Suggestion/request for a Reformed Base package

As I have looked through the base packages trying to decide which package would be best for me, I have noticed that there isn't a package geared specifically towards us reformed folks. In order to avoid confusion allow me to define what I mean by Reformed. That is those who hold to either the three forms of unity (the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism), or the Westminster Confession of Faith. The base packages that are currently available are Protestant packages, but they aren't Reformed.

A Reformed package would be useful because I wouldn't then ended up purchasing a package with a lot of books that I may never use.

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George Somsel

As I have looked through the base packages trying to decide which package would be best for me, I have noticed that there isn't a package geared specifically towards us reformed folks. In order to avoid confusion allow me to define what I mean by Reformed. That is those who hold to either the three forms of unity (the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism), or the Westminster Confession of Faith. The base packages that are currently available are Protestant packages, but they aren't Reformed.

A Reformed package would be useful because I wouldn't then ended up purchasing a package with a lot of books that I may never use.

What would be useful to you depends upon your interests and how you would use Logos (Original Languages, e.g.). There are a number of individual works and collections which can be added on to any package you choose such as

That should at least get you started.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328264#Comment_328264

There are various Canon Press collections. These too are all Reformed:

http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=canon+press

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328264#Comment_328264

http://www.logos.com/product/5170/calvin-500-collection

Logos has a web site => http://www.logos.com/websites with 61 % discount code for Calvin 500 collection.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Rich DeRuiter

As I have looked through the base packages trying to decide which package would be best for me, I have noticed that there isn't a package geared specifically towards us reformed folks. In order to avoid confusion allow me to define what I mean by Reformed. That is those who hold to either the three forms of unity (the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism), or the Westminster Confession of Faith. The base packages that are currently available are Protestant packages, but they aren't Reformed.

A Reformed package would be useful because I wouldn't then ended up purchasing a package with a lot of books that I may never use.

In addition to what has already been mentioned, you may want to consider:

http://www.logos.com/product/6690/introduction-to-systematic-theology

http://www.logos.com/product/9362/reformed-dogmatics

http://www.logos.com/product/5309/reformed-dogmatics

http://www.logos.com/product/4238/studies-in-dogmatics

http://www.logos.com/product/4199/abraham-kuyper-collection

http://www.logos.com/press/reviews/vantil-06-27

http://www.logos.com/product/3934/charles-hodge-commentary-collection

http://www.logos.com/product/4362/a-a-hodge-collection

http://www.logos.com/product/5704/christian-focus-reformed-heritage-collection

http://www.logos.com/product/7840/systematic-theology

http://www.logos.com/product/8558/puritan-sermons-1659-1689

http://www.logos.com/product/6354/the-works-of-robert-traill

http://www.logos.com/product/8568/the-complete-works-of-thomas-brooks

http://www.logos.com/product/7866/works-of-john-bunyan

http://www.logos.com/product/6832/the-whole-works-of-james-ussher

http://www.logos.com/product/4204/the-works-of-thomas-goodwin

http://www.logos.com/product/3679/the-works-of-john-owen

I could go on, but that's a good start.

Caleb Allen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328310#Comment_328310

I appreciate all of your gracious replies. I am aware that Logos has several reformed resources that are available for purchase, however, that is not what I was requesting. I assume that I was unclear in the way I originally presented it, so allow to try again.

I am currently running the free version of Logos because that is what my budget affords me at this time. There are certain features that aren't available in the free version because they want you to buy a base package. My problem with the base packages as they are now is that I am trying to build my library using primarily reformed/puritan sources. So for me to buy a base package would mean that I have bought many sources that 1) I don't want and 2) I may never use. Therefore, I would like a package to be created that contains primarily reformed/puritan works. I guess a Logos version of The Puritan Hard Drive. So why can't Logos create a package with many of resources that you all have shared with me?

Rich DeRuiter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328317#Comment_328317

I appreciate all of your gracious replies. I am aware that Logos has several reformed resources that are available for purchase, however, that is not what I was requesting. I assume that I was unclear in the way I originally presented it, so allow to try again.

I am currently running the free version of Logos because that is what my budget affords me at this time. There are certain features that aren't available in the free version because they want you to buy a base package. My problem with the base packages as they are now is that I am trying to build my library using primarily reformed/puritan sources. So for me to buy a base package would mean that I have bought many sources that 1) I don't want and 2) I may never use. Therefore, I would like a package to be created that contains primarily reformed/puritan works. I guess a Logos version of The Puritan Hard Drive. So why can't Logos create a package with many of resources that you all have shared with me?

Ah, should have caught that right away.

Of course, this is the place to put such a suggestion. Logos may, or may not respond in this forum, but someone from Logos will look at it.

Whether or not Logos will put together a base package such as the one you envision is difficult to say. Logos has recently shown signs of being open to doing things very differently.

On the other hand, these base packages are brokered with publishers to give some pretty amazing deals. It's difficult to know how, or even if that would work for the type of package you are asking for.

If all you want to do is study the Puritans, then Logos might not be the best platform for that. It's basically a Bible study program, not a general research program. It would work, but you'd be buying into a lot of functionality you don't really need.

If you're on a very limited budget, and you're interested in Bible study with the Puritans (e.g.), I would suggest considering the smallest package (Home), which includes several Bibles, some Bible dictionaries, and a few general commentaries that you might find somewhat helpful. Then you can build your library with other resources as your budget allows.

But if you can, I would recommend a package with much greater study potential. Often these packages come with resources I don't think I'll ever use, but the deal for the ones I want is still an amazing bargain. The general recommendation is always to buy the biggest base package you can afford and specialize from there. Even if you want to go deep into one specialization (Puritan and/or Reformed studies), it's helpful to have a wider library from which to draw, if only for the sake of comparison of ideas.

Doc B

A Reformed package would be useful

[Y]

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328317#Comment_328317

I guess a Logos version of The Puritan Hard Drive. So why can't Logos create a package with many of resources that you all have shared with me?

I think they can and should create a Reformed base package. I got both the Puritan and Pilgrim Bookshelves from SWRB way back when they first offered them. There are also so many great Puritan and Reformed works that are already in Logos, a comprehensive collection might get expensive. Still a big savings on a big collection would be nice. I have been buying most of them as they exit the Pre-Pub program.

Doc B

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328322#Comment_328322

Ah, should have caught that right away.

While the initial responses didn't answer Caleb's question, they did give a nice reference to a good number of after-base add-ons for folks interested in reformed works. I appreciate the list and will copy it to Evernote for future use.

Caleb Allen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328322#Comment_328322

I understand that such a library could get rather expensive. But even putting many of the Canon Press resources into a base package would be nice. I am not looking to only study the Puritans. I am simply reformed/reforming in my beliefs regarding Christianity and God's Word and would like to be able to purchase a base package that will help me in that area. I am not opposed to owning works of viewpoints, I would just want to hand pick those resources. Thanks for your reply.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328310#Comment_328310

I could go on, but that's a good start.

Please go on. Wonder about potential for several Reformed base packages ? (Bible Study, Scholar's, ...)

Edit: appears three collections are in Scholar's Platinum base package:

http://www.logos.com/product/7840/systematic-theology (Silver and above)

http://www.logos.com/product/4238/studies-in-dogmatics

http://www.logos.com/product/7866/works-of-john-bunyan

Noticing several collections were partially or completely included in Christmas 2011 Master collection.

Personally Thankful for John Bunyan collection; have enjoyed reading Pilgrim's Progress again.

Logos free books => http://www.logos.com/products/search?start=&sort=pricelo&pageSize=30

currently includes => The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6: Temptation and Sin

Keep Smiling [:)]

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328317#Comment_328317

I am currently running the free version of Logos because that is what my budget affords me at this time. There are certain features that aren't available in the free version because they want you to buy a base package. My problem with the base packages as they are now is that I am trying to build my library using primarily reformed/puritan sources. So for me to buy a base package would mean that I have bought many sources that 1) I don't want and 2) I may never use. Therefore, I would like a package to be created that contains primarily reformed/puritan works. I guess a Logos version of The Puritan Hard Drive. So why can't Logos create a package with many of resources that you all have shared with me?

Caleb,

the optimum selection of functionality and resources still depends on the way you intend to use Logos (mainly as an e-reader, for personal bible study, seminary, for teaching and preaching) and the area of scholarship you are interested in - church history, systematic theology, original languages and exegesis etc. Some reformed folk want to learn much from e.g. Augustin (as Calvin did) and other church fathers, others find little value in everything that's older that Zwingli. So, even if Logos created a reformed base package, it will contain resources you don't like and lack others you'd rather have.

That said: If you are not that much into original languages, to have the features my advice would be to buy the http://www.logos.com/minimalcrossgrade . Then you should watch http://www.logos.com/products/search?Status=Community+Pricing as Logos is turning out lots of public domain puritan resources through this channel. Also, you might look around whether some resources have been precompiled by 3rd parties.

It seems you just missed the big Christmas Sale where Logos asked people to discuss with Sales their expectations regarding Customer Service, products, rebates etc. Still I think, if you put together a list of your most wanted ressources (or put them on your wishlist) and call them, indicating that you'd like a big special package, then they might be able to work the "Caleb Reformed Package" for you.

Mick

Andy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328416#Comment_328416

So, even if Logos created a reformed base package, it will contain resources you don't like and lack others you'd rather have.

Hi Mick,

This occurred to me also. I wonder, then, if Logos might introduce a series of library builder packages focusing upon various aspects of Reformed theology. This would enable the OP to purchase a more affordable base package supplemented with additional (and more precisely targeted) library builder packages (as per Richard's suggestion).

I would definitely be interested in such an offer as it would allow me to pick and choose what most meets my needs and interests.

Andy

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328416#Comment_328416

even if Logos created a reformed base package, it will contain resources you don't like and lack others you'd rather have.

Actually, all the existing base packages probably contain some resources that many people don't want. That's the reason for the Hidden Resources feature! [:)]

You still get a great deal on all the resources within that package that you do want, even if in the process you acquire a bunch that you don't want that you'll later need to hide.

Logos can't customize the base packages for every possible theological position, so they tried to go for mainstream conservative evangelical Protestantism (which overlaps quite a lot with Reformed but not 100%). Since that didn't overlap much with what Catholics would want, they had to create a custom base package for Catholics in order to get more of them as customers. They don't seem to have a problem getting Reformed believers as customers as it is now, though, judging by the conversations on these forums, so I don't think they'll find it a priority to make a special Reformed base package. However seeing that there are still a few hold-outs, maybe they ought to consider making an even cheaper entry-level base package than Christian Home (e.g., Logos Starter Package) that would get people into the Logos system and then let them build their library from there using a variety of Library Builder collections, special customized sales like this past December's one, etc.

Caleb Allen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/328431#Comment_328431

So, I just had another idea that might be more likely to happen. How about creating a reformed/puritan Library Builder. I understand that there are some reformed resources with the base packages, so why not create a Library Builder that contains ONLY reformed works at a slightly discounted rate (that is compared to what you would pay if you bought them individually). I think that would make those of us who desire to have a library of primarily reformed authors the ability to buy multiple works together as a bundle for less than if done so separately.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/350445#Comment_350445

So, I just had another idea that might be more likely to happen. How about creating a reformed/puritan Library Builder. I understand that there are some reformed resources with the base packages, so why not create a Library Builder that contains ONLY reformed works at a slightly discounted rate

I like the idea of a Puritan/Reformed Library Builder. But why ask Logos to only "slightly discount it?" [^o)] I own the PDF books by Still Waters Revival Books in the Pilgrim, Puritan, and Reformed "Bookshelf" collections. There are so many more book available in this genre than most people are familiar with. Amazing stuff.

Caleb Allen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/351048#Comment_351048

Yeah, I guess I wasn't as clear as I wanted to be. I should have said "at least at a slightly discounted rate. reason was it should be made worth purchasing the builder over purchasing its contents individually. I have looked into the SWRB collections. The only thing keeping me from getting it is I am hoping Logos will put together some kind of bundle allowing me to get it for Logos 4.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/351082#Comment_351082

I am hoping Logos will put together some kind of bundle allowing me to get it for Logos 4.

Would would be in your dream library builder bundle(s) ?

Also have option to discuss with Logos Sales => http://www.logos.com/about/contact (could email with reference to this thread)

By the way, a Logos.com search for Puritan => http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=Puritan finds 300 resources.

Searching for Canon Press publications => http://www.logos.com/products/search?Publisher=Canon+Press&start=0&sort=bestselling&pageSize=60 finds 51 resource possibilities.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Caleb Allen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/351086#Comment_351086

Here is a list of stuff that Logos offer that I would like to see in this bundle/builder. Maybe not Bunyan's and Calvin's commentary though since some of their work is included in the Crossway Classic Commentary. Over all though, I would really like to get SWRB's Puritan collection through Logos. Also, I was talking with a friend over the weekend and he brought up having a "Create your own" builder would be awesome.

works of John Bunyan 61 vol
calvin commentary 46 vol
institutes of the christian religion
Louis berkhof - Systematic Theology, manual of Christian dotrine, hist. of christian doctrine
Crossway Classic commentary collections (11 vol + 13 vol)
Reymond's A New Systematic theology of the christian faith, the God-centered Preacher
Puritan sermons 6 vol
hist. of puritans 5 vol
Berkouwer's Studies in dogmatics 14 vol
Hymns for the church on Earth
Steve Green's MIDI Hymnal
Luther's works 55 vol
Works of Van Til 40 vol
J.I. Packer A quest for Godliness