 N.T. Wright was once asked, after one of his lectures, about having collaborated with British Bible Society on a spread in British Vogue called "The Prodigal Daughter Returns." It was a photo essay based loosely on Luke 15:11-32, with various pictures of a model in different urban settings, each with a snippet from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The questioner asked why he did it, was he not concerned that some people might misunderstand, etc.
I don't remember the exact words of his response, but it was something to the effect that he would gladly and dutifully take the risk of being misunderstood by some in order to get the gospel message into others' heads.
Which brings me to Bible Illuminated: The Book: New Testament. With its pop culture depictions of the New Testament, it's one of many recent attempts to present the Scriptures in an innovative light. “Well-known figures among the more than 200 photographs are Andy Warhol in drag in the Book of John, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, cult leader Jim Jones, Bill Gates and John Lennon,” according to columnist Byron Crawford in The Courier-Journal. “Muhammad Ali, Angelina Jolie, Al Gore, Princess Diana and Bono” are also portrayed as characters from the Bible.
Here are some of the photos from Matthew's Gospel, along with the passages with which they're associated:
Matthew 1:21: "She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
Matthew 2:2: "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."
Matthew 5:39: "But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also." 
There's been a lot of negative commentary on "Illuminated" in the blogosphere. As for me, I'd have to agree with Bishop Wright (I know...big surprise). If it helps get the message out, I'm for it.
The only question for me is what message is being gotten out? One snippet from the book's website caught my attention:
"...it is aimed to be less intimidating than traditional bibles." Less intimidating. I think the gospel has already become so un-intimidating in modern Western culture that I'm not quite sure how much more fluffy it can get before it can officially be labeled a "fairy tale." The Bible should be intimidating. It should be life-altering. Having said that, I like the globality of the pictures (is that a word?). I like the fact that it associates the gospel with all facets of life. I like the connection between Scripture and modern images, allowing for the reader to make a mental nexus between those 2,000 year-old words and images from today. That's a good nexus to make, if you ask me. Bottom line, then...It's a pretty cool book to have on your coffee table, but I wouldn't hand it to a new believer or a seeker. Or maybe I would.
Raffi Shahinian is an attorney (please don't hold that against him), an author, and a stumbling disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Catch more of Raffi's stumblings at Parables of a Prodigal World.
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Blasphemy? Beauty?
I vote C) bodacious!
While the Bible has to be shown to be relevant to all of life, we always have to be careful here. Should we mess with the text of the inspired and inerrant Word of God by adding images to it - especially pop images. In 10 - 20 years it'll go into the wastebasket where most of pop culture goes after it has outlived its short shelf life. I agree with your statement that the Bible should be intimidating. Let's take it as God has given it to us, and let's faithfully pass it on that way. The woman at the well was undoubtedly intimidated when her sin was exposed. The merchants and money-changers in the temple were certainly intimidated by the Word when he kicked their tables over and took a whip to them - not very nice or accomodating. Why don't we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to change hearts to accept the intimidating and convicting Word of Life.
Ah, yes, when the ends justify the means, anything can be justified, including our own depraved hearts and minds.
i am all for the bible coming to life for people - not to be hip - but because that's its job. and any way it comes to life is good - through singing, music, art, beauty, interaction, whatever. don't keep it in a box. don't keep it to ourselves. don't make it look like we want it to. let the spirit free! it's free anyway!
Raffi's comments prompted me to order one of these Illustrated Bibles. I love it. It is compelling and gorgeous. Oh--so are the images. I may buy a case of these for my digital generation friends. This may be more of a mirror than another Bible format! While all written scripture was given by Holy Spirit to men who lived within time and within culture, there is no way that the Eternal. living Word of God was intended to be freeze-framed in one particular time or culture. So, peering into the Illustrated Bible may reveal our own social and cultural biases than most would appreciate. ??Does anyone understand the significance of the color type verses???
Chill out ya~ my brothers n sisters. Peace be with us all here who are so concern about this book.
Smile and be humble ^_^ Not to judge coz we don't have that authority. Commenting is good but we have to be considerate. Being too 'righteous' might later turn boastful. I still remember there is one saying - "If they are not against us, they are with us." I think this Bible Illuminated is definitely with us. Some might hate it and some might like it. Just like God n Jesus. Not everyone on earth will know how to appreciate His graceful love ...but it is our decision to make.
We all are created with free will ...hence we can voice as we like.
Take it easy. Let the Bible Illuminated run it course. I guess those who open their heart may feel His love n truth there, those who open their eyes may see His awe, those who open their ears may understand well ... the clarity in their mind is His blessing.
Hallelujah, Amen...
This is the modern version of the statuary and canvases of the middle ages (there were probably some less-than-perfect examples that didn't survive the years). And you're right, this is probably not the right intro for all but the most worldly pre-believers. It will, however, get some of the jaded church drop outs to consider the Bible relevant again, and lead them to more traditional studies.
In the end, it's not whether I like it or not, but whether it brings the Gospel to folks who will not hear any other way.
A couple of thoughts after looking at the Bible Illuminated website. First, the actual text is "approved text by the American Bible Society." A redirect to the audio version points viewers to Vox Biblia, which has a choice for listening to only three texts: the King James Version, the New International Version, or Today's New International Version. My pick would be the NIV for accuracy and readability but I'm guessing the Bible Illuminated uses TNIV. Not bad for a widely readable yet still fairly accurate translation.
Second, this is not a new idea; you can go to any book store and find glossy glam mag versions of the New Testament. They are usually targeted to look like magazines for teens, sports or fashion mags. They also often have pull quotes and thematically relevant sidebar discussions of health and fitness or relationships with Bible passages.
The Bible Illuminated reminds me of a cross between the Bible and National Geographic, Life Magazine, and Colors, an international issues magazine. Juxtaposing pop culture images with graphic and sometimes violent images of developing countries with the New Testament seems like a perfectly sensible way of doing exactly what Jesus tried to do: jolt people out of their comfort zone, remind them of those less fortunate, spur them to seek God and change their hearts to be compassionate and become active peace makers, and think outside the little boxes we create for ourselves.
If you take a look at the "free chapter" download on the Bible Illuminated page you'll see what I'm talking about. As I learned from years working in the news media, all publicity is good publicity, because as long as people are arguing about you, at least they have not forgotten you.
One thing I found interesting is the difference between European and US cultures. Before the Bible Illuminated was released in the US it was De-Illuminated of a couple of pictures that were considered to "racy" for the US>
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2008/12/23/Racy_images_cut_from_Bible_for_US/UPI-51671230078966/
(4)
Blasphemy? Beauty?
I vote C) bodacious!
Posted by Scott | Posted at 12/15/2008 12:46 PMWhile the Bible has to be shown to be relevant to all of life, we always have to be careful here. Should we mess with the text of the inspired and inerrant Word of God by adding images to it - especially pop images. In 10 - 20 years it'll go into the wastebasket where most of pop culture goes after it has outlived its short shelf life. I agree with your statement that the Bible should be intimidating. Let's take it as God has given it to us, and let's faithfully pass it on that way. The woman at the well was undoubtedly intimidated when her sin was exposed. The merchants and money-changers in the temple were certainly intimidated by the Word when he kicked their tables over and took a whip to them - not very nice or accomodating. Why don't we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to change hearts to accept the intimidating and convicting Word of Life. Posted by Sam | Posted at 12/21/2008 6:53 AM
Ah, yes, when the ends justify the means, anything can be justified, including our own depraved hearts and minds. Posted by bobbobnabob | Posted at 12/21/2008 12:58 PM
i am all for the bible coming to life for people - not to be hip - but because that's its job. and any way it comes to life is good - through singing, music, art, beauty, interaction, whatever. don't keep it in a box. don't keep it to ourselves. don't make it look like we want it to. let the spirit free! it's free anyway! Posted by journeyingrick | Posted at 01/06/2009 2:56 PM
Raffi's comments prompted me to order one of these Illustrated Bibles. I love it. It is compelling and gorgeous. Oh--so are the images. I may buy a case of these for my digital generation friends. This may be more of a mirror than another Bible format! While all written scripture was given by Holy Spirit to men who lived within time and within culture, there is no way that the Eternal. living Word of God was intended to be freeze-framed in one particular time or culture. So, peering into the Illustrated Bible may reveal our own social and cultural biases than most would appreciate. ??Does anyone understand the significance of the color type verses??? Posted by diatasso | Posted at 01/10/2009 5:47 PM
Chill out ya~ my brothers n sisters. Peace be with us all here who are so concern about this book.
Smile and be humble ^_^ Not to judge coz we don't have that authority. Commenting is good but we have to be considerate. Being too 'righteous' might later turn boastful. I still remember there is one saying - "If they are not against us, they are with us." I think this Bible Illuminated is definitely with us. Some might hate it and some might like it. Just like God n Jesus. Not everyone on earth will know how to appreciate His graceful love ...but it is our decision to make.
We all are created with free will ...hence we can voice as we like.
Take it easy. Let the Bible Illuminated run it course. I guess those who open their heart may feel His love n truth there, those who open their eyes may see His awe, those who open their ears may understand well ... the clarity in their mind is His blessing.
Hallelujah, Amen...
Posted by Angel Ace | Posted at 01/13/2009 10:01 AMThis is the modern version of the statuary and canvases of the middle ages (there were probably some less-than-perfect examples that didn't survive the years). And you're right, this is probably not the right intro for all but the most worldly pre-believers. It will, however, get some of the jaded church drop outs to consider the Bible relevant again, and lead them to more traditional studies.
In the end, it's not whether I like it or not, but whether it brings the Gospel to folks who will not hear any other way.
Posted by DeaconMike | Posted at 01/31/2009 10:23 AMA couple of thoughts after looking at the Bible Illuminated website. First, the actual text is "approved text by the American Bible Society." A redirect to the audio version points viewers to Vox Biblia, which has a choice for listening to only three texts: the King James Version, the New International Version, or Today's New International Version. My pick would be the NIV for accuracy and readability but I'm guessing the Bible Illuminated uses TNIV. Not bad for a widely readable yet still fairly accurate translation.
Second, this is not a new idea; you can go to any book store and find glossy glam mag versions of the New Testament. They are usually targeted to look like magazines for teens, sports or fashion mags. They also often have pull quotes and thematically relevant sidebar discussions of health and fitness or relationships with Bible passages.
The Bible Illuminated reminds me of a cross between the Bible and National Geographic, Life Magazine, and Colors, an international issues magazine. Juxtaposing pop culture images with graphic and sometimes violent images of developing countries with the New Testament seems like a perfectly sensible way of doing exactly what Jesus tried to do: jolt people out of their comfort zone, remind them of those less fortunate, spur them to seek God and change their hearts to be compassionate and become active peace makers, and think outside the little boxes we create for ourselves.
If you take a look at the "free chapter" download on the Bible Illuminated page you'll see what I'm talking about. As I learned from years working in the news media, all publicity is good publicity, because as long as people are arguing about you, at least they have not forgotten you.
Posted by John | Posted at 02/03/2009 12:04 PMOne thing I found interesting is the difference between European and US cultures. Before the Bible Illuminated was released in the US it was De-Illuminated of a couple of pictures that were considered to "racy" for the US>
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2008/12/23/Racy_images_cut_from_Bible_for_US/UPI-51671230078966/
Posted by David Blackwell | Posted at 02/04/2009 6:24 PM