“Everyone’s Guide To The Bible”

Christian Friends Software, LLC

A Review By Byron Gage

(Click Here For A Windows Media Player Multimedia Sample)

Introduction:

While the mantra “Print is dead” may be an exaggeration, it is no doubt true that multimedia has arrived and is hear to stay, and, I might add, rightfully so. Learning is a multi-sensory experience and so, naturally, multimedia presentation of material that needs to be learned is a valid endeavor. Although I believe in the power and persuasiveness of rhetoric, oratory and literature (such as preaching and the Bible), any legitimate means whereby we may learn and teach others is appreciated. The more effective the medium is, the better it is. If multimedia enhances the ability of one to learn the Bible, then, by all means, let us use it. Like them or not, computers are here to stay and are, for many of us, a part of daily life. I use them every day, including Sunday. Outlines, maps, charts and illustrations can be effectively used to enhance and enforce learning.

The Program:

“Everyone’s Guide To The Bible” is a Windows PC compatible software package designed to familiarize the user with the Book of Books, the Holy Bible. It does so with a simple user interface and an extensive amount of data. It is published by Christian Friends Software, LLC, Houston, TX. The creators of the program are Tim Byers and Troxel Ballou, members of Alief Church of Christ. The list of contributing authors, artist and speaker include Bob and Sandra Waldron, Mark Copeland, Dick Westbrook, and Don Truex. The Content list (from the publisher’s website, http://www.christianfriendssoftware.com) is listed below.

The Content - What's included?

·        Outline of the Bible

·        Chronological outline based on material developed by Mark Copeland and Bob and Sandra Waldron

·        Up to seven levels deep, depending on the subject

·        parallel passages from multiple scriptures are shown together (harmonized)

·        2,600 separate lines

·        Date range (timeline) displayed for each separate line

·        3,500 groups of linked Bible passages

·        140 Illustrations

·        Created by illustrator Dick Westbrook expressly for this program

·        Illustrations can be printed

·        Illustrations can be imported into PowerPoint™ or other Windows™ applications

·        3 Audio-video guides

·        Professionally narrated by Don Truex

·        Overview (8 minutes)

·        Intermediate (22 minutes)

·        Comprehensive (1 hour 20 minutes)

·        Text also supplied in viewable documents

·        Review questions for each guide

·        Overview (15 questions)

·        Intermediate (40 questions)

·        Comprehensive (100 questions)

·        Entire text of the Bible (New American Standard Bible, Updated Version)

·        Text can be imported into other Windows™ applications

·        Custom maps of the Holy Lands designed to match the illustrations

What hardware does it require?

·        A computer running Windows 98 Second Edition, ME, 2000, or XP

·        CD-ROM drive

·        At least 150 MB free hard disk space

·        Video resolution 800 x 600 or higher (1024 x 768 or higher recommended)

·        Sound card and speakers for audio

The stated mission of Christian Friends Software is: “… to help both new and experienced Bible students better understand how the events and characters of the Bible reveal the central theme of God's message to all people: His eternal plan to provide every person with the opportunity to be saved from their sins through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Again, from the website, the essence of the program is as follows: “Three audio-visual guides take you through the Bible in chronological order. There are overview, intermediate, and comprehensive narratives that lead you through the program’s chronological outline of the Bible, each one introducing more detail than the previous one. As the narrative is spoken, the guide displays related illustrations and indicates the associated time on the timeline.”

My Personal Take:

Everyone’s Guide To The Bible may be used for personal study, as an introduction to the Bible for personal evangelism and in various Bible class “lab” formats. It is not designed to compete with programs such as BibleWorks™, Logos™, PC Study Bible™, QuickVerse™, E-Sword™ or similar research oriented programs. Although a fully networked version is not yet available, the publishers are working on it and it may be offered in the future.

Although it may be a minor point, a caveat may be in order on the artwork. One may notice some objectionable artistic license taken in the artwork created for the program. For instance, the depiction of Adam and Eve and the “coats of skins” or “tunics” given them may give some Christians pause. Adam’s garment extends only from the waist to upper thigh and Eve’s from the shoulders to the upper thigh. Jesus, during His baptism, is depicted with bare torso while John is fully covered. Some parents, due to their convictions concerning modesty, may feel the need to “explain” the artwork. Despite the forgoing, the artwork is excellent and may be copied and used in preaching and teaching. Permission to copy is as follows: “- You may freely use them for classes and preaching, but they are not to be placed on the internet, nor copied in bulk and redistributed.”

Overall, the program should prove to be an excellent tool for studying and teaching the Bible and the $59.95 price is reasonable for such a package. I will buy it and use it personally and I do not hesitate to recommend it.