The Mosaic Bible (NLT) Released
I am excited about the release of Holy Bible: Mosaic NLT
For my part of the blog tour, Keith Williams, general editor for this edition, will be answering a few questions. The date for that post will be tomorrow, so I don’t have time to follow the excellent example of the Internet Monk in asking readers for their questions. (He has taken “the more excellent way” I guess!) But I have put a few questions to Keith and we’ll post the responses tomorrow.
A bit later today I will be posting my own review of this Bible to give you a preview of what’s in store and of its value.
OK, as to the contest, if you would like a certificate that you can take to your local bookstore and get a free copy of The Mosaic Bible, you will have an opportunity to do so here. If you don’t get one here, follow the blog tour and keep trying!
I am asking readers to give me suggestions for the best use of this Bible to encourage devotional Bible reading amongst Christians. Indicate in your comment that this is an “NLT Suggestion” and make sure your e-mail, provided in the comment form, is valid. I believe it will be one week from today (I may adjust this based on when I get the certificate in hand, but comment early in any case) that I will make a selection for the best suggestion. I’m going to be getting two other people to look at the suggestions as well, so it won’t just be my personal choice.
Your comment may be on this post, on my review, or on the Keith Williams interview.
Note: There are important resources related to use of this Bible at Mosaic Holy Bible.
The next stop on the tour is at This Lamp. The previous stop on the tour was at The Church of Jesus Christ.
NLT Suggestion
If I understand correctly, the devotionals are weekly, meaning they are to be read once a week. I think this would be a great thing to do on a Saturday. Sometimes we get out of the routine on the weekend and this would be great not only as something to make sure to do on a Saturday, but it would be a very nice variety to insert into each week. If someone is busy with social things, it would be a nice way to end the day before bed time. I know that I would look forward to this each week.
Jeff
I could see using these weekly devotions to help get people ready for Sunday. What if a Sunday school class got Mosaic Bibles for everyone to save on literature and study the bible itself instead of the quarterly.
NLT Suggestion
Part of my approach to helping people to engage Christianity(including skeptics) is to emphasize the timelessness and breadth of culture Christianity has spanned. It sounds like the quotes used throughout are following this general idea and I would use it a means of helping people rediscover what we believe with a broader view than just our denominational/cultural understanding.
I think the Mosaic Bible would be an excellent tool for introducing or re-introducing the Christian calendar in the lives of many.
In all of the years that I have been in church (40+)not once had a ever heard of Advent or Lent. My Catholic friends celebrated Lent but sadly I did not realize that I was really celebrating it too. Much significance was lost because I did not have proper exposure or teaching regarding the Christian calendar.
Since that time I have been introduced to the Lectionary. I have done a series of Lent devotional writings. I have learned that there is something that bonds all of together, in Christ–the Christian calendar. It has given me a sense of perspective and also increased the reverence I have for holidays that have been overcommercialized for years.
There is something of value to be gained by expanding our understanding of the history of Christianity. There is much to be gained by greater cultural understanding. Both of these can be obtained by using the weekly meditations provided via the Lectionary in the Mosaic Bible. They could each be pondered for a week, as meditation in the truest sense spans a period of time, and discussed during small group meetings, etc.
I see many ways to use this wonderful new tool. As a teacher the possibilities are limitless. Not to mention the fact that it can be used for basic reading of the Scriptures.
It doesn’t get much better than that.