The HCSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students is a beautifully-crafted hardcover that has a sharp outer design for the
cover as well as similar graphics occasionally on the inside. I love
the indented and colored tabs that will help teens locate the
right book of the Bible for easier study.The commentaries and articles scattered randomly throughout this Apologetics Study Bible for Students are very interesting and thought provoking -- calling the learner to deeper study and understanding of the particular topic being shared. I particularly enjoyed the various quotes scattered throughout -- voices that allow some important theologians from the past, like Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, to influence the way we speak of living Christianly in the world.
But ultimately this study Bible falls into the trap that nearly all other apologetic texts fall into: Namely, thinking that Christianity is largely a "head trip" that can be confirmed by thinking the right ideas. This sort of privileging of rationality loses sight of the fact that, biblically, it's goodness and kindness -- the love of God -- that draws we humans in.
The HCSB Apologetics Study Bible is a great resource, but it's inadequate to do all that needs to be done. Real apologetics happens in worshipping communities that embody this faith -- not just defend it rationally.
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I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.