I previewed this illuminated New Testament back in October. I got my review copy a few weeks later and it has hardly been in my hands since. I have passed it around to a number of people to get their opinions and over the long holiday weekend I had a chance to look at the comments I got and to gather my own thoughts.

First: the format. The book arrives not as a book so much as a glossy magazine. Not as thick as the latest issue of Vogue, but the same sort of glossy pages. It’s approachable – the sort of thing a teenager could tuck in their backpack and not be easily identified as a Bible. There was at least one comment that it was perhaps not a serious format, that it was too casual for such an important book, but I tend to think otherwise.

Second: the text. There are no chapter and verse designations in this version, which makes it read more like a story and less like a textbook with passages to be memorized. That makes it more difficult to reference a specific passage, or compare it to other versions of the Bible, and again, makes it more casual. Important passages are highlighted or boxed to draw attention to them.

Third: the photos. The photos are really arresting. Most of the comments I got were about the photos.

Read my review and see some of the sample photographs here.

I have now had my copy of Bible Illuminated for two weeks and I absolutely love it. The PDF copy that I mentioned last month did not do it justice, but it did give me a good indication of how it would feel and read. It is the same size as a W magazine and it reads like a magazine, too. It is much less formal than a typical Bible. It doesn’t look or feel like one, and that’s what makes it feel as if I am coming to the text for the first time. I very much liked the text clean of verse numbers and references and the pictures make it magnificent.

I like having the option to read the New Testament both in its standard format as well as in this modernized version. It gives me a separate text depending upon why I’m choosing the read the Bible. As a Roman Catholic, I’ve been taught to look for the imprimatur, which means that the current book is considered error free in regard to doctrine and morality by the Church. If I wanted to study the Bible, I would choose one with that seal. Bible Illuminated, which does not carry an imprimatur, is much more conversational and the pictures provide something additional and enriching to bring to prayer.

I have not read the entire translation yet, but what has stood out to me thus far is Mark. How can it not with a wonderful picture of Muhammad Ali working out at the beginning. It caught my attention right away and stayed on my mind while I read it. Over the days leading up to the election, there was one quote highlighted in red that I kept reading:

If a country divides itself into groups which fight each other, that country will fall apart.

It has been my prayer that our country, which seems to have moved away from civil discourse to trade increasingly ugly and personal insults with each other, will change. We cannot continue on demonizing each other and survive.

Bible Illuminated is just what I needed to freshen up my spiritual life. It appeals both to my heart and to my eyes. It is a new and exciting way to look at the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ. I would have to say that in the new age that we are about to enter that it is just about perfect. I would encourage everyone, whether you are young or old, new to the Bible, estranged from it, or its constant companion, to give this version of the New Testament a try.

In 2009, there will be a Bible Illuminated version of the Old Testament will be published. If it is anywhere near as spectacular as this, I’ll be first in line for that.

http://literatehousewife.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/116-bible-illuminated-the-book... ( )

When picking this up I had nothing to compare or contrast it to. But all of a sudden I found myself interested in exploring the Bible, in a context I could appreciate. Having a background in design I was instantly attracted to the concept for this book. I will be reviewing this book based more on the design aspects, because that is what i know!

Though the symbolism might not be as easy for me to understand compared to someone with a good knowledge of the Bible I still enjoyed trying to make the connections between the quotes and imagery. I found this translation of the Bible surprisingly simple to understand. I was expecting to have to do a lot more deciphering to understand it. That makes it all the more attractive to read, I can just read it!

Bible Illuminated is literally a magazine and a thin one at that! It actually reminds me of NEED Magazine, which is a humanitarian magazine with breathtaking photography and powerful stories. Both Bible Illuminated and NEED Magazine are laid out beautifully, no clutter only the essentials.

I love how Bible Illuminated tells a complete story using all sorts of imagery including celebrities, historic events, strange fashion-like photography and computer festivals among other things! I like how each section for the most part, used it's own specific theme for photography to separate it from the others. That definitely added to the idea of a magazine with different stories or sections.

It was very helpful for me to have quotes pulled out but for consistency it would have made more sense to stick with maybe large quotes and highlights and gotten rid of the red quotes and black boxed quotes. Too many ways to do one thing gets a little bothersome. Also because this is literally a magazine it's a little hard to read without fearing I would damage it, I think maybe a slightly thicker cover would help make it easier for reading it wouldn't flop around as much. Magazines tend to slip right out of my hands and land on the floor!

I know that the Old Testament is set for release in 2009. I hope this will not be the final book from The Illuminated World. I would be very interested to see if they will continue on this project with other religious texts. That would be amazing.

I know some people are questioning this version of the Bible, but for me I find it fascinating. Honestly, I can't think of a more attractive way to be presented this text, but then again that's just me! I know I will definitely be exploring Bible Illuminated for years to come. This is a fascinating piece that deserves multiple readings. ( )