Are Study Bibles Really Needed?

[Neostarwcc]

Thank you. I will see about that particular one, however a cursory glance of search results show that it's not really a Episcopal church approved Bible.

I'm sorry to go off topic but what is Episcopalian anyway? What do they believe?

 

[nanookadenord]

I'm sorry to go off topic but what is Episcopalian anyway? What do they believe?

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/episcopal-church-core-beliefs-and-doctrines

Best if you read it from them. I am still somewhat new to the denomination as it was introduced to me by my girlfriend. Before that I was a cradle Catholic.

 

[hopperace]

Does it matter if it's the 2011 version of the NIV?

Yes it does. All English translations of the Bible have a plethora of editions, where a translation is 'updated' and changed. It's especially been a guiding principle of the NIV, to help keep it current and relevant. Again, it's just my opinion, but largely the earlier the edition the better. The NIV folk tried a tNIV version (Today's NIV) for a while that didn't take too well, so they dropped it and later enfolded the work that went into it into the regular NIV. It may simply be a matter of your stance on things like gender-inclusive language, which is also somewhat a feature of the NRSV. Most modern English translations (oddly including the KJV to some degree) try to 'keep up' which changes in culture and language usage, changing editions every few years or so. The 2011 NIV will differ from 1978 NIV and all other editions, but many see that as a good thing. I don't, though I find most English translations, including all NIV editions as generally reliable. It's usually helpful to have a variety of translations to compare.

 

[tampasteve]

Does it matter if it's the 2011 version of the NIV?

Not to me, but it might to others. I routinely use several versions though, and Logos should let you compare versions.

 

[hopperace]

The CEB is interesting, however Logos doesn't have it as a study bible.

It likely costs even more, but you may want to look into the NRSV New Oxford Study Bible. It comes with or without the Apocrypha, largely similar to that in the first KJV Bible. But it's also not a Logos add-on.

 

[Neostarwcc]

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/episcopal-church-core-beliefs-and-doctrines

Best if you read it from them. I am still somewhat new to the denomination as it was introduced to me by my girlfriend. Before that I was a cradle Catholic.

Thank you I'll read it now. I asked my wife who they were and she said they were on the lines of Anglican but are not loyal to the monarchy and stuff like that. Apparently we have a episcopal church in town.

 

[nanookadenord]

It likely costs even more, but you may want to look into the NRSV New Oxford Study Bible. It comes with or without the Apocrypha, largely similar to that in the first KJV Bible. But it's also not a Logos add-on.

Yeah, I'm sticking with Logos at this time since I have the $20 they gave me to use.

 

[hopperace]

One may refine a Logos search to Anglican resources: Anglican

 

[ashleyn90]

I have the free Logos 7 app and for my birthday on the 1st of October they game me $20 to use within their store. So, I have been looking through their store at things that I can use the $20 for.

I have been looking at adding more bibles to my collection within the app. I have several already. I am not into commentaries or anything like that. I have also been looking at study bibles, but not really sure about them.

Are they really needed? I tend to just like to read my bible.

By needed do you imply paper over electronic copies? Its quite funny actually. I am a milennial and I still prefer my paper books. I have used Logos (and among other Bible apps) in the past. I still prefer paper Bibles. Call me a tree killer, I guess.

I have tons of Bibles in different translations. I have a couple I use just to read and write in them. Personally, my "main" Bible is my Life Application KJV Study Bible that I love! I reminds me of my history textbook from school. It has charts, maps, introduction readings, footnotes, and etc.

Are the necessary just to read the Bible? No. I do see some value in them. Plus, they are a nice keepstake!

That is quite nice of Logos! I hope you enjoy it!

By the way, Happy Birthday!!!

 

[Dave L]

I have the free Logos 7 app and for my birthday on the 1st of October they game me $20 to use within their store. So, I have been looking through their store at things that I can use the $20 for.

I have been looking at adding more bibles to my collection within the app. I have several already. I am not into commentaries or anything like that. I have also been looking at study bibles, but not really sure about them.

Are they really needed? I tend to just like to read my bible.

I use the NET Bible with notes in Logos more than commentaries. They have fly overs helping to explain the original languages and many good notes to help you through difficult passages.

 

[bekkilyn]

The NIV is a good translation, but leans Evangelical. Study bible notes are all over the place depending on which NIV study bible you are reading. The ESV has a very heavy politically conservative Evangelical translation bias and its team is made up of *only* male Evangelicals with no mainstream denominations or perspectives included, so if you're looking for something more neutral, this translation and study notes would not be it.

If you're really looking for something more in line with Episcopalian doctrine, best to go right to the source and see what the denomination recommends. Otherwise, you're going to get a lot of recommendations simply based on what is currently popular.

 

[bekkilyn]

By needed do you imply paper over electronic copies? Its quite funny actually. I am a milennial and I still prefer my paper books. I have used Logos (and among other Bible apps) in the past. I still prefer paper Bibles. Call me a tree killer, I guess.

I have tons of Bibles in different translations. I have a couple I use just to read and write in them. Personally, my "main" Bible is my Life Application KJV Study Bible that I love! I reminds me of my history textbook from school. It has charts, maps, introduction readings, footnotes, and etc.

Are the necessary just to read the Bible? No. I do see some value in them. Plus, they are a nice keepstake!

I typically prefer electronic versions of books, particularly if they are used simply to read, and also have a bunch of e-book study bibles too that I've gotten on sale for something like $2 to $4.

However, I really prefer my study bibles to be in paper format. It's so much easier to find what I'm looking for a lot faster and much easier to see any diagrams. I have a pretty good collection of study bibles (in multiple translations) that I regularly use since I want to see different views of the same passage and not be limited to just what the one person who wrote the notes for that book thinks.

I have a Chronological Life Application study bible in the NLT version. It definitely has a different feel than other study bibles that focus more on history, theology, etc. rather than life application.

 

[nanookadenord]

I typically prefer electronic versions of books, particularly if they are used simply to read, and also have a bunch of e-book study bibles too that I've gotten on sale for something like $2 to $4.

However, I really prefer my study bibles to be in paper format. It's so much easier to find what I'm looking for a lot faster and much easier to see any diagrams. I have a pretty good collection of study bibles (in multiple translations) that I regularly use since I want to see different views of the same passage and not be limited to just what the one person who wrote the notes for that book thinks.

I have a Chronological Life Application study bible in the NLT version. It definitely has a different feel than other study bibles that focus more on history, theology, etc. rather than life application.

I mostly read my bible when I am at work as I work as an EMT. I work 13+ hour shifts and so have lots of down time on most days. So, a digital version is what I have started leaning towards as paper versions do not hold up well to being in a book bag crammed with other things in an ambulance.

 

[ashleyn90]

However, I really prefer my study bibles to be in paper format. It's so much easier to find what I'm looking for a lot faster and much easier to see any diagrams. I have a pretty good collection of study bibles (in multiple translations) that I regularly use since I want to see different views of the same passage and not be limited to just what the one person who wrote the notes for that book thinks.

Agreed! I also like to use different translation just in case if I need clearification on a specific verse.

 

[bekkilyn]

I mostly read my bible when I am at work as I work as an EMT. I work 13+ hour shifts and so have lots of down time on most days. So, a digital version is what I have started leaning towards as paper versions do not hold up well to being in a book bag crammed with other things in an ambulance.

Oh yes, I agree, I would definitely not lug around a paper study bible in those conditions. (Thank you for your service to others in need though!) Much easier to have a copy on your phone.

 

[JoeP222w]

First thing to note. Study Bibles are tools, and like all tools they can be used for good or for bad.

The scripture is infallible and inerrant and all sufficient word of God. Commentaries, concordances, cross references and other study tools are not part of that consideration. Some commentaries are very helpful. Some commentaries are very destructive. The problem is when people place a higher authority on the non-scriptural portion (commentaries, concordances, etc) than the scripture itself. Commentaries and study guides must come under the authority of scripture, but are never equal to scripture.

It is good to study a broad range of sources in regards to study tools and never put all your trust in one specific study guide as the absolute authority.

Are study guides required? Strictly speaking, no. The Scriptures are sufficient for living a life of Godliness.

 

[nanookadenord]

Oh yes, I agree, I would definitely not lug around a paper study bible in those conditions. (Thank you for your service to others in need though!) Much easier to have a copy on your phone.

Thank you!

 

[JoeP222w]

If it's an Orthodox or Catholic study Bible, then it will give you the teachings of the Church and their unchanging interpretation of scripture. If it's a Protestant study Bible, you're going to get hundreds of different and ever changing teachings and interpretations, which seems unnecessarily wasteful.

Whole lot of dishonesty and bias here.

 

[nanookadenord]

Oh yes, I agree, I would definitely not lug around a paper study bible in those conditions. (Thank you for your service to others in need though!) Much easier to have a copy on your phone.

I don't have much time to read before or after my shift as I get up, get ready and am out the door in about 40 minutes which includes getting my five year old ready for school. When I come home from my shift I have generally about an hour maybe two before I go to sleep as I work again the next day. Usually I am watching something on TV at that time while eating dinner or spending some time with my five year old depending on what time it is or just tucking her into bed.

I too was very much a paper bible only guy as I have about 10+ bibles in my library. However, my profession has caused me to rethink what I use as that is where I spend much of my time.

 

[bekkilyn]

I don't have much time to read before or after my shift as I get up, get ready and am out the door in about 40 minutes which includes getting my five year old ready for school. When I come home from my shift I have generally about an hour maybe two before I go to sleep as I work again the next day. Usually I am watching something on TV at that time while eating dinner or spending some time with my five year old depending on what time it is or just tucking her into bed.

I too was very much a paper bible only guy as I have about 10+ bibles in my library. However, my profession has caused me to rethink what I use as that is where I spend much of my time.

I've gotten to the point where I'll try to get both paper and electronic versions of the same bible, particularly if I see one or the other of them on sale. I live part of the week in one location and part in another location and it's too difficult to bring *all* the study bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. I may need for that week back and forth with me.