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Book Review
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Thursday, 13 December 2007 |
 Holman Publishing has released “The Apologetics Study Bible”, a Holman
Christian Standard Bible translation teeming with logical arguments
concerning the faith, book introductions and commentary. For the
beginning student of apologetics, it offers the primary biblical
defenses setup by top evangelical minds. Unfortunately, some of the
commentaries and features fall short in doctrinal accuracy due to an
undue Protestant (as opposed to biblical) bent.
Let's start with the translation. The Holman Christian Standard Bible is wonderful. It is not limited by English diction – the NIV's vocabulary is capped at a 7th grade level. Therefore, when reading Luke or Acts, it sounds as if it were written by someone educated. When reading Jude, one can sense the poor construction and grammar. Although I use different translations when studying, the Holman has become my de facto translation, even though we typically read from the NIV during church worship and lessons.
There are several features which set The Apologetics Study Bible apart. Articles interspersed throughout the bible concerning the accuracy of the word, who is God, creation and evolution, archeology and more are the most notable feature. Many of the essays are theological in nature but others venture into science, history, logic, philosophy and other disciplines.
The “Twisted Scripture” feature identifies verses used by non-orthodox groups to support dubious doctrine. Usually the targets of these tagged texts are Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and Catholics. If you look to find and support for repentance and baptism as integral to salvation – good luck! Acts 2:38-39 is listed as a “Twisted Scripture” because, “Many groups use these verses to teach that baptism is essential to salvation.” 1 Corinthians 1:17 is used to justify dismissing baptism as intrinsic to redemption.
Commentaries likewise follow suit and are aimed at evangelicals. The thinking and reasoning in many of the comments assumes an evangelical perspective. If you are unable to see this as an opportunity to understand how your neighbor thinks and how best to reach him / her, you will find yourself very frustrated. Mostly you will cringe and wince at all the pop theology peppered throughout the tome.
The book also includes great color time lines, maps and charts. It delves into very contemporary themes and is not stuck in the 1500's. Post modernism and world views are addressed adequately.
I would recommend the Holman Apologetics Study Bible with a couple caveats. It is not meant for someone who is not solid in the bible to begin with. They need their own conviction before delving into some of these more theoretical topics. Secondly, if you are unwilling to see around the heavy evangelical slant or you don't care to comprehend the pop theology it presents, you will not find this study bible useful or enjoyable. Know yourself or the individual to whom you are presenting this study bible and ask - “Can they look past the theological faults and gain something anyway?”
Note: Holman Bibles can be very expensive, but if you watch for sales at Lifeway (stores and online), sometimes they offer deep discounts. My Study Bible retails for around $40, but I purchased it for $15. The same is true for most of the Holman bibles I own.
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HCSB
Written by Alan on 2007-12-13 08:28:12
The HCSB is a Baptist bible translated, and modified where they felt it necessary, to support Baptist doctrine. Look at Acts 22:16:
(HCSB) And now, why delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name.'
The word "by" is not there in the Greek... nor in the KJV, nor the NASB, nor the RSV, nor the ESV, nor the ASV, nor the NIV... That sort of thing is deceitful, a violation of trust. And so I do not trust nor recommend the HCSB. | You are correct!
Written by pspadaro on 2007-12-17 06:30:07
Alan, You are Correct! How disingenuous of the editors. The Baptists have sunk as low as the JW or Mormons for adding or mistranslating. I appreciate you pointing this out.
Phil | HCSB Follow Up
Written by pspadaro on 2007-12-17 06:42:20
I submitted a letter to the HCSB team.
"To whom it may concern;
In Acts 22:16 the HCSB reads, "And now, why delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name." The word "by" is not found in other translations nor in the original Greek. It is also not implied.
The HCSB has become my de facto study bible, however errors like this will surely preface any comment I make about the HCSB with a warning of its disingenuous attempts to dissuade people from solid salvation doctrine.
Perhaps the accurate parallel to be drawn would be the mistranslation of John 1 by the Jehovah Witnesses. Although baptism as an integral part of salvation is not a Baptist belief, I did not think you would stoop to mistranslating the word of God to support your salvation doctrine.
None of this is in anger - merely an attempt to point out a grievous error and hope for correction.
Sincerely,
Phil Spadaro" |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 December 2007 )
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