Refuel : The Complete New Testament for Guys

Rating:
Summary: Funny Stuff Here....
Review: I don't know really how to rate this book. I'm not Christian/Catholic whatever, so I don't get any use out of the Bible in these pages, but the advice they offer the average teenage boy is some of the most unintentionally funny stuff I've ever read in my life. In fact most of the people who work with me (bookstore) find this hysterical. Last years edition for teenage girls was very funny as well, but this one just pushes the boundaries of comedy with such helpful advice as "Don't Give Swirlies" (Well Duh) While one of the more fun things you can do outside is... "Clip your toe nails." I wish I had it front of me, I could list many more hilarious parts, but I refuse to pay the $16.00 price for it. I would love to meet the author, and ask him/her if they were serious when writing this.

Rating:
Summary: Innovative approach to interest teen boys in the Bible
Review: I really enjoy finding a Bible that will get people talking and this one will definitely do that. "Refuel" is basically the New Century Version of the New Testament. But that is where the resemblance to a traditional Bible ends. A lot of people will probably have a hard time accepting a Bible of this nature but a lot will also find it the best idea in youth Bibles in a long time. I tend toward the second group.

So, what makes this Bible so different? The first thing that grabs your attention is the fact that it has the same layout and style as a modern teen magazine. In addition to the Bible there are music reviews, suggestions on how to live your faith, life guidance ideas, tips for understanding girls (the Refuel version is designed for teenage boys) and a lot of other items of contemporary interest. I have to say that this is one of the most difficult reviews that I have ever had to write because you really cannot appreciate the appeal of this Bible until you actually see it. It stays true to the traditional Bible and New Century Version and so provides the complete story of the New Testament while at the same time providing visual appeal and guidance in a manner that is much more likely to appeal to a teenage boy. It is easy to pick up and just start reading and inviting to leaf through and read a few sections at a time.

Now, having sung the praises of this wonderful Bible and how strongly it appeals to teenagers I will have to note that although the scripture is an accurate rendering of the Bible as translated in the New Century Version, the filler pieces, columns, and short articles do at times advance particular positions that all Christians may not necessarily hold. I might as well go after one of the really big ones as an example. Page 126 has a listing of ten "Random Causes Worth Standing For". The first item on the list is "The Rights of the Unborn". While this is somewhat vague it obviously comes down on the side of Pro-Life. Some Christians agree with this and some do not, and most seem to want to take all the facts and circumstances of a particular case into consideration (such as when the mother's life is in danger). Of course, the wise parent can use these things as a way to open the door to discussion and an opportunity to teach their children. My point is not to attack or defend the various positions but to make the reader aware that such items are in the book.

All in all "Refuel: The Complete New Testament" is one of the most exciting innovations to come along in youth Bibles in a long time. In my opinion a Bible that a teenager will actually pick up and read is far more valuable than one that sits on a shelf and is rarely, if ever, opened. "Refuel" is a complete marketing makeover for the Bible while still retaining a true translation at the core. Brilliant!

Rating:
Summary: Innovative approach to interest teen boys in the Bible
Review: I really enjoy finding a Bible that will get people talking and this one will definitely do that. "Refuel" is basically the New Century Version of the New Testament. But that is where the resemblance to a traditional Bible ends. A lot of people will probably have a hard time accepting a Bible of this nature but a lot will also find it the best idea in youth Bibles in a long time. I tend toward the second group.

So, what makes this Bible so different? The first thing that grabs your attention is the fact that it has the same layout and style as a modern teen magazine. In addition to the Bible there are music reviews, suggestions on how to live your faith, life guidance ideas, tips for understanding girls (the Refuel version is designed for teenage boys) and a lot of other items of contemporary interest. I have to say that this is one of the most difficult reviews that I have ever had to write because you really cannot appreciate the appeal of this Bible until you actually see it. It stays true to the traditional Bible and New Century Version and so provides the complete story of the New Testament while at the same time providing visual appeal and guidance in a manner that is much more likely to appeal to a teenage boy. It is easy to pick up and just start reading and inviting to leaf through and read a few sections at a time.

Now, having sung the praises of this wonderful Bible and how strongly it appeals to teenagers I will have to note that although the scripture is an accurate rendering of the Bible as translated in the New Century Version, the filler pieces, columns, and short articles do at times advance particular positions that all Christians may not necessarily hold. I might as well go after one of the really big ones as an example. Page 126 has a listing of ten "Random Causes Worth Standing For". The first item on the list is "The Rights of the Unborn". While this is somewhat vague it obviously comes down on the side of Pro-Life. Some Christians agree with this and some do not, and most seem to want to take all the facts and circumstances of a particular case into consideration (such as when the mother's life is in danger). Of course, the wise parent can use these things as a way to open the door to discussion and an opportunity to teach their children. My point is not to attack or defend the various positions but to make the reader aware that such items are in the book.

All in all "Refuel: The Complete New Testament" is one of the most exciting innovations to come along in youth Bibles in a long time. In my opinion a Bible that a teenager will actually pick up and read is far more valuable than one that sits on a shelf and is rarely, if ever, opened. "Refuel" is a complete marketing makeover for the Bible while still retaining a true translation at the core. Brilliant!

Rating:
Summary: Hmmm
Review: I'm going to review the Format, Translation, and Commentary of the Refuel Bible separately.

Format: Innovative and eye-catching, the BibleMag format is proving to be a good way to get Christian teenagers and young adults to read the Scriptures. However, the bible is over 10.5 inches (27.5 cm) long, and 1/2 inch(1 cm) thick, making it impossible to role up and stow in a pocket. This limits it's portability, which makes this non-scary bible much less useful. (3 of five stars)

Translation: The NCV is inclusive and as accurate as a bible written in easy-to-read English can be. It deserves major kudos for a footnote explaining that "the Word" in John 1:1 is "logos" and refers to Christ. (5 of 5 stars)

Notes: The notes come from an unashamedly Conservative Evangelical perspective. I disagree with a lot of what they say, but they have every right to say that Paul wrote Timothy, and that "everything in the Bible is absolutely true and will never change." However, some of the advice is both legalistic and silly (eg. don't kiss your girlfriend), which could undermine the good advice. (2 of 5)

Rating:
Summary: Hmmm
Review: I'm going to review the Format, Translation, and Commentary of the Refuel Bible separately.

Format: Innovative and eye-catching, the BibleMag format is proving to be a good way to get Christian teenagers and young adults to read the Scriptures. However, the bible is over 10.5 inches (27.5 cm) long, and 1/2 inch(1 cm) thick, making it impossible to role up and stow in a pocket. This limits it's portability, which makes this non-scary bible much less useful. (3 of five stars)

Translation: The NCV is inclusive and as accurate as a bible written in easy-to-read English can be. It deserves major kudos for a footnote explaining that "the Word" in John 1:1 is "logos" and refers to Christ. (5 of 5 stars)

Notes: The notes come from an unashamedly Conservative Evangelical perspective. I disagree with a lot of what they say, but they have every right to say that Paul wrote Timothy, and that "everything in the Bible is absolutely true and will never change." However, some of the advice is both legalistic and silly (eg. don't kiss your girlfriend), which could undermine the good advice. (2 of 5)

Rating:
Summary: I liked it better when we were just picking on the girls
Review: OK- Revolve was bad enough, grouping girls into one big stupid self involved group of make-up crazed sex mongers trying desperately to regain their 1950's morality. But this new insult has gone TO FAR! All tongue in cheek aside- we know from the last magazine installment that this book is about as far removed from the actual bible as any cultists interpretation. REVOLVE then a "manly engine roaring pit crew-esque" REFUEL... I'm waiting for the third issue "REPENT!" in which the author claims to be the second comming and the only person who understands the youth of the world, then uses his "grace" to Pide Piper off with all the poor misunderstood teenagers who are gullable enough to read a brain washing magazine with flashy colors, pictures and the word sex, and dumb enough to drink the cool-aid.

Though I have to say there's some intersting advice- "don't grope" (I think they're talking about football players) "Don't ever pick your friends nose"... hmmm... I don't think even my doctor and I are that close. Is that really a concern? "don't pick your own nose." It's better to just let it 'clog for christ'. "Don't flip the bird." Then how will other drivers know you're paying attention? "Don't look down shirts or up skirts." GOD! JUST STAB MY EYES OUT! How the hell is that possible? Have you seen britney's skirts? Technically you're always looking up it. Rules like this one is how serial killers are made. And come on take that away and what's next, masturbation (you really will go blind), premarital sex, sex in general? (painful fact: your parents humped to get you here and they were probobly on drugs at the time) "Don't run with Scissors." If you're a teenager and still have to be told, please... run with scissors. "Don't talk smut with your dates" While I have no idea what this means, luckily anyone into this book won't have to worry about crazy worldly things like dating.

The music reviews are interesting, kinda, if you wanted a music review written by someone who sucks at writing music reviews and is simply plugging their favorite bands.

Not to say the book is completely useless, it does have one good part where it briefly brings out the authors own self loathing "Like everybody else, Christians can sometimes act dumb. They come in all shapes and sizes-Bible thumpers, Scripture-screamers, unforgivers, grace-stealers-the kind of people you wouldn't want to be in a group with because they're ruining it for the rest of us." you know... just like it says in the bible.

But for those angst ridden pimple faced guys who believe this warped translation of a fairly ancient text have no fear! There is hope! If you ever do get invited to a party (before REPENT comes out and you go to live in a 'commune of love') "being a 'refuel' Christian doesn't make you strange. It makes you a better person, a deeper friend, and the real life of the party." Unless you pick your nose, then you'll spend a life in solitude only to be rewarded with an eternity in hell.

Needless to say- this book is about as christian as Cosmo and not quite as deep and insitefull as "The Weekly World News". If you want to read a bible- there's at least one good one out there. In short Guys please don't short change your self ever by thinking you are too stupid to understand something as complex as a book without bright pictures of guitars and hot holy girls. You were born with a brain because God wanted you to use it, not so that it could be used by those around you. If you want to start your own religion, rewrite the bible (or any religious text) in your own interpretation. If you want to be a Christian read THE bible. If you want to be a Muslim read the Koran. If you want to be an idiot read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Looks Cool, but.........
Review: Teenagers will love this bible. It looks great & reads easy. In addition to the entire New Testamant, it is full of fun and interesting info for young men. However, though the Scriptures are reliable (of course), it is the added notes & advice that should give parents & pastors concern. Be advised that some of the advice given to young men here is questionable and unwise, particularly on social issues and dating. Instead, I would recommend a Study Bible geared toward teens.