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The Complete Visual Bible
“See” the Bible in a whole new way! Brand-new from bestselling author Stephen M. Miller, The Complete Visual Bible will enhance your biblical understanding through hundreds of compelling images. Highlights of all 66 biblical books are presented both in brief, easy-to-read text and in beautiful paintings, informative photographs, colorful maps, and other graphic features. Miller brings both his seminary and journalism training to the project, offering fresh insights for readers of any age or background. Part Bible storybook, part study Bible, and part coffee table picture book, The Complete Visual Bible promises an enriching reading experience. For a complete index of the book, visit http://stephenmillerbooks.com/books/c....
541 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Stephen M. Miller
89 books22 followersSTEPHEN M. MILLER was born in Oakland, Maryland on August 3, 1952. He was the first of six children--four boys, two girls--born to Clyde and Virginia Miller. Their sixth child, a boy, lived just a few hours. So Steve grew up in a family of five kids and both parents. At age 12, when his Grandpap died, Granny moved in with Steve's family. She's was Virginia's mom.
Steve's parents grew up two miles apart in coal country near Tunnelton, West Virginia, a deer hunter's long walk south of Morgantown.
After Steve came along, Clyde went looking for a job that didn't involve dragging a pick into a dark hole. He moved the family to Akron, Ohio where he became a tool and die maker, crafting steel parts for machinery.
His tax withholding statement for 1963 shows a salary of $5,990.51. By that time, all five kids were on board, the youngest age three.
Virginia didn't work outside the home until all the kids were in school. Then she took a part-time job as a sales clerk at JC Penney--as much for the clothing discount as for the slight salary.
Steve, at age 15, started working part-time after school at a Sohio service station, pumping gas, changing oil, and fixing flat tires. (Sohio stood for Standard Oil of Ohio.) It was a job he kept into his college years, until the owner died. The salary, which started at 75 cents an hour, paid for his first car. An extreme vehicle. Extremely used. Ford Galaxy, dingy green. The first time he drove it, he didn't know how to work the manual choke. A kid on a bicycle passed him.
NEWS JOURNALISM AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
In college, Steve knocked out his general courses at the nearby University of Akron. Then he transferred to Kent State University, where he got a bachelor's degree in news journalism. For those wondering where he was in 1970 when the Ohio National Guard came to Kent State to quell the Vietnam War protests and ended up killing four students in the parking lot outside the School of Journalism, Steve was a senior in high school.
His mother enrolled at Kent State the same year he did. She got a degree in elementary education, launching her career as a public school teacher. Don't ask Steve who finished college with a higher grade-point average.
Steve commuted to college; he couldn't afford to live on campus. He drove the 45 minutes each day to Kent, Ohio. After the owner of the Sohio service station died, Steve found a full-time summer job working in a factory. He ran heated molds that pressed uncured rubber into auto parts. Then he dug out the parts with a brass pick. He sweat through his clothes in the first 10 minutes, and through his boots by 30. At shift's end, his crust of body salt sculpted him into Lot's wife's brother.
WORKING AT THE NEWSPAPER
When Steve landed a summer internship his senior year, working as a news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune in central Ohio, life was looking up. He lived in a rented trailer and listened to his mouse traps snapping at night. Which wasn't as tough as listening to the girl next door match her oscillating voice to a record player with an rpm that couldn't decide which r to pm. But Steve was out of the rubber factory. And into an air-conditioned office.
After graduation, he took a job as a news reporter with the Alliance Review. He worked there a year and a half, covering general news and editing the religion section and the business section. Small paper. Pleasant town.
It was during those months that he decided the Christian publishing world needed a little help from writers and editors who had taken journalism 101.
further info...
http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/auth...
Steve's parents grew up two miles apart in coal country near Tunnelton, West Virginia, a deer hunter's long walk south of Morgantown.
After Steve came along, Clyde went looking for a job that didn't involve dragging a pick into a dark hole. He moved the family to Akron, Ohio where he became a tool and die maker, crafting steel parts for machinery.
His tax withholding statement for 1963 shows a salary of $5,990.51. By that time, all five kids were on board, the youngest age three.
Virginia didn't work outside the home until all the kids were in school. Then she took a part-time job as a sales clerk at JC Penney--as much for the clothing discount as for the slight salary.
Steve, at age 15, started working part-time after school at a Sohio service station, pumping gas, changing oil, and fixing flat tires. (Sohio stood for Standard Oil of Ohio.) It was a job he kept into his college years, until the owner died. The salary, which started at 75 cents an hour, paid for his first car. An extreme vehicle. Extremely used. Ford Galaxy, dingy green. The first time he drove it, he didn't know how to work the manual choke. A kid on a bicycle passed him.
NEWS JOURNALISM AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
In college, Steve knocked out his general courses at the nearby University of Akron. Then he transferred to Kent State University, where he got a bachelor's degree in news journalism. For those wondering where he was in 1970 when the Ohio National Guard came to Kent State to quell the Vietnam War protests and ended up killing four students in the parking lot outside the School of Journalism, Steve was a senior in high school.
His mother enrolled at Kent State the same year he did. She got a degree in elementary education, launching her career as a public school teacher. Don't ask Steve who finished college with a higher grade-point average.
Steve commuted to college; he couldn't afford to live on campus. He drove the 45 minutes each day to Kent, Ohio. After the owner of the Sohio service station died, Steve found a full-time summer job working in a factory. He ran heated molds that pressed uncured rubber into auto parts. Then he dug out the parts with a brass pick. He sweat through his clothes in the first 10 minutes, and through his boots by 30. At shift's end, his crust of body salt sculpted him into Lot's wife's brother.
WORKING AT THE NEWSPAPER
When Steve landed a summer internship his senior year, working as a news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune in central Ohio, life was looking up. He lived in a rented trailer and listened to his mouse traps snapping at night. Which wasn't as tough as listening to the girl next door match her oscillating voice to a record player with an rpm that couldn't decide which r to pm. But Steve was out of the rubber factory. And into an air-conditioned office.
After graduation, he took a job as a news reporter with the Alliance Review. He worked there a year and a half, covering general news and editing the religion section and the business section. Small paper. Pleasant town.
It was during those months that he decided the Christian publishing world needed a little help from writers and editors who had taken journalism 101.
further info...
http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/auth...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 12, 2011
This book is a summary of the Bible with some full-color pictures of paintings and maps related to the events as well as some illustrative photos (like of a mandrake, a goat, household idols, etc.). There were a few sidebars with cultural background information about the described event, but it's the quality of information you'd find in a study Bible. I didn't find that it really added any deep insight into the Bible and none of the information was new to me.
Also, while this book did briefly mention traditional views of the Bible (like that the Torah was written by Moses), the author presented these views in a dismissive way and included much more information on Bible-critical views (like the view that the Old Testament wasn't put down in written form--beyond the law--until King David's time). I felt like the author didn't believe in the supernatural events described in the Bible. For example, he included one sentence on the traditional view of the plagues in Exodus but gave a paragraph plus a large sidebar to explain the view that the plagues were simply typical natural disasters for Egypt (and he doesn't point out that the Egyptians would hardly be impressed with Moses if this was just a natural disaster cycle they experienced every year). He also has a "Bible History" timeline set next to a secular world history timeline so that it's obvious that the two don't agree for much of the Old Testament.
Since this book is dismissive toward my views of the Bible, I didn't particularly enjoy it. While easy to read, I also don't quite see the point of this book. You'd get more out of reading a study Bible and looking at a Bible atlas or Bible handbook. If that's too much reading, "The Essential Bible Guide" by Menashe Har-El, Paul Wright, and Baruch Sarel gives a reader a much greater depth of information in half the pages of this book. Personally, I wouldn't recommend "The Complete Visual Bible."
I received this book as a eBook review copy from the publisher.
Also, while this book did briefly mention traditional views of the Bible (like that the Torah was written by Moses), the author presented these views in a dismissive way and included much more information on Bible-critical views (like the view that the Old Testament wasn't put down in written form--beyond the law--until King David's time). I felt like the author didn't believe in the supernatural events described in the Bible. For example, he included one sentence on the traditional view of the plagues in Exodus but gave a paragraph plus a large sidebar to explain the view that the plagues were simply typical natural disasters for Egypt (and he doesn't point out that the Egyptians would hardly be impressed with Moses if this was just a natural disaster cycle they experienced every year). He also has a "Bible History" timeline set next to a secular world history timeline so that it's obvious that the two don't agree for much of the Old Testament.
Since this book is dismissive toward my views of the Bible, I didn't particularly enjoy it. While easy to read, I also don't quite see the point of this book. You'd get more out of reading a study Bible and looking at a Bible atlas or Bible handbook. If that's too much reading, "The Essential Bible Guide" by Menashe Har-El, Paul Wright, and Baruch Sarel gives a reader a much greater depth of information in half the pages of this book. Personally, I wouldn't recommend "The Complete Visual Bible."
I received this book as a eBook review copy from the publisher.
December 6, 2012
I am a faithful Christian who just truly believes in God. I don't need to know the views of unbelievers. I am still trying to get through this one.
December 30, 2022
This wasn't exactly what I'd hoped it would be. A little too light. A little I felt disrespectful at times.
October 14, 2015
The Complete Visual Bible by Stephen M. Miller April 2011 Barbour Books Book Review By Wayne Sacchi, April 19, 2011
The Complete Visual Bible
There is nothing more wonderful than to take a long trip with your closest friend and discover wonderful places and memories -- well that is how one feels when one reads a Stephen Miller book for the first time. The Complete Visual Bible is Miller's latest and greatest of all his books on many levels - certainly in the area of graphics, charts, maps, illustrations, photos, and research. If you have a short attention span and you are looking for a visually stunning overview through the Bible -- this book will not disappoint. This is a reference book and not a devotional book and it is written for all regardless of what one believes. The introduction at the beginning of the book proves this point -- Miller received a letter from an atheist (who gave him permission to use one of his photos) and this person commented how much he enjoyed how this book was put together and the care to detail with this subject matter. Stephen Miller writes his books on the Bible to get his readers excited to discover the "Book," not because it is his living only -- and he has many books under his belt -- but because he enjoys the thrill of bringing the novice explorer through the greatest book ever written.
If you are looking for a quick tour with lavish pictures and charts with very little commentary - then this is your book. If you want something more detailed, then I would recommend his earlier book called The Complete Guide to the Bible which had a more detailed overview of each book of the Bible with highlighted portions. What Miller has done, with this latest work, is to combine three of his best books (Complete Guide to the Bible, The Jesus of the Bible, and The Complete Guide to Bible Prophecy) -- taking all the charts and illustrations and making a more complete visual presentation, but all new and exciting. Each book of the Bible is presented with what is called "The Big Scene" - a beautiful illustration in artwork representing a major event in that book. The "Story Line" gives an overview of that book including Location, Time, and Author. On that spread you are given a "Time Line" which describes Bible History and World History. The dates or approximations are accepted by most scholars -- he even gives two dates for the exodus either 1440 BC or 1290 BC -- both dates have strong evidence of support by Bible scholars. Miller than does a "visual" commentary on the major chapters in each book.
This is a 542 page book that is reasonably priced at $19.99 and well worth it. There is even a web site where you can down load the index at [...]. I enjoyed this book very much and had just a few reservations. I wanted to comment on some of the criticisms that I read online by other reviewers. It was brought up that Miller downplays the supernatural accounts of miracles by using explanations of natural law. Miller simply presents commonly held explanations, for example, the plagues of Egypt were one natural disaster that brought on the next. Actually this view is pretty much held by most conservative scholars and is well presented in Moses and the Gods of Egypt: Studies in Exodus by John J. Davis. It is also fascinating how each plague was a slap in the face to the so-called gods of Egypt at that time. One book reviewer was upset that Miller had said that the "Jews buried Moses instead of God doing the job." The truth of the matter is that some manuscripts say "God buried Moses" and some say "He was buried," which Miller points out implies that he was buried by someone other than God. Remember Miller never gives his views -- he only presents the views of others. I found Miller's humor appropriate, in the right places, and very witty -- this is a joyful tour and not the "Book of Common Prayer!" Examples of his wit involved the Baker in prison with Joseph who "became toast" and the Apostle Paul becoming "Ballistic against the Judaizers in Galatia and suggesting castration." That comment had we rolling on the floor with a slight twinge! One criticism that is very noticeable is the use of personal paraphrasing. I don't know who the PR man is for Eugene Petersen (he probably could sell ice in Greenland) and the constant use of the Message Bible, but it takes away from Miller's work. The NKJV, NIV, TNIV, and NRSV are clearly cogent and respected enough translations. This is my little pet peeve: You don't paraphrase Shakespeare with modern lingo - leave the Scripture alone!
Let me all urge you to purchase this book about the "Book of Books" -- let Stephen Miller, as a trusted friend, take you on a visual journey through God's Word. Whatever happens on this extraordinary trip could just change your life!
The Complete Visual Bible
There is nothing more wonderful than to take a long trip with your closest friend and discover wonderful places and memories -- well that is how one feels when one reads a Stephen Miller book for the first time. The Complete Visual Bible is Miller's latest and greatest of all his books on many levels - certainly in the area of graphics, charts, maps, illustrations, photos, and research. If you have a short attention span and you are looking for a visually stunning overview through the Bible -- this book will not disappoint. This is a reference book and not a devotional book and it is written for all regardless of what one believes. The introduction at the beginning of the book proves this point -- Miller received a letter from an atheist (who gave him permission to use one of his photos) and this person commented how much he enjoyed how this book was put together and the care to detail with this subject matter. Stephen Miller writes his books on the Bible to get his readers excited to discover the "Book," not because it is his living only -- and he has many books under his belt -- but because he enjoys the thrill of bringing the novice explorer through the greatest book ever written.
If you are looking for a quick tour with lavish pictures and charts with very little commentary - then this is your book. If you want something more detailed, then I would recommend his earlier book called The Complete Guide to the Bible which had a more detailed overview of each book of the Bible with highlighted portions. What Miller has done, with this latest work, is to combine three of his best books (Complete Guide to the Bible, The Jesus of the Bible, and The Complete Guide to Bible Prophecy) -- taking all the charts and illustrations and making a more complete visual presentation, but all new and exciting. Each book of the Bible is presented with what is called "The Big Scene" - a beautiful illustration in artwork representing a major event in that book. The "Story Line" gives an overview of that book including Location, Time, and Author. On that spread you are given a "Time Line" which describes Bible History and World History. The dates or approximations are accepted by most scholars -- he even gives two dates for the exodus either 1440 BC or 1290 BC -- both dates have strong evidence of support by Bible scholars. Miller than does a "visual" commentary on the major chapters in each book.
This is a 542 page book that is reasonably priced at $19.99 and well worth it. There is even a web site where you can down load the index at [...]. I enjoyed this book very much and had just a few reservations. I wanted to comment on some of the criticisms that I read online by other reviewers. It was brought up that Miller downplays the supernatural accounts of miracles by using explanations of natural law. Miller simply presents commonly held explanations, for example, the plagues of Egypt were one natural disaster that brought on the next. Actually this view is pretty much held by most conservative scholars and is well presented in Moses and the Gods of Egypt: Studies in Exodus by John J. Davis. It is also fascinating how each plague was a slap in the face to the so-called gods of Egypt at that time. One book reviewer was upset that Miller had said that the "Jews buried Moses instead of God doing the job." The truth of the matter is that some manuscripts say "God buried Moses" and some say "He was buried," which Miller points out implies that he was buried by someone other than God. Remember Miller never gives his views -- he only presents the views of others. I found Miller's humor appropriate, in the right places, and very witty -- this is a joyful tour and not the "Book of Common Prayer!" Examples of his wit involved the Baker in prison with Joseph who "became toast" and the Apostle Paul becoming "Ballistic against the Judaizers in Galatia and suggesting castration." That comment had we rolling on the floor with a slight twinge! One criticism that is very noticeable is the use of personal paraphrasing. I don't know who the PR man is for Eugene Petersen (he probably could sell ice in Greenland) and the constant use of the Message Bible, but it takes away from Miller's work. The NKJV, NIV, TNIV, and NRSV are clearly cogent and respected enough translations. This is my little pet peeve: You don't paraphrase Shakespeare with modern lingo - leave the Scripture alone!
Let me all urge you to purchase this book about the "Book of Books" -- let Stephen Miller, as a trusted friend, take you on a visual journey through God's Word. Whatever happens on this extraordinary trip could just change your life!
April 2, 2011
Published on: Over A Cuppa Tea
Date published: 30th Jan 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4662
I’m a believer. I’m literate, and yet I still have difficulties understanding God’s word through the bible. I don’t really understand what God is trying to say through the bible though now I have no difficulties reading a page or two before I sleep.
It saddens me that I could not understand what He is trying to tell us. And it makes me unhappy that sometimes, I cannot imagine the object or events that has been described by the scriptures.
I have a lot of questions when I read the Holy Book. I’m not sure whether it is normal for a believer to question a lot of thing or not, but I’ve always wondered alot of things when I read the bible. The FAQ that always comes to my mind is:
1. Is God saying that East of Eden is a place on Earth? If He is saying that, where exactly is the Garden of Eden located? Where was it exactly in the ancient times?
2. How does Noah’s Ark looks like? How did Noah fed the animals during the flood?
3. Since human are all but wiped out from existence during Noah’s times… does this mean all human now are descendant of Noah?
4. Were there any discrimination before the Tower of Babel happened? People used to speak the same language before the Tower of Babel happened… and discrimination towards people who speaks different languages or people with different skin colour was unheard of.
5. How does exactly Tower of Babel looks like?
There are loads of questions that came to my mind when I read the Bible. And sometimes… I felt that it contradict one another… perhaps because my knowledge is not enough to understand it fully… that’s why I felt that way? I don’t know, but this ‘Complete Visual Bible’ by Stephen M. Miller helps answer some of my questions…it helps me ’see’ how objects described in the bible looks like and it certainly helps me understand the socio-politic and the socio-economy during the biblical times.
This bible is helpful for those who wants to understand the bible fully. I highly recommend this for use in the Sunday classes in church. 5 star for this bible. It’s very helpful.
I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for it.
Date published: 30th Jan 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4662
I’m a believer. I’m literate, and yet I still have difficulties understanding God’s word through the bible. I don’t really understand what God is trying to say through the bible though now I have no difficulties reading a page or two before I sleep.
It saddens me that I could not understand what He is trying to tell us. And it makes me unhappy that sometimes, I cannot imagine the object or events that has been described by the scriptures.
I have a lot of questions when I read the Holy Book. I’m not sure whether it is normal for a believer to question a lot of thing or not, but I’ve always wondered alot of things when I read the bible. The FAQ that always comes to my mind is:
1. Is God saying that East of Eden is a place on Earth? If He is saying that, where exactly is the Garden of Eden located? Where was it exactly in the ancient times?
2. How does Noah’s Ark looks like? How did Noah fed the animals during the flood?
3. Since human are all but wiped out from existence during Noah’s times… does this mean all human now are descendant of Noah?
4. Were there any discrimination before the Tower of Babel happened? People used to speak the same language before the Tower of Babel happened… and discrimination towards people who speaks different languages or people with different skin colour was unheard of.
5. How does exactly Tower of Babel looks like?
There are loads of questions that came to my mind when I read the Bible. And sometimes… I felt that it contradict one another… perhaps because my knowledge is not enough to understand it fully… that’s why I felt that way? I don’t know, but this ‘Complete Visual Bible’ by Stephen M. Miller helps answer some of my questions…it helps me ’see’ how objects described in the bible looks like and it certainly helps me understand the socio-politic and the socio-economy during the biblical times.
This bible is helpful for those who wants to understand the bible fully. I highly recommend this for use in the Sunday classes in church. 5 star for this bible. It’s very helpful.
I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for it.
March 5, 2011
This book was absolutely breathtaking. The photos that Mr. Miller chose were completely awes-inspiring.
Let me explain to you the set up of this Bible. I have had Bibles in the past that have had pictures and drawings, but none as beautifully done as this Bible.
First, at the beginning of each book, you have a beautiful picture that represents the story portrayed in that particular book. Also on the picture is a verse that can be used to describe the picture.
Then you have the storyline which is a brief summation of the plot of that book. That is followed by the location, time period, and the author of the book. One thing that I found interesting was the timelines that are at the beginning of each book. There are two parts to the timeline. The top half of the timeline is the Biblical timeline. It shows the order in which the events in that book take place. The bottom half of the timeline is the secular timeline. These are events that are noted by historians and scientists. This shows how closely related the two timelines are and where they might differ.
On the rest of the pages of each book, you will find the regular verses that you have come to know and love. As well, you will find pictures related to some of the more important verses. There are tons of great maps detailing where all these events took place.
When I received this book, I only got the ebook version. I can’t wait until April 1st to buy it when it gets published. I know that this will be a Bible that you will want to hold dearly in your family for years to come. I know that these past few weeks, it has made my daily Bible studies much more interesting.
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
Let me explain to you the set up of this Bible. I have had Bibles in the past that have had pictures and drawings, but none as beautifully done as this Bible.
First, at the beginning of each book, you have a beautiful picture that represents the story portrayed in that particular book. Also on the picture is a verse that can be used to describe the picture.
Then you have the storyline which is a brief summation of the plot of that book. That is followed by the location, time period, and the author of the book. One thing that I found interesting was the timelines that are at the beginning of each book. There are two parts to the timeline. The top half of the timeline is the Biblical timeline. It shows the order in which the events in that book take place. The bottom half of the timeline is the secular timeline. These are events that are noted by historians and scientists. This shows how closely related the two timelines are and where they might differ.
On the rest of the pages of each book, you will find the regular verses that you have come to know and love. As well, you will find pictures related to some of the more important verses. There are tons of great maps detailing where all these events took place.
When I received this book, I only got the ebook version. I can’t wait until April 1st to buy it when it gets published. I know that this will be a Bible that you will want to hold dearly in your family for years to come. I know that these past few weeks, it has made my daily Bible studies much more interesting.
In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
October 20, 2020
Rating on illustration and pictures alone this is a five-star study tool for me. This is not, however, something to use alone. The Complete Visual Bible title is a bit of a misnomer because, in fact, this title is quite slim. What it is, is a good study guide to use alongside one's Bible as if using a "study Bible". I am constantly impressed by Barbour Books study materials and I appreciate those that I have seen from Stephen Miler.
November 19, 2012
I really like this author's approach.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews