This book is the result of extensive collaboration by many great minds in the field of evangelical Christian theology, and it shows. The analysis is detailed and well thought out, and provides valuable insights into passages of scripture both familiar and obscure.

The format is simple: the full text of the KJV in the left column, with individual verses separated by as much space as necessary to accommodate the attendant commentary in the right column. Direct quotes to scripture in the commentary portion are in bold type for quick recognition.

Although I use this resource on a regular basis in my own Bible study and class preparation, my enthusiasm for it is tempered by several factors. First, there is a notable absence of consistency in terms of how much detail is afforded to various passages. In other words, some relatively "unimportant" topics are exhaustively discussed, while other more central doctrines are given somewhat cursory treatment, and still other controversial passages and doctrines seem to be avoided altogether.

Second, the denominational bias of the contributors occasionally shows through very strongly. On those points, particularly on some unclear doctrines, the views of the commentators are nothing more than statements of opinion, and should be treated appropriately in deciding how heavily to rely on them. For example, look at any passage dealing with alcohol consumption, tithing, or election/predestination, and you are left with little doubt that this book was written from a Baptist perspective.

Overall though, I find this commentary to be a valuable addition to my personal research library. I regularly turn to it to see what some of these great minds have to say, keeping in mind that the authors are not infallible and their work not inspired.

No more flipping pages or carrying an extra book. Scripture on left side of page, commentary on right side of same page. Commentary by solid, conservative, proven contributors (Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Elmer L. Towns ...).Map supplements, GREAT introductions and outline for each book. Two drawbacks, 1)no concordance at all, 2) not available in softbound, only hardbound. Overall: Makes my top two study bible list. Greatly recommended. Will be enjoyed by all!

Madden hits all the right notes as he chronicles the activities of life in a Florida condo. When Edward Malardi takes over the condo presidency from the cheap Bill Flaherty, he discovers that he's in for a lot more than he bargained for. The outrageous cast of tenants offers resistance to everything that would actually improve their home. All they want is to sit by the pool, gossip, and complain. Having been a condo president himself, Madden is more than qualified to detail the nuances of what makes condo dwellers funny, and he does so in a thoroughly enjoyable read. You'll laugh, and you'll be surprised at the chain of events that the new condo "king" must suddenly endure.

The reason I think that they are so sensational is because I drew them

This larger type really helps with the eye strain so common in baby boomers like myself. Though larger than my previous Bible, this edition is still a very commom sized Bible and very comfortable to use. The center reference column is common and helpful, as is the concordance. However, this Bible has a new feature to me, the Quick Find. This topical type of index can be very helpful when looking for a particular topic or that scripture you know is somewhere, you just can't remember where! For the price, the binding and cover are nicely done and the gilt edged pages add to the appearance. If you are looking for a more comfortable and less frustrating experience visually while reading the Bible this one is for you.

The print of this large print Bible has a look like no other on the market, other than perhaps the large print Standard Text Edition put out by Cambridge. This edition also has the book within a book Quick-Find Topical Index, which is a reference that one actually wants to use and can get alot from. It also has alot of other extras like a list of famous Bible chapters and a list of famous Bible stories. A concordance, a Harmony of the Gospels, color maps, presentation pages, Teachings of Christ, Parables Jesus Told, Prayers of the Bible, etc. In other words, it has alot of extras, though the text itself of the King James Version is the main attraction and the central value of this edition. The center column references also, if you use them, are very, very easy to read, unlike most center column references in most Bibles. Getting back to the print of this Bible, when you open the book it has a look of old Saxon almost (though the actual font is not old English or anything like that). The font they chose is, though, very unique in its plainess (plain in the KJV, by the way, means 'complete' and 'perfect' as in 'fully developed'). It seems very stout and stalwart on the page and really invites the eyes to read it. (It is black print as well which is the easiest to read.) The cover of the book is black hardback and the paper and binding feel well-made and lasting. This is a Bible for someone who will really be spending time reading it. For some reason when I open it I think more King Alfred the Great than King James I.

This book is "The Thinner Aquinas," a targeted text specifically focusing on Aquinas's political and ethical writings.

Incluced are obvious selections from Summa Contra Gentiles and Summa Theologica (Five Ways of God's Existence and Essay on Law), but also included are excerpts from "De Regimine Principum."

There are hidden treasures in the back, excerpts from backgound sources and essays that influenced and were influenced by Thomisitic thought.

This book is geared towards a poltical scientist and poltical philosopher. For the theologian or the philosopher, however, I would reccomed Penguin Classics "Selected Writings."

PS--Nice picture on the cover!

This is a truly excellent selection of Thomistic writing, both by the Angelic Doctor and his critics and modern-day followers. It is not only comprehensive on the subject of Aquinas's politics and ethics but it is a good introduction to Thomism and natural law theory in general. Mortimer Adler's spanking of Bill Moyers on the subject of objective ethics is worth the price of the book just by itself.

James Monti's work, "The Kings Good Servant But God's First," provides an excellent overview St Thomas More's life and writings; but a much greater focus is based upon his writings. Monti's treatment of More's oeuvre is skillfully researched, comprehensive, informative, and pleasing to read. St Thomas More's defense of Church unity and the Sacraments against Tyndale and the rising tide of the Reformation, is finely commented upon in a clear and concise fashion. His devotional writings and correspondence with family in the waning days of his life on earth, are given an exceptional touch of intimacy, which will no doubt compel readers to seek out works such as the "Treatise upon the Passion" and the "Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation" (as one of our fellow reviews has pointed out as well). As for More's life, Monti pays particular attention to his early years and his final days, with brief expositions in between on his rise in the King's court and his later relations with Henry VIII as tensions began to swell between the English monarch and the Papacy. Overall, Monti presents a noble sketch of the Christian scholar and family man, graced with charm and good humor, conscientiousness and candor, who was devoted to his friends and family, and to the salvation of souls and Christ's Church. This book offers much material for in-depth study and further reading, and it is a definite recommendation.

The author has presented a very well balanced survey of the life of St. Thomas More. In this work of history, one can find an excellent survey of the literary work of St. Thomas More. Additionally, you will find an excellent synopsis of St. Thomas More's relationship with his friend and humanist, Erasmus.

The author writes in a style which captures the reader. This will not be one of those histories that you may only read piecemeal. Rather, St. Thomas More takes life and captivates the reader because of his holiness and goodness.

This work looks into the saint's devotional practices, his great faith, his love of God and man, and his relationship with his family. To state that this is an excellent starting point for any person wishing to learn more about this man is an understatement.

The characters of the reformation (i.e., Luther, Henry VIII) are given a balanced treatment in that their beliefs or writings are not misconstrued or embellished. St. Thomas More was a defender of the Father, and to that extent, his writing of the defense of the faith are given equal treatment.

This book is most highly recommended.

I am about halfway through this book, despite purchasing it only a few days ago. It is such a terrific read, I can't put it down. I even bring it to work with me to read whenever I have a few spare minutes!
For those of you who might find history boring, this is still the text for you. Monti's style of writing is outstanding and easy to follow. This book is one of my all-time favorites.

Most importantly, it provides a fair and objective portrayal of Saint Thomas More. Many books have a bias, one way or the other, when writing about More or 16th century England - it's tough to find one in this book. The book also doesn't center simply on More, but gives the reader a fair portrayal of the Reformation during this crucial period in European history.

More's life is simply fascinating - it reads like a novel. More's genuis and profound morality is clear. Upon reading this book, More is the type of man one would want to know, and the kind we wish (!) there were more of in modern-day society. It is an extremely inspirational book.

This novel didn't work well for me. I agree with the other reviewer's praise for Thomas King's great way with language and description. We do indeed get the picture painted of the towns of Truth and Bright Water. The incidents in the story such as the buffalo run where tourists shoot buffalo with paint pellet guns on motorcycles are interesting. I failed to connect with this book because of the lack of resolution in the plot. Tecumseh's mother keeps disappearing for days on end, mysteriously and without explanation. At the end of the book, the only explanation I could come up with was that she was in play rehearsals for Snow White. The irony of Snow White as play produced by Indians is wonderful, but what play rehearsal lasts days; and what mother wouldn't tell her son where she's going? Throughout the novel, we wonder whether Tecumseh's mother and father will reunite. At the conclusion of the novel, this relationship is as fuzzy as it was during the novel; so why did King repeatedly bring it up? We also wonder at the mystery of Aunt Cassie and the suitcase with baby clothes. Is she pregnant? At the end, she burns the clothes and that's all we know about that. Cousin Lum is kicked out of his house by his abusive father Franklin. Neither his aunt nor uncle go and help the boy. They leave him to live under a bridge with wild dogs. Like King, I'm also a Native American hybrid; and I seek out good Native American literature like Eden Robinson's first novel Monkey Beach. This book has great characters, the incidents are interesting, but the plot is like a train that goes nowhere. Was that the point?

Similar to what 2 other reviewers mentioned, I found this book to be nice on landscape description but was puzzled that almost none of the key threads running through this story (e.g., abusive parent, emotional wounds from the past, unwanted pregnancy) were ever fleshed out or came to any conclusion. I don't require that a book ends with a nice tidy ending but these themes were so central to the characters and place that it would have been nice to see them through. But overall I did enjoy the book, just might not recommend it strongly.

Pulling the old book off the shelf, I remember the faint memory of when this bookI was read to me. Reading it again refreshes my memory of the times I sat on the bed, listening to words strung together like beads on a string. They make up a story of a boy not so long ago and far away.

The intriguing book had me crouched together, rocking back and forth, hungry for every word which told lies, theories and memories. What does she mean? Why did he say that? Why does he act that way? Thoughts racing through my mind as I was read Truth and Bright Water.

I read it again to write this review. I've decided to mention a few interesting aspects of the novel that made it worthwhile in my opinion.

It happens every so often that the boy telling the story will have a flashback which may not always be important to the book but helps reveal things about the people around Tecumseh, the main character who is telling the story. Some of his memories include his mother's reactions of when his father moved to Truth, the stories his grandmother told of his mother and Auntie Cassie, and the day the old church got sold to Monroe Swimmer. Reading Tecumseh's memories was like thinking you took a wrong turn only to realize you were heading in the right direction the whole time. It wasn't a lost feeling or a feeling of isolation but rather Tecumseh's childhood told from an innocent point of view. It gave the book a human touch.

In reading this novel, you would discover soon that whenever two people are having a conversation, they are really having two or three conversations at the same time. For example:
"Now that school's out," my mother says, "I guess you'll be looking for something to do."
"What's for breakfast?"
"The railroad might be hiring this summer," says my mother.
"Sausage?"
"You should check with Wally Preston over at the job gate."
"Eggs would be okay."
"Cereal's in the cupboard," she says.
"French toast?"
"Spoon's in the drawer."
-pg.17

One could argue that there are psychological reasons for this, but I'm not going to go down that road.

In numerous chapters, two things are happening at the same time. One example of this situation is when you read Tecumseh's thoughts about a private matter, and then there are the conversations that he has with the person beside him. He'll jump back to his thoughts without warning but never fails to get interrupted. It's really not unusual because I'm sure it happens to the average person once a day. It's only unusual to have it written on paper.

This book is unique because it doesn't stay on track. The adventures are definitely something that you would not experience out here in the urban centers. At the same time, Truth and Bright Water is different from something that would take place in the Hundred Acre Wood or Sherwood Forest. The experiences of Tecumseh are modern with difficult solutions and the journey who's path is grey instead of black and white. This novel leaves a different sort of flavour in your mouth. I would definitely not recommend this novel to the happy-go-lucky person who can't handle all the difficulties in the world. There is just too much bitterness. So why would you read this book? It's bittersweet. Prickly on the outside and soft on the inside. I found it really fascinating this boy who wants to care so much for the people around him but everyone thinks he doesn't understand their situation. Tecumseh's narration proves that he understands more than anyone really thinks. So if you are the rebel (or remember your rebel days), I would think that you would find this novel quite the eye-opener. If you are one of those who like to read till your brain has gone to mush, this is one book you would enjoy as well. If you are one of those who think you have too many problems and don't need to think about more, this book is not for you. It's bittersweet and no symphony of grace.

Devotees of the King James Bible will enjoy several valuable features in this edition, namely historical essays, which introduce each book, numerous maps, biographical sketches of principal biblical characters, and archeological discussions of ancient sites.

The preface assures "conservative Christians" that here is a "reliable study Bible that is both scholarly and spiritually relevant," complete with abundant doctrinal footnotes and editorial commentary throughout. However, it is important for readers to realize that these additional trappings are clearly Baptist in perspective, since virtually all of this Bible's 13 contributing editors received degrees from various Baptist theological seminaries.

Although the original King James text is preserved, I sense that these editors may not be quite as conservative as they would have us believe. For example, numerous footnotes offer alternative words and phrases, many of which are identical to the wording found in liberal, New Age translations like the New King James Version, the New International Version, and others. Furthermore, at times the editors go out of their way to contest the original wording. For example in Matt. 12:40, when Jesus refers to Jonah in the "whale's" belly, the editors remark, "The reference to the whale's belly in verse 40 is unfortunate. The Greek word 'ketos' means 'a great sea creature,' not necessarily a whale. The Old Testament references are to a 'great fish' (Jon. 1:17)." A simple footnote for "whale" with alternatives like "great sea creature" or "great fish" would have sufficed. Instead, I can only infer from the tone of this commentary that it is a more deliberate attempt to discredit the King James in favor of New Age translations. Of course, we should keep in mind that our word "cetology" (the zoological study of whales and dolphins) is derived from the Greek "ketos."

Even more disturbing as with New Age translations, which place allegedly spurious passages in brackets, reduce them to footnotes, or omit them entirely, the editors of this study Bible also appear to doubt the authenticity of certain key doctrinal passages. This could do much to dissuade undiscerning Christians from their belief in the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture. The prime example is Mark 16:9-20, about which the editors comment, "Ancient manuscripts contain two different endings for Mark. While some suggest that Mark did indeed intend for his gospel to end at verse 8, it ends on a note of fear and lacks a clear Resurrection account. In light of the uncertainty attached to verses 9-20, it may be advised to take care in basing doctrine upon them (especially vv. 16-18)." This latter statement is unequivocally false. These editors are either completely ignorant of the important research of Dean John W. Burgon, a 19th-century English theologian, or they flatly deny his research. Burgon's book, "The Last Twelve Verses of Mark," provides overwhelming evidence that Mark 16:9-20 is genuine and its doctrine certain.

In no other place is the Baptist perspective more evident than in the doctrinal footnotes. For every passage concerning baptism, for example, the editors, clinging to the traditional "faith-only" tenet, provide lengthy comments emphatically denying that baptism is regenerative or efficacious for salvation. Regarding Mark 16:16 ("He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"), the editors remark, "Only faith, not baptism, is essential for salvation, as the omission of baptism from the last clause shows." This liberal interpretation overrules Jesus and implies that we cannot take Him literally at His Word here. That Jesus ADDS baptism here makes it an equally essential act with belief. Jesus omits baptism from verse 16b simply because the subject is pointless with unbelievers. With similar passages like Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16, the editors imply that the original phraseologies are misleading and reword them in footnotes to minimize baptism. Such doctrinal bias clearly flies in the face of Scripture and could even convince some people to reject baptism entirely, because they're "saved" without it, so why bother. The editors further fail to acknowledge that, in addition to faith and baptism, the Scriptures equally require two other elements for salvation: repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38) and public confession of Jesus as Lord (Matt. 10:32-33; Romans 10:9). Having faith is just the FIRST step.

It is unfortunate that doctrinal bias and New Age theology have infiltrated such a time-honored book as the King James Bible. The editorial comments cited above and others that I have examined convince me that a ready supply of liberal theology exists in this edition. Space does not permit a more lengthy dissertation. Suffice it to say that whenever any commentary appears to contradict the Word, it is much safer to let the pure Word speak for Himself.

I have recommended The King James Study Bible (Nelson) to family, friends, and members of my church: and this Bible has won even the Thompson Chain Reference group over! I appreciate the notes in the center column which explain the subtle differences in translations of words used within the text; I find it especially helpful to read the reference verses in the center column of each page, which point the reader to other, related verses; I LOVE the "keys" (doctrinal footnotes) on the bottom of the pages which give in-depth, fresh insights into the Scripture; and the special sections dealing with biographies of Bible characters and Bible archaeology are wonderful.

The King James Study Bible is one of the best, study Bibles on the market today. It is based on the Authorised(King James) Version, a formal equivalence translation. Originally published as the Annotated Study Bible, it has large, bold, easy-to-read print, a definite asset. Fortunately, the myriads of archaic words are defined in the centre-column. The annotations are traditional and conservative, and explain the text very well. There are also doctrinal definitions(from a Baptist perspective)and character studies as well, plus in-text maps. The bad points are a poor-quality binding, which includes the bonded and genuine leather editions. It is a glue-bound product, and does not hold up well. The in-text maps are dark and a little hard to read/understand. All-in-all, I recommend this Study Bible to those who are wedded to the King James Version and who have a fundamental Baptist perspective.

First, let me address the NKJV translation. I'm not usually one to blast a translation as junk, especially since I believe the best Bible is the one that people read. But the NKJV is a pretty skeevy translation, in my estimation. It is so hard to read that you may as well stick with the original KJV. Not only that, but it retains the absolutely worst elements of the KJV (a broken verse format) and combines it with the WORST elements of the NASB (capitalized He's for God). The NKJV is such a massively awkward translation, and whatever benefits it offers for being literal are lost when one realizes that it isn't a literal translation of an reliable New Testament text - it's based on exactly the same manuscripts as the KJV, even when scholarly opinion is universal that the KJV was wrong (e.g., the "book" of life rather than the "tree" of life in the closing verses of Revelation).

That said, Tim LaHaye seems bent on reviving Hal Lindsay's ideas, and that is a Very Bad Thing. I'm still waiting for one verse that even suggests a pre-trib rapture.

I have been using this Bible for only a week but it has been a blessing. This Bible is an encyclopedia for students who want to understand some of the most difficult passages in scripture, the Old Testament Prophets as well as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The notes are totally from a Dispensational Pre-Trib point of view with no apologies. As a dispensational study Bible I would recommend this over the Scofield or Ryrie, though both of those are more general study Bibles. Of the other Prophecy Study Bibles on the market this is by far the best. The only other specialty study Bible that can compare is Henry Morris' Defenders Study Bible which is unfortantly out of print according to Amazon. Dr.LaHaye and his co-editors have done a splended job. The articles are by many writers but all are well written and open the eyes of the reader to the depths of scripture. And Dr.LaHaye's charts are always a great visual tool for use in classes and with children. May this great Bible stay in print a long time. Maranatha!

If like me you long to fully understand Bible Prophecy, this is the book for you. Tim Lahaye is very gifted yet down to earth, and his books can be read very easily. The deep insight of him and everyone that helped him in conjunction with the KJV of the Bible is exactly what I was longing for. I spend more time reading and understanding the Bible now than ever before.
I was also impressed with the timely delivery of my order. Amazon.com also gets 5 stars!

This book fails in many ways. The reason it gets 2 stars instead of one is that it's hard to discuss Lawrence without some fascinating things coming through.

First, Asher makes himelf part of the biography. He discusses his own personal travels in a manner that add absolutely nothing to the reader's understanding. The final paragraph of the book begins with "I." Further, the frequency and manner in which he interjects himself in the book is highly annoying.

Second, there are numerous factual problems with the book. At one point Asher refers to Turks shooting their rifles at Bedu who are over two miles away. Even a trained sniper with modern equipment wouldn't take that shot. Further, his description of Lt. Junor's plane crash is at odds with other accounts. Asher says the plane erupted in flames even though there are published photos of the crashed plane that show otherwise. Lastly on this point, Asher doesn't use Tunbridge's writings on Lawrence's days in the RAF as reference material. It's a surprising omission.

Third, as other reviewers noted, Asher writes extensively about Lawrence's psyche. This would be sensible if Asher was either trained in psychology or referenced studies by those who are; unfortunately, neither is the case. Instead there are a few bibliographical references to works on psychology, but none specific to Lawrence. Asher's vehement discussion of Lawrence's mother makes the reader wonder whether the author or the subject had the greater maternal relationship issues.

Fourth, is Asher's style, or more accurately, styles. At times he uses the contemporary jargon of British soldiers, whereas at other points he writes in a very stilted manner adding unnecessary Latin phrases to the text. His best writing is when he's providing background or contextual material such as the discussion of British military actions elsewhere in WWI.

Lawrence was one of the most fascinating personalities of the 20th century. He deserves a much better biography.

This book is most certainly an easy read. Asher whets your appetite by giving a different perspective from other Lawrence biographies. He follows in Lawrence's footsteps to historically significant spots and gives an eyewitness account of varing desert terrains with a pleasant nostalgia. However, instead of pursuing that route he turns to psychological interpretations of Lawrence's personality that are not supported, but merely purported. Overall this is not a definitive biography of Lawrence.

It was with the greatest fortune that I happened across this biography a couple of years ago,and immediately I was struck by the galloping pace and relentless ability Asher displays in making you turn each page.Two years later I find myself re-reading passage upon passage of this wonderful literary work with just as much enthusiasm as was spent the first time around.
Out with the old and in with the new.This assessment of the enigmatic Lawrence steers joyfully clear of the deeply mundane school years that most other biographers choose to dwell upon.
Instead,at last we have a biographer that is willing to put Lawrence to the test and travel in the footsteps of the little man.An experienced camel trecker and linguist himself,Asher portrays the whole Arabian experience and sustains our interest with fantastic descriptions of landscape and personal thought as to what Lawrence was thinking at the time.However,Asher is aware of the complex character of Lawrence and acknowledges the limits one is faced with when dealing with motive.
Ashers reluctance to be drawn into the shallow debate of Lawrences sexuality in a present climate where the obsession of scrutinising potential homosexual desire in the disguise of political corrctness is overwhelming,is both refreshing and worthwhile.He has managed to put to one side obvious adoration and produced a constructive view of personality and genius.On a respectful level this book is clearly too honest to be even sentimental-even though he often discovers that all is not black and white in the world of Lawrence.
In this single work Asher offers us a vast depth from an angle that all previous biographers have failed to acknowledge and attempt.One is struck by the sense that this book is reluctant to enhance the myth of Lawrence.This is the only point on which Asher fails.His conclusions concerning the exploits of Lawrence could have no other outcome.
"All men dream: but not equally.Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men,for they may act their dream with open eyes,to make it possible.This I did."
Can this biography of Lawrence be bettered?Keep on dreaming!
Paul Barnes.

Another offering from The King, John Maxwell. The difference is this time he is arrogant and presumptuous enough to superimpose his cliches upon the eternal Word of God!

I've already seen it under the arms of all the up and coming career men in the ministry, most of whom have no idea, or interest in actually expositorily preaching that book they carry with Maxwell's name emblazoned on it.

Maxwell is an egomaniac of the first order, and a symptom of chronic shallowness in the twenty-first century church. Now he's using the Scriptures to sell his books and his career.

There was a time when the Scriptures were held in high regard. God help us.

This is an incredible resource for growing in servant leadership skills and training others in service based leadership, which we Christians, who are all called to be an influence, do in some fashion and degree. While there are literally thousand of books on leadership, non are as comprehensive as this particular topical Bible which speaks specifically to that issue with a wealth of information and principles gathered from other sources and Maxwell's own personal experience and application; and the best part is it's Biblical base. He has done all the leg work...you just have to "sit and soak." If servant styled leadership is your agenda, you just can't miss with this one. I appreciate authors who can take the Word of God and topicalize it for intensified specific study in a particular area and this Maxwell does superbly in the leadership area. Read along with "Jesus on Leadership" by Gene Wilkes.

If you are looking for a good "regular" or "general" study Bible, I would not recommend this one to you. All the charts, lists, notes, inserts, bullet points, commentaries, chapter and section lead ins, etc. are all leader focused/oriented.

The Maxwell Study Bible is fantastic resource for those who are in leadership. John's insights are not only helpful, but very timely and well spaced. This is not a "Study Bible" for insights into Greek, Hebrew or a commentary through various passages on Christian living, per se. However, a brilliant study of leadership and it's principles as displayed through God's word. If you are a student of leadership, this is not only a must have - it is an essential piece on the subject. I applaud Dr. Maxwell for a work that is a breath of fresh air.