The College Press Bible Study Textbook Series (59 vols.) just went on pre-pub.
While this appears to be similar in name to a series that was discussed in the Suggestions forum, it appears to be a different set.
Does anyone have any experience with this series?
Thanks!
The College Press Bible Study Textbook Series (59 vols.) just went on pre-pub. While this appears to be similar in name to a series that was discussed in the Suggestions forum, it appears to be a different set. Does anyone have any experience with this series? Thanks!
If you just want a commentary set that has "all the answers," this probably isn't it. However, if you want a commentary set that guides you to do further study on your own, this is a good set for that purpose.
unless there is a post/link somewhere in that thread I have overlooked, what is on pre-pub now is what is discussed in that thread.
I think Bill gave two good points. One, that it is uneven. I can't give you a lot of specifics on which ones I didn't like, only that I remember some not being very thorough as a commentary--which may not have been their design. But I balance that with Bill's point that their intent was to be more of a study aid, and that makes sense. And in that regard, even the "less thorough" books (from a commentary perspective) would be quite helpful to set up or guide Bible study (leading or on one's own).
Fowler's Matthew set IS a commentary, and at 4 volumes, quite expansive. Sometimes a bit verbose, I still found it very helpful when I was writing an extensive paper for an exegetical class on Matthew. It was written in the 70s, I think. Fowler was/is a missionary in Italy, and brings in some commentary/scholarly input (Italian/Latin) that are not reflected in other commentaries. Just interesting.
Bill & Dan,
Thank you both for your thoughtful answers.I've been around long enough that I know that nobody has "all the answers". I thought at one point I knew someone that had most of the answers but he subsequently corrected my misconception. [:)]
For me, something that serves to raise interesting questions is worthwhile to have because I'm not sure that I often am asking the right questions.
Thanks again!
The set on Pre-Pub is the exact same set we talked about in the suggestion thread. Bill Shewmaker's description is very good.The intended purpose of the set was to be a series of textbooks for Bible study (hence the title "Bible Study Textbook Series") I really like it for the outlines of each book and the sequential presentation. It is not a commentary that one would draw on frequently for sermon preparation. I'd call it a comprehensive 59 volume Bible survey.
Incidentally, another big set College Press put out then was the "What the Bible Says About ..." series. It was a very good collection of books dealing with doctrine and specific topics related to living the Christian life. I don't know how many volumes were ultimately published because it was an ongoing series offered on a subscription plan as well as individually. I am guessing there were around 38 volumes. The original set is out of print but College Press has started publishing a set by the same name that looks like an update of the original content. Logos has already published a few of the new set in What the Bible Says Series (6 vols.)
If only Logos could publish the original set of the What the Bible Says About .. series! If only....
Another out-of-print College Press series that would fit well in Vyrso was a collection of Restoration Movement biographies.
Taxee:
If you Google "College Press Bible Study Textbook," one of the "hits" will take you to a page on the College Press web site where they have posted the text from the different books in the series. They are large files of page scans in PDF format, not at all comparable to the flexible and feature-rich files in Logos format, but it does give you an opportunity to sample both the series as a whole and explore individual insights on a passage to help make a more informed purchase decision. Personally, I find with large commentary sets like this especially, that the detailed tagging work that Logos does to make such voluminous information quick and easy to access, well worth the investment. Of course, at the end of the day it needs to be a resource you'd actually use and trust, which others have already commented on.
Steve R.
They are very practical for Sunday or Wednesday or small group or devotional studies. I have the free PDF's so I'm kind of reluctant to order them in Logos. Yes, far more superior in Logos format, but hey, PDFs is free. Just like Themelios, I have them all PDF's free instead of the superior paid version of Logos. Good set though, I just wish Logos would give us owners of the PDF a 50% discount off the pre-pub price...LOL...[;)][6][:P]
Blessings!
DA
i was thinking about writing Phil Gons and having them amend their "Old Green Commentary" subtitle to "Green Commentary." I was wondering what others, who know this series, thought. Certainly, it is "old" by comparison to the NIV Commentary series. But I never heard the series referred to with the "Old" as part of the title. I have seen people write "the old green commentaries", but I don't think that they meant "old" to be a part of the title. They were simply known as the Green Commentaries. Or not? I guess my reason for pointing this out is that "Old" as a moniker, besides not being reflective of actual parlance about the series name, is also subliminally derogatory, in that who on earth would want to be an "old" set. (I don't mean Logos is being derogatory). Anyone have thoughts on this?
i was thinking about writing Phil Gons and having them amend their "Old Green Commentary" subtitle to "Green Commentary." I was wondering what others, who know this series, thought.
[Y][H] You have my full support. I don't know how successful you may be in the attempt. Those of us who used the set "back then" probably view the adjective "old" as a warm term of familiarity. But anyone new to the series may view the description as a negative.
Although there may be a few notes in the set that may be surpassed by more recent archeological discoveries (I don't know of any off-hand) the main body of content is still very good for an in-depth study of the Bible text.
Other works published in Logos that demonstrate lasting value and scholarship of a similar level include:
Works by J. W. McGarvey
Old Testament Survey Series by Smith, James E (included in all base packages above Home)
This College Press Bible Study Textbook Series is great, I have the print edition and it has been one of the most helpful resources to me. Very practical and organized in its presentation. I can't wait to get this in Logos format!
