I really wanted to like The American Patriot’s Bible. It’s printed in the New King James version, which isn’t my favorite, but is a reliable translation. I love American history. And the material presented within the Bible is mostly good–summaries of events in our history, quotes from the founding fathers and Presidents, and notes at each Bible verse that was chosen by a President as the spot on which he was sworn into office . But, in the end, I think it’s a totally inappropriate way to present the Bible.
First of all, Americans are not the only people to read the Bible. It’s all fine and good to tie our country’s history to our faith, but in doing so, most of the world, and most of world history, is excluded.
I also find that the way this Bible presents early American history is twisted, at best. While there is an acknowledgment that not all the founding fathers were Christian, the resources assume that they still operated from a Christian worldview, which is not necessarily true.
The supplementary materials could have made a nice handbook or Bible study on their own, but I think it was a big mistake to try to interleave them with the Holy Scriptures.
Thanks for your review. I wanted to give you some additional insight into this Bible offering.
The American Patriot’s Bible was never intended to be a Study Bible in the traditional sense. It was compiled and developed to show how the Bible influenced American history from its formation until today. The editors tried very hard to place many of the historical highlights near to the scripture that inspired them so that the reader could feel the impact of God’s word on the historical event and make a connection.
For many people, study takes many forms. Sometimes it’s exegetical, sometimes it’s expository, and sometimes study is devotional or inspirational. In this case, The American Patriot’s Bible is meant to teach, inspire, and connect the reader to American history and the Bible’s impact on it.
Just to clarify–just because I don’t agree with the way this Bible is presented, and think it is an inappropriate use of Scripture, doesn’t mean that I don’t understand the purpsose behind it. I do understand the purpose, and as I said in my review, I actually think the supplementary material is good, but I don’t think it should be placed directly in the Bible. A Bible study, a handbook, some other kind of supplement–fine and good, and could still accomplish the same goal.
I really don’t appreciate the insinuation that just because I don’t like it or find it to be appropriate, I’m too stupid to “get it.”
Roger that Brenda. We as Americans need to remember and understand on the Godly foundation our country was born on and under.
I must be behind the times here, as I just realized this thing was published. I just started looking around, but there doesn't seem to be much general outcry or even review of this gem. I would try and articulate my own view of how my jaw is still hanging open after realizing that this was even allowed to be published, but this guy does a much better job… http://www.gregboyd.org/uncategorized/the-patriot…
Anyway, thanks for being the one blog/review/anything (other than the link I posted) that I could find who thought this was completely inappropriate.
I'm in agreement with Brandon. How did this get published? I fear that its going to be extremely unhelpful to many and encourage the idea that simply because we're American we're Christian. There needs to be a place to petition against this. If they wanted to show how some of our nations forefathers were inspired by Scripture they should have written a history book and filled in some Scriptures. Not the other way around.
I blogged about this at my blog (not a high traffic one) : http://www.shawnyoder.blogspot.com
This is the first Bible published that really expresses the feeling of the "Grass Roots" people of America. Of course the Ultra Liberal and God Haters will object and try to "Spin" this Bible into something that is less
than good. Fortunately, those that know History and the Bible will see
through the spin
If you had actually bothered to read my blog, you would know that I am neither “ultra liberal” nor a “God hater.” In fact, if you knew anything about me at all, you would know the opposite is true.
I don’t have to approve of a misuse of Scripture in order to be a Christian. Thanks for trying to turn this into something it’s not, and make it look like people who think this Bible is inappropriate aren’t believers.
Oh, and by the way, if you had actually bothered to read my review, you’d know that I thought the information included in the Bible was good, useful, and enlightening on American history, but I don’t think it should be placed in the midst of the Word of God, rather in a companion book of it’s own.