NIV Thematic Reference Bible,The

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Resource
Review: I had high hopes for this resource. I was disappointed. It is supposed to help you find related passages for any particular passage or "theme." In my experience I rarely found this to be the case. Many times I would go to the cross referenced text and have to scratch my head wondering what it had to do with the theme it was listed under. A much more helpful resource for this type of study is the "New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge." While most people won't want to lug this hefty volume around, it does provide a seemingly exhaustive list of cross-references for every thought of every verse in the Bible. I recommend keeping your existing Bible, or buying a simple reference Bible, and get the TSK instead of the "NIV Thematic Reference Bible."

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: Resembles the Thompson, but has somewhat different themes. Whereas the Thompson is an objective bible, [ie, the Thompson allows scripture to interpret scripture] this Thematic Bible intrudes the editors' Calvinistic opinions and interpretations in bottom-of-page commentaries.

Rating:
Summary: Surreptitious Calvinism
Review: Resembles the Thompson, but has somewhat different themes. Whereas the Thompson is an objective bible, [ie, the Thompson allows scripture to interpret scripture] this Thematic Bible intrudes the editors' Calvinistic opinions and interpretations in bottom-of-page commentaries.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: This Bible as a cross reference source is excellent. It does not have extensive study or text notes, however the ones included are sufficient to give Hebrew/Greek terms, OT quotations, alternative readings, and other important footnote information. The Thematic Index and the subject index to various scripture verses is quite good. I have many versions of The Bible as well as Bibles with extensive cross references; I also have the Thompson's Chain Reference. Although I like the Thompson's Chain Reference, I have been able to find more subjects, more information and more cross references to passages using The Thematic Reference Bible than those in the Thompson's Chain Reference. The cross references are also much more detailed than cross references in most other Bibles. There have been several subjects I have wanted to research but couldn't find any information on those subjects using the Thompson's Chain Reference, however I did find a great deal of information on those subjects using The Thematic Reference Bible. I have found nothing in notes or cross references of this Bible that distort the meaning of any passages. If there are subjects a reader is interested in researching and you don't know how to find it under the Thematic index, it is very easy to use the subject index in this Bible to find any sources available and then proceed through the Thematic index. It only takes a little time to adjust to this new system, references are quite extensive, clear and easy to use. The outlines before each book give a breakout of the subject of the chapters, introduction and major themes in each book. The authors of The Thematic Reference Bible believe The Bible is its own best source of interpretation, "Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture", and I totally agree. This has been a good resource Bible for my research; I use it (and others) to prepare for teaching the Word in my classes and oral presentations.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Resource
Review: When I first used this Bible I was a little confused at how to find what I was looking for in the reference section. But after using it for a while I found it to be very helpful in Bible Study. I use it often, and always find something that applies to my life. If you learn how to use this resource, I think anyone can find it helpful.