I heard about it on NPR this morning (click here for the story) and then I went to check out the blog where a Methodist (open hearts, open minds, open doors) minister reviews it (click here for that).I find this extremely intriguing. It's basically the New Testament in glossy, magazine form, illustrated with gorgeous and sometimes disturbing photographs. Check out the slideshow on the NPR website.
(A sidenote regarding the slideshow: I had no idea that Paul wrote in Romans that the weak in faith will eat only vegetables. Hmm... I will have to ask a minister-friend about the historical context for that one. )
As a scholar who is sort of obsessed with cultural context and historical situation, I am staunchly opposed to the Bible being quoted out of context and applied willy-nilly to contemporary situations with shocking disregard toward the historical purpose of the text (Revelations and the 2008 election, anyone?). So I have some trepidation about the kinds of quotations that get highlighted and the way certain passages might be illustrated. But I like to think for myself and I don't mind a little provocative and secular bible talk. So I have to say that this version looks to have a serious wow-factor and the potential to spark some interesting conversations. I've never even read the entire New Testament but this might inspire me to do so. It's on my Amazon wish list now, so if Santa doesn't bring it, I may have to buy it for myself.
update: I was informed that when Paul says "weak in faith" he is referring to the strength of one's convictions regarding diet as a crucial part of religious faith (i.e. Jews who keep kosher). So there's a bit of a clarification and a prime example of how easy it is to misinterpret the Bible when taken out of context.
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