New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties
Hello:
Any recommendations to a good book that discusses Bible paradoxes / difficulties? For example: Judas Iscariot recorded as dying two different ways, why one synoptic gospel lists only one demon possessed man at Gadarenes while the other lists two demon possessed men, etc... I'm open to all suggestions.
I see that L4 has a book, "New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties" and it appears to be what I am looking for, but would like some advice on the following, please:
- Is the book worth is weight?
- I see that it is pre-pub, yet when I go to download it, they want to take my money now and there is nothing stating when I will be able to download it. I would hate to think that it's months out before I can download it (especially if I'm being billed now), but the purchase site lists no mention of when I should be able to download it so I'm apprehensive on pushing the "okay to bill me" button.
- Why is Logos charging $25 for the book when you can buy the same book on Amazon for $18??!! Is it because it's an electronic book? I don't understand why they would charge more.
Thank you kindly for any and all replies, in advance.
David
Comments
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David said:
I see that it is pre-pub, yet when I go to download it, they want to take my money now and there is nothing stating when I will be able to download it. I would hate to think that it's months out before I can download it (especially if I'm being billed now), but the purchase site lists no mention of when I should be able to download it so I'm apprehensive on pushing the "okay to bill me" button.
David, first of all this IS confusing, BUT, even though it says download, you cannot as yet download it because it has NOT been "made" "produced" etc. That "download" refers to how it would eventually arrive at your computer. You will NOT be immediately charged.
A Pre-Pub is an expression of interest (unless cancelled later) that says "When this book is ready, I would like to buy it.' When enough of us (say that/ vote for it etc/ order it) then Logos eventually will produce the resource. Presently some are speculating that it may be June before this Zondervan material will be available. (So you are right, it could take months, Even then, usually you willl reveive an email warning that the credit card is about to be charged. If for some reason you do not want it or don't have enough funds you are still allowed to cancel it.
Does this make sense? Have I explained this clearly enough. Bye the way, I have this in hard cover and (in "Z"'s "P") and find it helpful. It is not "technical" but does attempt to sort out issues. Yes it does deal with items you mention. It is organized "scripturallly" like a commentary for easy searching.
Regards, SteveF
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David said:
Any recommendations to a good book that discusses Bible paradoxes / difficulties? For example: Judas Iscariot recorded as dying two different ways, why one synoptic gospel lists only one demon possessed man at Gadarenes while the other lists two demon possessed men, etc... I'm open to all suggestions.
David said:Why is Logos charging $25 for the book when you can buy the same book on Amazon for $18??!! Is it because it's an electronic book? I don't understand why they would charge more.
David, I have gold and the only thing that i have found is the "Apologists Study Bible" which is only sold as part of the Holman resource collection. As far as pricing, it is hard to compare a book that has been converted to Logos format with either a paper version or a regular e-book. There is a whole process of tagging and that goes on behind that scenes that lets you use your book as part of your L4 engine. I can generate tens of thousands of search hits with L4 in under a second, it takes a lot of prep work by Logos to make that possible. Besides comparing Amazon's prices with a different dealer doesn't have a lot of validity sometimes. I can often buy a book from Amazon cheaper than I can from the local Barnes and Nobles. Yet, I buy more from Barnes and Nobles than I do from Amazon because BN maintains brick and mortar stores that give me more value than just price. In it's own way, Logos does the same.
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David said:
Any recommendations to a good book that discusses Bible paradoxes / difficulties?
Difficulties in the Bible: Alleged Errors and ContradictionsThis is an older book but available in Logos
There is also a Logos compatible set (can't find it on website) produced by IVPress "Hard Sayings of (Paul, Jeus , Old testametn etc) organized by scriptures. It may only be available from a Logos "partner"?
Regards, SteveF
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Let me add to the currently-available--don't need to wait for the prepub process--the IVP Essential Reference collection: Hard Sayings of the Bible. It is arranged canonically and comments on difficulties, alleged contradictions (it doesn't comment on every passage in scripture). It's worth checking out and it is in a great-deal package.
Prov. 15:23
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Kevin Becker said:
the IVP Essential Reference collection: Hard Sayings of the Bible.
Thanks Kevin, that is the one I could not locate. It is quite helpful IMHO.
Regards, SteveF
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David said:
Any recommendations to a good book that discusses Bible paradoxes / difficulties? For example: Judas Iscariot recorded as dying two different ways, why one synoptic gospel lists only one demon possessed man at Gadarenes while the other lists two demon possessed men, etc... I'm open to all suggestions.
Currently available in Logos is:
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas A. Howe. When Critics Ask : A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1992. http://www.logos.com/products/details/1756 This book has loads of references but it looks like it is only available as part of The Norman L. Geisler Apologetics Library.
Kaiser, W. C. (1997). Hard sayings of the Bible. Downers Grove, Il: InterVarsity. http://www.logos.com/products/details/1516 This book also has loads of references but looks like it is only available as part of The Essential IVP Reference Collection. The other books in this collection are also very good reference materials that you would probably use. This in my opinion is the best package.
Torrey, R. (1998). Difficulties in the Bible : Alleged errors and contradictions. Willow Grove: Woodlawn Electronic Publishing. http://www.logos.com/ebooks/details/difbible This book seems rather skimpy on the difficulties that it addresses (but it is also priced at only $5.95) as can be seen in the contents below:
Introduction
1 A General Statement of the Case
2 Classes of Difficulties
3 How Shall We Deal with the Difficulties of the Bible?
4 Genesis One-Historical and Scientific?
5 The Antiquity of Man According to the Bible and According to Science
6 Where Did Cain Get His Wife?
7 Jehovah’s Command to Abraham to Offer Up Isaac as a Burnt Offering
8 God Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart
9 The Slaughter of the Canaanites by God’s Command
10 Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still
11 Deborah’s Praise of Jael, the "Murderess"
12 The Sacrifice of Jephtha’s Daughter
13 "Impure" Bible Stories
14 David’s Sin
15 The Imprecatory Psalms
16 Does the God of Truth and Love Send Lying Spirits and Evil Spirits to Men?
17 Jonah and the Whale
18 Some Important "Contradictions" in the Bible
19 "Mistakes" in the Bible
20 The Two Genealogies of Jesus, the Christ
21 Was Jesus Really Three Days and Three Nights in the Heart of the Earth?
22 How Could Jesus Commend the Action of the Unrighteous Steward?
23 Were Jesus and Paul Mistaken as to the Time of Our Lord’s Return?
24 Did Jesus Go into the Abode of the Dead and Preach to the Spirits in Prison? Is There Another Probation After Death?Another would be to consult some good commentaries on these issues.
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FWIW, Hard Sayings Of The Bible is one of my most-used resources, even before I discovered Logos.
Jerry
Macbook Air (2024), Apple M2, 16gb Ram, Mac Sequoia, 1TB storage
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I've consulted Hard Sayings frequently prior to Logos also, although (as with any biblical resource) one may or may not agree with its conclusions / explanations.
Peter
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David,
FWIW in one of my seminary classes Ligon Duncan was asked for a resource to help with some Bible difficulty and he recommended "New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties." I have used it as well and love it.
About the PrePub, this is a Zondervan title and not up to Logos on pricing or production. Zondervan has stated their titles will be available in June. These are not being produced by Logos so the amount of pre orders matters not in when we will see this title.0 -
PeterLi you stole my thunder [:D]
I was basically going to say that it is an excellent resurce but as with any kind of commentary or such you may have disagreements with it, but at least it does give you possible solutions.
Rick
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I use this resource alot. There is also another similar title called when cultist ask. I fully recommend these books it is set up in this sort of format that makes it simple to find passages
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Thank you all for your replies.
I have gone online and put in my order for New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties for when it comes out. From your recommendations, I am excited about its release. I considered the Essential IVP package, but the price might hold me back (unless you feel all other items that come with it are REALLY worth the extra) [:O].
Price really isn't the object if IVP has a lot to offer, but the description on the Logos site wasn't enough to convince me. It's kinda a shame that the don't break up the package for those of us that just want the "Hard sayings of the Bible" book alone.
In Christ.
David
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The Essential IVP is a must, you get 6 dictionaries that go for about $50 each hard copy. And they are all extremely valuable. It is one of the best add-ons I have purchased, absolutely love it!!!!1
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David said:
Price really isn't the object if IVP has a lot to offer, but the description on the Logos site wasn't enough to convince me. It's kinda a shame that the don't break up the package for those of us that just want the "Hard sayings of the Bible" book alone.
The Bible dictionaries in the IVP package are great. The Bible Background commentaries are standards in the field. Frankly, buying the IVP package gives you just about the best information per dollar of anything in the Logos store.
Prov. 15:23
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I think the Essential IVP is worth every buck just for the IVP Bible Background Commentaries (that's the reason I got mine [:)])! The Hard Sayings of the Bible is certainly a bonus though. It has quickly became my favorite book since its appearance in the iPhone a few days ago. [:D]
I like the depth Kaiser dwells into the issues though I may not agree entirely with everything he says. His views can sometimes be a bit unconventional if not radical - I still have problems with how he translated "he" in Gen 9:27 in his book "Mission in the Old Testament" and derive theological implications from it.
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I agree the IVP collection is worth it for the background commentaries alone. I do like Hard Sayings as well. This is a great add on reference set.
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Does anyone know why the Hard Sayings doesn't show up in PRA's with commentaries? It is by verse so I would think it would link. I threw it in a collection with commentaries that I use mainly for PRA but no go. Is it because the type is monograph?
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Robert Mullen said:
Does anyone know why the Hard Sayings doesn't show up in PRA's with commentaries? It is by verse so I would think it would link. I threw it in a collection with commentaries that I use mainly for PRA but no go. Is it because the type is monograph?
Yes, that's why. Hopefully the metadata on this book will be changed to Bible Commentary
Prov. 15:23
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Sorry folks ... newbie here. What is a PRA and should I be concerned about it before I purchase the well-recommended package including the "Hard Sayings" [:O]
Thank you.
David
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Hi David,
PRA = Parallel Resource Association.
Resources in a collection sharing a PRA (e.g., your custom collection of Bibles or commentaries) should be available via right/left arrow to the next one in the PRA collection.
If you used them in L3, you care re your purchase that it'll be available. If not, you have something you can grow into. Either way, I don't think you'd find it a go/no-go decision, since it's coming.
Blessings!
Grace & Peace,
Bill
MSI GF63 8RD, I-7 8850H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 2TB HDD, NVIDIA GTX 1050Max
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