In my last post, I mentioned that I'll be working through suggesting books to read for Bible study, aka a Bible Literacy Journey. You can read that post here. Let's get started!
Remember when you'd get the packing list for camp and you'd pack that Bible, flashlight, sleeping bag and pen with an intense expectation of the best week ever? Think of this as your Bible Literacy Journey packing list. (Also, I think I need a new name for it... I'll work on that.)
Today we're starting at the very beginning: A Bible, dictionary and an atlas (I really wanted to say "walk into a bar..." but I won't.). The basic books I think everyone should own who is building their library for Bible study. I've given a couple options of most of these books, listing my personal favorite first with a little "BSide Choice" addition. Think of that as just denoting MY favorite, but not necessarily meaning it's the best for you.
And yes, I think these categories of books are worth owning, although I think all are available in some form online. But if it's yours, you can pull it off the shelf when you need it, access it, highlight, scribble, carry it with you. I have included links, and while I do not make any commissions, etc. off any of these, I am linking to places I like to order from and support.
Bible:
She Reads Truth Bible: I love the intros to this Bible, the weight/feel of the Bible (both the hardback and the fake-leather bound), the font and the print. It is the CSB - Christian Standard Bible-translation. Yes, there's a He Reads Truth one as well - either is great. It's just the layout, devotionals sprinkled throughout that are different. (BSide Choice)
The ESV Study Bible: Great study notes at the bottom of each page. But if you want to focus on the words of the Bible alone, the notes may be distracting.
The Net Bible: This Bible has 60,932 translators' notes and is fascinating if you are into languages, word studies, but it is not a "take with you" size and can get distracting because there are SO many notes. However, they have an online version that is so great. Click on the title to be taken there.
Streetlights Bible: My go-to audio bible is the Streetlights Audio version. My brain has a beat behind it the majority of the time, so I love this version. (English and Spanish available)
ESV Version Read by Max McLean: He has a cool voice. Which is not a spiritual reason to like this. But hey, if it gets you to listen...
Bible Dictionary:
The New Unger's Bible Dictionary: Definitions of people, places and things of the Bible. This is a basic in the industry. That made me laugh to say in the industry. I don't know how else to say this is a common one that is accessible and will be a helpful addition to your library!
Atlas:
Nelson's Book of Bible Maps and Charts: An atlas is helpful to understand the storyline and the movement of Scripture. Tracing the movement of Jesus in the book of Mark, understanding the meaning behind Acts 1:8, seeing the path of Paul's missionary journeys all lend themselves to a better grasp of the context of the verses. (BSide Choice)
The Moody Bible Atlas: Will be released February, 2025. I'm adding this one, because I want it and this will remind me to look for it when it's released!
And that's it! You don't even need all these books, but since my whole point is building a library to help study the Bible, then yes, you need all these books! smile
What other books would you say are a necessity in a Bible Study library?
Next time - we'll get into books on the Storyline of the Scriptures!
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