pages, Jonathan Edwards and Augustine sit. Across the divide of time here we see Ignatius and Spurgeon. Martin Luther, Wesley, Calvin, and the earliest saints and historians such as Jerome, Tertullian, and Gregory the Great. It’s a diverse blend of voices and pilgrims across all of Christendom. This works for me. I think there are some more dogmatic who would not appreciate this, but as for me. It absolutely resonates.
Along with the personalities and profiles, there are excerpts (some in full but not most) from many of the Creeds and Confessions of the Faith. These include The Westminister Catechism, The Heidelberg Confession, The Nicene Creed, and The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. There are more, but it gives you enough to whet your appetite and direct you to further study.
At the opening of each Book, there is a clean, crisp timeline at the top that describes the Author, Audience, Date, Purpose, and Themes. Also included is an overview of the book. There are two ribbon markers, in blue and gold within the binding.
But Not This
Although the description states there are forty-six full-page biographies of church leaders, there is no listing of them. Nor is there a listing of the Creeds and Confessions. This is my biggest complaint (or consideration?). I promise you I paged through the entire Bible and made my own list because it bothered me so much! I came up with a combined list of 58. This means there are 12 Creeds and Confessions (in part or full) within the pages. I wanted that list! I wanted to see the list, and not have to flip through all 1700ish pages to find the specifics! This is also correct if I made no mistakes, it was early and I did it before my first cup of coffee. I haven’t done a second pass-through, so I hope my list is accurate. I have listed which books the profiles and creeds appear in for my own reference. I think including the list would have added a lot and taken nothing away from this Bible. Especially since the 16 pieces of Artwork have their own listing. I equally expected to see that listing for the theologians, and pastors who are profiled and quoted throughout these pages.
On that same note, I have to say that as much as I think this Bible is nicely laid out and has a lot of lovely features, it misses the mark in accurately portraying details of church history. Either that or my expectation was beyond the scope of this Bible. I think it is because it was aiming for too many things, too broad a sweep. This is a good Bible for devotional reading, contemplation, and reflection. But for me, I would have liked to see a clearer church history focus. It hits the mark for finding the common ground, but for those longing for a deeper understanding of church history, this will not completely satisfy. As I write this, I realize that is my own personal desire – to have a deeper understanding of church history. I think this is a good start or appetizer to a greater whole. I imagine it all depends on what we are looking for within the pages.
Check out more details here: Faithway Gateway
If you have questions or comments about this Bible, leave them below and I will be sure and check back with a response!
Thank you for being here.
Disclaimer: I received this Bible for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, for review. The opinions expressed are 100% mine.
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Enthusiastically, Dawn 