This is a great bible for people in any 12 Step program. Overeaters Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, etc.
All throughout the pages of this bib...moreThis is a great bible for people in any 12 Step program. Overeaters Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, etc.
All throughout the pages of this bible, it relates scriptures back to the 12 steps in detailed side notes with complete insights. Inside of these insights, there are more scriptures that relate to the theme or step being discussed. For example, scriptures about dangerous self deception are used to broaden the meaning of Step 1 or scriptures about forgiveness and judgement might have side notes about Step 10.
Aside from "12 Step", it has recovery themes througout that apply to grief and loss, life's challenges, all manner of life events. It shows how recovery requires action not just ideology, how that obstacles are a part of life, rebuilding life after major life events, etc.
I would recommend this bible to anyone in recovery from any addiction or major life event. It is insightful and easy to read and relate to.(less)
Chock full of cultural and historical notes, gorgeous photography, maps and tables, this bible is an excellent way to gain understanding of scripture...moreChock full of cultural and historical notes, gorgeous photography, maps and tables, this bible is an excellent way to gain understanding of scripture that may otherwise entirely escape one's notice. It also adds insight to common misperceptions about many scriptures. One way this is done is put put things in perspective and remind the reader not to measure actions against today's standards, but the standards of the time it was written. Weights, measurements, monetary values are all explained in a way that allows the reader to translate and compare it to todays standards.
A woman gives up or donates a bolt of purple fabric. Big deal right? You can get anything from burlap to silk on clearance in any fabric store. In biblical times, spices, fabrics, dyes and many other materials were precious commodities. Aside from purple being associated with royalty (an indication of social standing to even possess it), to give up a large bolt of purple is akin to your average J.C. Penney shopper giving up the one and only piece of Versace or Prada they have.
A camel going through a needle? NOT going to happen. Again, there is information on architecture and mountain passes that will offer a broader insight as to what was meant by that scripture. A cracked jar? So what, toss it in the recycle bin. This bible gives insights to different types of containers, their importance in everyday life and the value of the craftsmen that produced them.
This bible also offers arguments against widely held beliefs and doesn't insist on being "right" about everything. The Levitical portion demonstrates that very well by offering a history of speculations and educated guesses and calling them just that. When they don't know for sure, the say so. It cites resources and invites the reader to want to know more.
Some may argue that it's not a five star bible. This body of work does not claim to be a study of Hebrew and Greek language, and it's not. It's a complete biblical text supported by Arcaeological research. I buy a new version of the bible every other year or so unless I see a good deal in a used book store. The next one will be specific to original language and text.(less)
This book was very insightful about linguistics and culture and the dedication required to accurately translate any important work, especially somethi...moreThis book was very insightful about linguistics and culture and the dedication required to accurately translate any important work, especially something as important as faith. Faye Edgerton became dedicated to translating the bible to Navajo early in life and remained faithful to that until the time of her death. With the help of a blind Navajo Indian man, Geronimo Martin, some ground breaking work was done.
It became clear in a very short order that it wouldn't be a simple translation, but would require interpretation. I recall one story about how it became critical to find out what kind of rod Moses' brother Aaron was carrying when it budded, as the Navajo had no word for "bud". To me, this was very revealing about the close relationship they had with the land. That may sound overly simplified or it may sound like it got unnecessarily complicated. However, if a person is a cattle rancher they don't really just have a word for "cow". Alaskan Indians had upwards of 200 words to describe weather. When life is deeply affected by the weather, there is no simple word for "snow" or "rain".
As much as I liked the book and respect the dedication to the work, it still saddens me on some level to know that as well intentioned as Christians are, there is also an encroachment on indigenous and aboriginal peoples. I also find it interesting that their language was certainly lent to us in WWII with the Wind Talkers, but that is an entirely different subject.(less)
A super duper allegorical story for uplifting the spirit and restoring hope to most anyone struggling with most anything. Hannah Hurnard had a few phy...moreA super duper allegorical story for uplifting the spirit and restoring hope to most anyone struggling with most anything. Hannah Hurnard had a few physical appearance issues as she was growing up that in turn caused emotional and psychological barriers for her. Common enough. What is uncommon is this simple and beautiful story that is appropriate for all ages.
Hinds Feet on High Places takes the most complicated spiritual and emotional problems and gives very simple solutions in a straight forward manner. It may sound overly simple, but it works! She named people and places for what they were. Much Afraid who lived with the Fearing Family in The Valley of Humiliation is the main character. Friends and companions are named for the things people often clothe themselves in such as Sorrow and Suffering. As Much Afraid gives up control and tries new things, her companions begin to change into Joy, Hope, Strenth and that kind of thing.
In a time honored tradition that seems to be in all cultures including the Christian bible, people evolve into new names as they gain life skills. Native Americans have always done this. The Old Testament is full of it. Children worldwide often revert to their formal names and give up nicknames after rites of passage that transform them.
From age 10 to 100, if you know someone who struggles with despair, victimization, defeatism, bullying, this is a book to give to that person and trust that when the time is right, the book will be there to give what is has to give. Buy up any copy you see in thrift shops and yard sales, for you will always need another one. (less)
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