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Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction
Illustrated Bible Survey introduces all the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Based on more than thirty years of scholarly research and classroom teaching, editors Ed Hindson, Elmer Towns, and scholars from Liberty University provide a visually engaging, practical, readable, and insightful overview of God’s Word and its eternal message. Ideally suited for undergraduate students, laymen, and pastors, this volume • More than 200 full-color photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations• Introductions to each book of the Bible, including background, date, author, outline, and message• Introductory chapters on the themes of the Bible, how we got our Bible, and the people and places of the Bible• Sidebars on the unique features, beneficial insights, and practical applications of biblical truths• Study questions and recommended further readingECPA Gold Medallion award winners Hindson and Towns draw from a lifetime of teaching more than 100,000 students. They represent quality evangelical scholarship, along with a passion to make the Scriptures come to life as they open windows of insight into the biblical text. This exciting survey highlights the key elements of the literature, history, archaeology, and wisdom of the biblical text with an eye on the practical application of its timeless truths, moral principles, and theological insights so desperately needed in today’s world.
587 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
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118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 13, 2018
(Sidenote: I'm sliiiightly annoyed because all these textbooks from my Bible class ruined the aesthetic of the books I read this year. *glares* AHEM. Moving on. :P)
This was an excellently written book and a superb reference for information about the author, background, themes, etc. of all the books of the Bible. It also includes maps, photos, and illustrations which are very helpful.
Honestly, it's just another matter of personal preference. I found this very dry and tedious, especially when I had to read OVER 5 CHAPTERS at a time. Oh, goodness. It was a really long book and something I would treat more as a reference than a read-every-chapter kind of book.
There were definitely some interesting things, and I appreciated the knowledge and insight it provided. (I even learned things - IMAGINE THAT. xD) But as a whole, it's not something I would probably sit down and read for pleasure.
3 stars
(P.S. I'M DONE WITH THIS CLASS YAY. I'm so happy because this also means all my textbooks got me ahead in my reading challenge. #winning)
This was an excellently written book and a superb reference for information about the author, background, themes, etc. of all the books of the Bible. It also includes maps, photos, and illustrations which are very helpful.
Honestly, it's just another matter of personal preference. I found this very dry and tedious, especially when I had to read OVER 5 CHAPTERS at a time. Oh, goodness. It was a really long book and something I would treat more as a reference than a read-every-chapter kind of book.
There were definitely some interesting things, and I appreciated the knowledge and insight it provided. (I even learned things - IMAGINE THAT. xD) But as a whole, it's not something I would probably sit down and read for pleasure.
3 stars
(P.S. I'M DONE WITH THIS CLASS YAY. I'm so happy because this also means all my textbooks got me ahead in my reading challenge. #winning)
December 4, 2019
The Illustrated Bible Survey provides an incredibly extensive reference guide to the entire Bible, yet presents information in an easy to read format. I love the charts, maps, and lists placed throughout the text, they make locating specific info much easier than rifling through countless books and resources to discover some simple truth. Additionally, Hindson and Towns add their own constructive thoughts and ideas within certain portions of the text, which does little to hinder the other information. This is one of my favorite theological resources I have yet come across... I am certain I will utilize it in future studies.
December 31, 2024
Informative. I loved learning the historical context for the Bible's different books.
(Note: Unfortunately, I didn't get to read the last two chapters and the section on Malachi. If I ever get the chance, I would love to go back and read the parts I missed!)
(Note: Unfortunately, I didn't get to read the last two chapters and the section on Malachi. If I ever get the chance, I would love to go back and read the parts I missed!)
September 20, 2017
A good bible survey with drawings and extra reading recommendations for further discovery.
Used with Liberty University Ice Exam: Survey of Old and New Testament.
Used with Liberty University Ice Exam: Survey of Old and New Testament.
August 30, 2017
Ed Hindson is dean of the School of Divinity and distinguished professor of Religion at Liberty University. Hindson has a Th.D. from Trinity Graduate School of Theology, a D.Min. from Westminster Theological Seminary, and a D.Phil. from University of South Africa. Hindson is the author, co-author, or editor of numerous books and articles. Elmer L. Towns is the president of Elmer Towns Ministries and the co-founder of Liberty University. Towns has a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary and has received six honorary doctoral degrees for various contribution in the field of religion and education. Towns is the author of over 100 books and over 1000 articles. Most recently, Hindson and Towns have co-authored a useful revision of their popular-level Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction.
Illustrated Bible Survey has the same goal as Hindson and Towns establish in the classroom, to “challenge [students] academically, inspire them spiritually, and motivate them effectively to discover and apply the great truths and practical wisdom of the Bible in providing them with a biblical basis for the Christian worldview” (p. xi). Hindson and Towns have provided a college-level textbook that is both accessible to students and laymen alike. The book covers the entire Bible and introduces the basic content of each book, such as the authorship, the background, the message, and the application of the book. Hindson and Towns also provide an outline of each book, include various reflection excerpts throughout, and a for further reading section that allows the reader explore more broadly. There are also study questions at the end of each book that provide an excellent basis for group discussion or personal review.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the Illustrated Bible Survey (especially for those not required to purchase this book for class) is the over 200 full-color maps, charts, photographs, and illustrations. B&H does an exceptional in this space and the reader will appreciate the level of detail that goes into this aspect of the book. The maps and charts are especially useful. The content itself is good and will be useful for laymen, but it is far from exhaustive of the larger narrative of biblical scholarship. That is, while Hindson and Towns have provided a solid survey of the Bible, there is a seeming lack of interaction with other traditions or theological positions. The reader will get a narrow Baptist, dispensational-leaning survey of the Bible. This is evident in both the content and the suggested resources for further reading, and a major shortcoming of the book—especially since the format of the book only affords assumption and not serious interaction. It’s a helpful survey, but it’s not without its limitations.
Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction by Ed Hindson and Elmer L. Towns is an easy-to-read and informative volume. While limitations on the volume do not allow for the engagement that some readers will want, Hindson and Towns have provided a survey faithful to what students at Liberty University (specifically undergraduate students) will need. Everyone else looking to this volume as a potential purchase will likely be drawn to the visual appeal, and in that arena the publishers have provided something wonderful. If your a dispensational-leaning Baptist looking for something safe to use for Sunday School, then this volume will fit the bill well on all fronts. I take the latter without the former and still found it helpful, and I think most readers will as well.
Illustrated Bible Survey has the same goal as Hindson and Towns establish in the classroom, to “challenge [students] academically, inspire them spiritually, and motivate them effectively to discover and apply the great truths and practical wisdom of the Bible in providing them with a biblical basis for the Christian worldview” (p. xi). Hindson and Towns have provided a college-level textbook that is both accessible to students and laymen alike. The book covers the entire Bible and introduces the basic content of each book, such as the authorship, the background, the message, and the application of the book. Hindson and Towns also provide an outline of each book, include various reflection excerpts throughout, and a for further reading section that allows the reader explore more broadly. There are also study questions at the end of each book that provide an excellent basis for group discussion or personal review.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the Illustrated Bible Survey (especially for those not required to purchase this book for class) is the over 200 full-color maps, charts, photographs, and illustrations. B&H does an exceptional in this space and the reader will appreciate the level of detail that goes into this aspect of the book. The maps and charts are especially useful. The content itself is good and will be useful for laymen, but it is far from exhaustive of the larger narrative of biblical scholarship. That is, while Hindson and Towns have provided a solid survey of the Bible, there is a seeming lack of interaction with other traditions or theological positions. The reader will get a narrow Baptist, dispensational-leaning survey of the Bible. This is evident in both the content and the suggested resources for further reading, and a major shortcoming of the book—especially since the format of the book only affords assumption and not serious interaction. It’s a helpful survey, but it’s not without its limitations.
Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction by Ed Hindson and Elmer L. Towns is an easy-to-read and informative volume. While limitations on the volume do not allow for the engagement that some readers will want, Hindson and Towns have provided a survey faithful to what students at Liberty University (specifically undergraduate students) will need. Everyone else looking to this volume as a potential purchase will likely be drawn to the visual appeal, and in that arena the publishers have provided something wonderful. If your a dispensational-leaning Baptist looking for something safe to use for Sunday School, then this volume will fit the bill well on all fronts. I take the latter without the former and still found it helpful, and I think most readers will as well.
September 18, 2022
I read this to take a required course for school, I tested out of the class to take the BIBL104 at Liberty University. It was helpful for the test which is the only reason I read it. It's protestant, though, but I knew that going into it. A lot of the questions on the quiz (based on the class these two authors taught and developed) covered into I didn't learn from this book, but it was definitely helpful.
February 15, 2023
This is a good Bible book survey. It's material is designed for laity and it is full of illustrations/photos. It treats the smaller OT prophet books a bit more briefly. There is a brief outline for every book of the Bible.
In the NT especially there is a bit of a "Dispensationalism" flavour when it comes to prophecy but it is minor.
For new Christians and youth it would be a good place to start.
In the NT especially there is a bit of a "Dispensationalism" flavour when it comes to prophecy but it is minor.
For new Christians and youth it would be a good place to start.
August 9, 2019
For a general survey of the bible, this isn't bad. As with the Courageous Faith book, there's not a lot of depth here. There are also some conclusions drawn and interpretations made that I do not agree with at all. Again, this is good for those new to the Christian faith.
October 8, 2021
Solid reference book for better understanding the Bible's composition and its many books. Great summaries for each book of the Bible and nice historical information as well. Its good to think of this as a book you study in small chunks rather than something you read through for pleasure.
December 12, 2025
A beautiful resource that I will forever keep on my shelf. Had to read this for school but this makes a wonderful companion for Bible study and helps to breakdown in the simplistic way Biblical truths and history.
July 1, 2017
This is a basic outline/overview with some nice historical detail and linguistic information. A handy quick overview for a book of the Bible
August 20, 2017
Really enjoyed. Basic background info for each book of the Bible & an easy read.
March 21, 2018
LOVED this! Very informative book that gives you the What, When, Where, Why, and How of every book of the Bible.
March 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It went over the entire Bible. Broke down each book with great outlines and brought the Scripture to life. I loved learning the history of the Bible.
February 26, 2022
(used as a reference, never read straight through)
March 31, 2022
Great intro and glimpse into each book of the Bible! Especially great for anyone new/reading the Bible for the first time. It's free and available to anyone on the Logo Bible app :)
January 3, 2023
Best Bible survey I have read - in keeping with the Messianic origin of the Church.
June 19, 2023
They make their sides very obvious but good overviews nonetheless
August 17, 2023
Useful text for a cursory glance through scripture. Mostly unbiased but is clearly written by a dispensational.
November 17, 2025
I used this to read through my Bible this year. So, I didn’t read it all at once but would read the corresponding chapter when I got to that book of the Bible.
May 4, 2016
This volume is one of the best of its kind released in a long time. Though aimed at college-level students, it is ideal for any studious laymen as well. As a pastor, I would love to see those I pastor use this volume in their studies.
Written by Ed Hindson and Elmer Towns, both of whom are experienced at writing to this audience, the book begins with two helpful introductory chapters on how we got the Bible and how to read it. From there we get a chapter on a general introduction to the Old Testament, followed by individual book introductions. We get a similar New Testament introduction before individual NT books are introduced as well.
This book scores a home run on every level. The writing is good, the maps and other graphics are outstanding, and many exceptional charts are included too. Each book has a “Key Facts” graph, a background, an outline, a message of its contents, all followed by a practical application section.
If my guess is correct, this book will be highly successful. The book itself is beautiful and I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Written by Ed Hindson and Elmer Towns, both of whom are experienced at writing to this audience, the book begins with two helpful introductory chapters on how we got the Bible and how to read it. From there we get a chapter on a general introduction to the Old Testament, followed by individual book introductions. We get a similar New Testament introduction before individual NT books are introduced as well.
This book scores a home run on every level. The writing is good, the maps and other graphics are outstanding, and many exceptional charts are included too. Each book has a “Key Facts” graph, a background, an outline, a message of its contents, all followed by a practical application section.
If my guess is correct, this book will be highly successful. The book itself is beautiful and I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 16, 2016
***Please see my full review at: https://thechristianreviewer.wordpres...**
The authors really did a very nice job on holding to their claim that the Illustrated Bible Survey - An Introduction book does "...provide a college-level textbook that is accessible to students and laymen alike". I thoroughly enjoyed going through this book and I can guarantee that I will end up using it quite often in my personal studies. The text is clear and easy to read, the paper it is printed on makes reading it very clear. The full color maps, photos, charts and drawings really do an amazing job of engaging you into your studies. The thing that I appreciated the most about this book is how in each section one of the points they always make is to give a pretty detailed overview of Practical Application regarding each book. Very nicely done! Highly recommended resource for your personal Bible studies.
I received a copy of this book from B&H Academic in exchange for my unbiased review.
The authors really did a very nice job on holding to their claim that the Illustrated Bible Survey - An Introduction book does "...provide a college-level textbook that is accessible to students and laymen alike". I thoroughly enjoyed going through this book and I can guarantee that I will end up using it quite often in my personal studies. The text is clear and easy to read, the paper it is printed on makes reading it very clear. The full color maps, photos, charts and drawings really do an amazing job of engaging you into your studies. The thing that I appreciated the most about this book is how in each section one of the points they always make is to give a pretty detailed overview of Practical Application regarding each book. Very nicely done! Highly recommended resource for your personal Bible studies.
I received a copy of this book from B&H Academic in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 31, 2015
The author provides thorough information and Biblical history.
December 31, 2015
Excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews