Many home educators have found The Narrated Bible to be an effective way of integrating biblical history with secular history. This chronological arrangement will help readers see how various Scriptures fit with each other and with their historical settings.
Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:
* They are officially published under that name * They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author * They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
Although the NIV translation is not my favorite, Mr. F. LaGard Smith has made a valuable contribution to scholarship in setting all the passages in chronological order. This is especially helpful where the narrative books of the Bible (such as 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles) overlap with each other, and the prophets (such as Isaiah), establishing a single storyline for the Gospels, and placing Paul's letters within the timeline of the book of Acts. Smith's ordering of events is generally traditional (such as how he lays out Holy Week drawing from the Gospels), but you may not agree with each of decisions, especially his placements of the Psalms within the narrative, and that's okay. It's good to be reminded that the chronology is not impeccable, even though the Scripture is inerrant. See
I have found this to be an insightful way to read through the Bible in a year, as well as a handy reference when I have questions about order of events. Highly recommended as worth long term shelf space for a student/ reader of the Bible.
This is now my reading/devotional Bible. The commentaries are amazing and give detailed historical insight to the culture and environments of every major player in Scripture. I have learned so many new things by reading this chronological presentation. It doesn't really have the traditional verse markings, though, so it's not going to work for some who need that kind of structure. It is, for me, a way to meditate on God's word and study the meaning.
This is the Bible organized in historical order. It makes the OT so much easier to read and understand. It combines all the Gospels together!... it's wonderful to read them that way. This Bible is great to read from a "story book" perspective. Brings the Bible to life in a brand new way. It also had loads od history throughout the entire book. GREAT, GREAT Bible!
I am loving this walk through the Bible. It has been a long time since I've read in a new version, and the unfamiliarity is refreshing, giving 'new eyes' to accustomed to passages. And, it has been helpful to have the daily readings marked; I can finish and meditate, or proceed through another day's reading, should time allow.
I'm pretty sure I wouldn't ever give a bad review for a Bible, BUT this is a great version. I loved the narration and the chronological order. It read almost like a novel and I felt like I learned a lot.
My Mother-in-law gave this bible to David and I as a wedding gift. It's my favorite bible. I'm prepetually reading it. It is the most influential book of my life.
Narration by F. LaGard Smith. The entire Bible organized in chronological order -- much easier to follow. The "narration" is commentary that is excellent. Smith is a law professor at Pepperdine.