mistake
Overall a disappointing experience. I expected a new, genuine leather Bible. The description I saw definitely said cowhide. I received a used, damaged, bonded leather book. Plus, I was horrified to discover someone else's name and the date written into the presentation page! Holman did not put their best efforts into this edition. It looked and felt cheaply made. The spine was separated from the binding. The pages have a glossy children's book feel. The only good thing was Amazon's no hassle return process.
Faithful. Accurate. Understandable.
The HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE has become our favorite version in teaching and preaching. My wife and I have been doing Bible studies in prison ministry since 2003 and have used many versions of the Word: NIV, ESV, NKJV, and finally settled on the New International Readers Version as one which was easy to understand, clear, and faithful to the text. Then we found the Holman Christian Standard Bible.
This version fulfills everything we are looking for: accuracy of the text, ease of use and understanding (I would say it is written at a high school reading level), and faithfulness to the meaning of the passages. For example, the healing scriptures of Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17 are all present and clear.
Some of the other modern versions seem to lose the power and authority of the Word as they try to be easily understood in plain English, not Holman. Holman does not take liberties with the authority of the Word, richness of the language, nor many of the key doctrines of the Old and New Testament. I found it to be reliable, articulate and a solid reference.
I highly recommend it for personal devotion, sermon preparation and study, and Bible study with a group. The illustrations are clear, colorful, and helpful. The maps are very well-done and useful. I like the tabs because my memory isn't what it was once. All in all, the Holman Standard is an exceptional Bible and available in a wide range of prices and features.
Wonderful illustrated Bible!
The page layout is very easy to read. All the historical, archeological etc. information given at the beginning of each book is great background info on the book and author. The photos, diagrams, maps and other illustrations are a wonderful, colorful addition that brings the Bible to life. I did find one page that was about 1/16th of an inch narrower than the other pages. It is heavy to hold and makes my wirsts tired, so I prefer to set it on a table when reading.
What a great Bible -- awesome for kids and adults!
I really love this Bible. First off, the translation is great -- simple modern English, with no liberties taken in the translation. None of this gender-neutral stuff like the TNIV. Secondly, the Bible is very well put together. The bonded leather cover is of the heavy top-quality variety. I have difficulty distinguishing it from the Holman cowhide leather editions. And lastly, the study information is great. They introduce the chapters and explain how the old and new testament chapters work together to form the basis of the Christian Bible. No hesitations -- buy it. This is a thick Bible. If you're looking for something thinner go with the Holman CSB ultrathin bibles -- they are awesome too but no study notes. And again, very well built.
(4 reviews)
