Questions about the "Life Application Bible Commentary" set

I bought this set yesterday during the cyber Monday sale. I have several "reformed leaning" commentary sets and was wanting to balance my library a little with a solid, but less technical set that would be more Arminian leaning, or at the least fairly neutral/balanced in its presentation regarding Calvinist vs Arminian perspectives. This set seemed to fit the bill regarding the technical level I was shooting for, and since Grant Osborne is listed as one of three editors for the series, I figured it might fit my goal for something more neutral or Arminian leaning.

What I didn't realize is that Bruce B. Barton is listed as the author for every volume. I'm not at all familiar with Mr. Barton, so I tried to get a little info on him but have had very little luck.

I would be grateful if anyone can share something about Mr. Barton and/or point me toward biographical information about him.

I would also be grateful if anyone who has used the "Life Application Bible Commentary" series would voice his/her opinion about how likely the set is to meet my two goals.

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Richard Villanueva

This set seemed to fit the bill regarding the technical level I was shooting for, and since Grant Osborne is listed as one of three editors for the series, I figured it might fit my goal for something more neutral or Arminian leaning.

What I didn't realize is that Bruce B. Barton is listed as the author for every volume. I'm not at all familiar with Mr. Barton, so I tried to get a little info on him but have had very little luck.

Did you purchase the series (https://www.logos.com/product/5762/the-life-application-bible-commentary)

or the single volume (https://www.logos.com/product/29777/life-application-new-testament-commentary).

Both have Osbourne as an editor. I have had my eye on the Life Application Commentary Series and may dive into a base package that features it soon enough.

Other than that, sorry I can't answer any questions about either resource BUT I can suggest that if you are looking for something Arminian leaning, maybe searching into Wesleyan or Methodist Commentary Sets would work for you?

There are some socio-rhetorical sets that might help, Ben Witherington has written several. I felt that the Osbourne Verse By Verse volumes weren't very technical and have enjoyed referring to them in my studies.

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1016964#Comment_1016964

Hi, Richard!

Actually I have both (got them in a package), but I was referring to the "Bible" commentary (17 volumes) which also happens to cover only the New Testament.

I appreciate your suggestions and do in fact have some Wesleyan and Methodist volumes, as well as some of Ben Witherington's resources, but not nearly as many resources as I have in the reformed tradition.

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1016971#Comment_1016971

Well ...I found the following info and I think it's referring to the same Bruce Barton, but even if it is, it's still fairly slim pickings. I just haven't been able to find much on Mr. Barton.

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The founders of Livingstone, Bruce Barton, Dave Veerman, and James Galvin, worked in executive positions in Youth for Christ.

In the early 1980s, challenged to begin a publishing enterprise within YFC’s ministry, they began the creative process of developing several books (including Parents & Teenagers, Victor Books; Practical Christianity, Tyndale House) and numerous guides and meeting plans for youth group leaders. Then began the biggest project of all. In a partnership between YFC and Tyndale House, Bruce, Dave, and Jim and Ron Beers (now of Tyndale House) created a study Bible that would go with the Living Bible text. After several years and thousands of hours of hard work, the Life Application Study Bible was published in 1988, and at the same time, Livingstone was born.

That was twenty-eight years ago. Livingstone eventually grew to 17 employees, and completed over 220 specialty Bibles and more than 600 trade books, devotionals, gift books, and curriculum products. Bruce and Dave continue to guide the company in meeting the goal of helping publishers get their ideas to the marketplace.

Livingstone’s products have won 15 Gold Medallion and Christian Book awards and have been finalists over 35 times. In 1995 they added typesetting services; in 2000, graphic arts services.

Livingstone is named after the famous explorer, David Livingstone. The founders believed he captured the heart and essence of their personal vision—to mark new territory, explore new vistas and serve people, while advancing the Good News of Jesus Christ. This founding vision is still central to Livingstone’s DNA and culture today.