very
decade or so a new book will come out helping Christians
understand the history of the transmission of the Bible from its
original writings to today. Some have been very helpful and others
simply words and little help. Arnold has given us wh at I believe
is the best book ever done on the subject. This book lets pictures
speak more loudly than words. Every page is filled with full color
photos of everything from papyrus fragments to pictures of men
like Bruce Metzger, who gave us the United Bible Societies ’most
used Greek text.
The book begins with a description of early writing, alphabets,
writing utensils, and writing surfaces. It goes on to explain all
the diffe rent types of manuscripts and how they influenced the
copies of the Bible found in different places throughout the early
church world, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Greek Old
Testament.
Arnold incorporates charts and outlines throughout
to keep us up on the flow of history. He also gives us a breakdown
of the characteristics of the major Bible versions used today. The
publication year, reading grade level, approach of the
translators, and distinctives are included in the breakdown.
This book can be used by an individual, but the
book measures 8.5x11”and can also be held up in small classrooms.
I have written to Zondervan to suggest they follow the book up
with a Power Point presentation for teachers, or even a DVD going
through the whole book. I will let you know wh at they say.
—Dennis Bennett
Coordinator of Training and Resources
Third
Quarter 2008 Book Review
