Lutheran Study Bible
Lutheran Study Bible was released by Augsburg Fortress on March 1, 2009. As with any publication it has it’s good points and bad points. This page is dedicated to the review of this study Bible. In a previous post, various people left comments about their experience with this Bible. My plan with this page is to publish aspects of this study Bible that I really like and others that are questionable…and I invite you to leave your contributions here as well. I haven’t reviewed this whole Bible yet, but I am working through it slowly, so this page will be a “work in progress” for some time.
I want people to be aware of it’s strengths and weakness and therefore be well informed to make your own decision on whether this is a good study Bible for you or not. Like I said, feel free to leave your comments and add to this page.
UPDATE (7/28/09)
I have been following Lutheran Study Bible on Twitter and apparently this Bible has been a big hit with the youth at the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. I saw today that on Twitter that a number of pastors are going to be using this Bible with their confirmation classes in the fall.
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Strengths/things I like/strong points/etc…
(1) The Bible reading plan starting on pg. 2081: This reading plan has three different paths depending on your age, reading level an amount of time you have during the day to read. I like this but my only thought here is that if something is important enough for you, you will find the time to read, but this does give people a start.
(2) Pages 1521-1552: This contains a number of articles, many of which, that talk about reading and interpreting scripture from Martin Luther’s perspective. Being a “Lutheran” study Bible, one would expect to find some Luther stuff. One comment I have heard is why are we insisting on reading scripture from a “Lutheran perspective or lens”? Well…the fact of the matter is we all read scripture through a particular lens. I find these articles particularly helpful.
(3) Wide margins: I appreciate having space to write my own notes. Of course, though, on pages that have a lot of pre-printed notes in the margins, there is not a ton of space for writing, but most pages aren’t filled up in this way.
(4) Types of notes: There are four types of notes — “The World of the Bible” which explores people, places, events and artifacts mentioned in scripture; “Bible Concepts” explore ideas and theological insights; “Lutheran Perspective”…well…what do you expect with a Lutheran study Bible; and “Faith Reflection” contains questions to encourage individuals and groups to think about their faith. I have especially appreciated the faith reflection questions. They force me to slow down and actually think about what I am reading. These questions also remind me to listen.
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Weakness/things I disagree with/content that is questionable/things I don’t particularly like so well/etc…
(1) This is a little tid bit but a comment was left on this blog (and it is something I have heard as well). The “complaint” was that the book names are at the bottom of the page instead of the top. I am used to seeing the names on the top so that took some getting used to, but, for me, it didn’t raise any red flags, but it does bother some.
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Thoughts and reviews from other blogs and web sites.
(1) Lutheran Study Bible: First Impressions by Pastor David. Initial thoughts are offered about the Lutheran Study Bible.
(2) Lutheran Study Bible: Apocrypha by Pastor David. This blog post contains a response from Augsburg Fortress about why the Apocrypha was not included in the study Bible.
Chris said
I would have liked to see the daily lectionary – found in the back of ELW – in the Lutheran Study Bible. That, it seems to me, is one of the best Bible reading plans there is for anyone worshiping each week in a lectionary-based Lutheran church!
heartofapastor said
I never thought about that, but I like that idea. I mean…how people sitting in the pews are looking through the lectionary in the ELW? They might look through (and read it) if it were in the study Bible. Thank you.
paultmccain said
Pastor, thank you for your posts, which I’ve found interesting. I’m wondering if you would not mind reading a couple things I’ve prepared on the AF Lutheran Study Bible, and giving me your opinion. I offer these to you respectfully. A blessed Holy Week and Easter to you.
http://cyberbrethren.com/2009/04/01/a-tale-of-two-bibles-a-necessary-clarification-and-caution/
http://cyberbrethren.com/2009/04/03/a-tale-of-two-bibles-a-comparison-of-how-the-subject-of-homosexuality-is-treated-in-the-lutheran-study-bible-and-the-elca-bible/
God bless
Pastor McCain
heartofapastor said
Thanks Paul, for the links. I will indeed spend some time with them coming up. But in the mean time I did make a small change above and removed the word “The” from in front of “Lutheran Study Bible”. I did not know there was another one being published. Thanks for making this clarification.
Debbe T said
I have learned a lot today. Our church received a postcard from AF about the Lutheran Bible Study for confirmation. I am online looking for information about it to see if it is something to order for our confirmation youth. I didn’t realize there was another Bible study coming out called The Lutheran Bible Study. Have you compared the two? Can you give any insight to me in regard to a preference of one over the other? I’m looking for a very user-friendly Bible for our confirmation youth with lots of referal information and explanations to help them better know the Bible. Thank you in advance for any information you can give.
heartofapastor said
Debbie — “THE” Lutheran Study Bible is a Bible from the LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod). Lutheran Study Bible (without “The”) is the Bible published by Augsburg Fortress (ELCA). As for the difference between the two I am not able to help you. I haven’t looked at THE Lutheran Study Bible.
I do know that Lutheran Study Bible (Augsburg Fortress) is a good resource and very user friendly…and I believe would make a great resource for confirmation students. A person here had me order one for a confirmation student in their family. There are plenty of Lutheran articles, maps, Bible reading guides, and other information. The notes in the margin are informative. I would suggest getting the hard cover version for your student as it will obviously be more durable than a soft cover.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or if someone else out there has any thoughts, please leave a comment here.
Neil said
Kudos to Pastor McClain’s website (cyberbrethren). It’s the only site I’ve found with a direct comparison/contrast between the two Lutheran Study Bibles. To me, the main difference (theological intricacies aside) seems to be the approach to the notes and information. Based on Pastor McClain’s excerpts, Concordia seems to be following the classic study Bible style of verse-by-verse commentary while the AF bible has more of a summary or exposition style on longer passages and pericopes. Personally, I have found them to be extremely helpful and enlightening in understanding a “big picture” of a passage (extremely useful for sermon prep and exegetical work!) While I value the depth available in well-written classic study Bibles (and I do plan to purchase the CPH Bible, as well), I find the presentation and layout of AF’s Bible very accessible. People shouldn’t feel bogged down or overwhelmed while trying to read both the biblical text and the notes. This should make it great for younger or “casual” readers. I hope this helps anyone who is thinking about purchasing an AF LSB. I recommend it!
heartofapastor said
Thank you Neil.
“People shouldn’t feel bogged down or overwhelmed while trying to read both the biblical text and the notes.” — I echo this as well.
Pr. John A. Frahm said
I would strongly urge folks to check out the CPH published tome, The Lutheran Study Bible.
http://www.cph.org/lutheranbible/
heartofapastor said
And I still strongly urge people to look at Augsburg’s Lutheran Study Bible.
Thank you to everyone for all the comments, thoughts and opinions.