Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions

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Summary: HOLMAN BOOK OF BIBLICAL CHARTS, MAPS, AND RECONSTRUCTIONS
Review: A MUST REFERENCE FOR LAYMEN AND CLERGY.

21 MAPS OF NEW, OLD AND CONTEMPORARY INTERST.

BEUTIFULY AND LOGICALLY LAYED OUT. NO VERBAGE, GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHART, MAP OR ARTIST RENDITION OF OVER 20 BIBLICAL FOCAL POINTS; THE TEMPLE, JERUSALEM, ARC OF THE COVENENT ... MANY MORE.

THE HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS, MIRACELS & PARABELS OF JESUS, IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. KINGS, NUMBERING SYSTEMS, NAMES OF GOD, RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD; OVER 50 CONDENSED, COLORFULLY DESIGNED CHARTS AND GRAPHS OF OLD AND NEW TESTIMENT INFORMATION.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR, churchs.com

Rating:
Summary: Awesome color charts--a valuable teaching tool!
Review: As a teacher of the Word of God, I love using charts that help the visual student see what I am talking about. And in this chart book, which is completely done in color (visually very appealing), both the Old and New Testaments are covered, including maps and reconstructions of historically significant times and places. I am planning to lead a trip to the Holy Land this summer, and I'll probably have this book with me when we tour the places reconstructed here. The wire spine is appreciated because it makes it easier to turn the pages and lay the pages flat when making overheads. All in all this book is a "quality" production, and I can only say "well done!"

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Summary: Excellent charts, good illustrations, ok maps
Review: I highly recommend this book ... with a few disclaimers.

First of all, (contrary to one reviewer) it does not blatantly follow an evolutionary timeline. It does list Archeaological Periods, but neither sanctions them nor disputes them. Such a chart can be a helpful reference when dealing with material that does not take the genealogies in Genesis as literal and/or unbroken. The timelines do not assume a date for Creation of 4004 BC--before Abraham they simply fudge. They also give an early and a late dating system concerning the Exodus. However, none of this clearly advocates "evolution time lines". If you want Ussher's dates, they are not hard to find. This book does not, however, give them.

The strength of this book is in its charts and full color illustrations ("reconstructions"). These can be very helpful in sorting through the complexities of the Bible.

It has a spiral binding which works well in a small class or small group setting. The ideal audience would be a lay level set of adults, but it has use for teens as well as a more academic reader.

I found at least one mistake in the chart of Paul's Lists of Spiritual Gifts. Admittedly, some of the charts are simplistic. Also, you should not expect super high quality maps. They are decent.

So why the five star rating? I believe this is a valuable tool for better understanding the Bible. Overall it is well done. And I am unaware of anything better out there. For the price you can't go wrong.

**Note: It looks like there may be a new version coming out soon.**

Rating:
Summary: Holman Book of Charts Review
Review: I purchased a copy of this several years ago and have used it almost on a weekly basis! Not often do you add something to your library that is of such value that you'll refer to it in your studies but also you'll copy it's pages as handouts in your Bible study classes and Sunday School! Many facts, figures and charts are in one handy place which saves you time in research. I highly recommend you get a copy now and you'll wonder why you've been without one as long as you have!

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Summary: Not very accurate or detailed
Review: I would not recommend this book to anyone who truly believes the Bible.It is full of errors. It embraces evolution time lines, doubts the accuracy of the bible, and truly mixes up where the true church comes from. Please check it out for yourself before you buy.

Rating:
Summary: Pleasantly Surprised!
Review: This collection of charts, maps, and reconstructions is a pleasant surprise. The editors have used attractive color, clear contrast, and readable format to provide useful information to Bible students at an amazingly affordable price. This is a good value.

George A. Goolde, Professor, Bible and Theology