Undecided if Logos is right for me...

I have been considering purchasing Bible study software, but I am not sure if Logos is the right program for my needs. I would love your insights and advice.

I am not in ministry or a scholar, but someone who wants to be able to do deeper Bible study. I saw Logos at a conference at my church, and I'm interested in having more study resources available (Bible dictionaries, a good commentary, info on biblical culture) and the software to help with searching. However, my budget is $500 at this point, which it seems would get me the Bronze package with the current discount (I don't think I qualify for any other discounts). However, I don't know if I am the "typical" type of person that Logos targets, and if this program will be worth the investment for me. From looking at a couple other programs, it seems that Logos is the most expensive (although it seems difficult to figure out if the programs/resources are equal), but I am having a difficult time deciding if the extra features that Logos has is worth the investment. I have tried some of the free online programs, but find the interfaces difficult to use and thus distracting.

One thing that concerns me is that some people say that Logos is slow. My computer is about 2 years old but has a new hard drive and 8gb of RAM and an i7 processor. I recently upgraded to Windows 10, and have gotten "low memory" messages, which I haven't ever gotten before. I am concerned that this program won't work well on my computer,

Any advice is welcome!

Rachel

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Frank Sauer

Welcome to the Forums Rachel!

First, pertaining to the hardware that you stated you currently use. With a newer hard drive, 8 gigs of RAM and an i7 processor, you should be able to run Logos efficiently.

In regard to whether Logos is the right software for you and if it meets your needs, I'd recommend giving it a try and if it does not, or even if it is much more than you are looking for currently. In honesty, Logos is on the higher $ range of Bible software, but it does a lot more than the lowers $ competitors. The question is whether or not the extra it does is worth the cost difference for you personally.

So feel free to give it a try, Logos does offer a 30 Day refund policy, so if it works for you, you have very good software. If it doesn't work for your needs, you tried out arguably the best and have a great reference point in your search for the Bible Study software that you are looking for to enrich your faith!

Myke Harbuck

I have been considering purchasing Bible study software, but I am not sure if Logos is the right program for my needs. I would love your insights and advice.

I am not in ministry or a scholar, but someone who wants to be able to do deeper Bible study. I saw Logos at a conference at my church, and I'm interested in having more study resources available (Bible dictionaries, a good commentary, info on biblical culture) and the software to help with searching. However, my budget is $500 at this point, which it seems would get me the Bronze package with the current discount (I don't think I qualify for any other discounts). However, I don't know if I am the "typical" type of person that Logos targets, and if this program will be worth the investment for me. From looking at a couple other programs, it seems that Logos is the most expensive (although it seems difficult to figure out if the programs/resources are equal), but I am having a difficult time deciding if the extra features that Logos has is worth the investment. I have tried some of the free online programs, but find the interfaces difficult to use and thus distracting.

One thing that concerns me is that some people say that Logos is slow. My computer is about 2 years old but has a new hard drive and 8gb of RAM and an i7 processor. I recently upgraded to Windows 10, and have gotten "low memory" messages, which I haven't ever gotten before. I am concerned that this program won't work well on my computer,

Any advice is welcome!

Rachel

I think Frank is right, you should be fine. You may have to make sure you do not sun other programs or processes at the same time. And you can do things to speed up Win 10, like disabling features you dont need and such.

Logos is the most important investment I have made in Bible Study. I have several programs, and hardly use the others. Yes, Logos is more expensive, but you get what you pay for, and Logos is the Cadillac of Bible Study software in my opinion.

You do have a 30 day money back guarantee, and you can also get a payment plan, interest free.

I think you will enjoy it once you have it.

Ben

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792361#Comment_792361

Rachel, you don't have to commit to a package. I've been using Logos and acquiring resources for 13 years without one...

Erwin Stull, Sr.

Hi Rachel; And welcome to the forums,

I am in agreement with Frank an Myke. I'll add a few comments.

Currently, I am running Logos 6 on three machines (none are top of the line or even close), and have found the performance adequate. I have a Pentium 4 Windows 7 with 4GB, a Core 2 Windows 7 with 8GB, and a Core 2 Windows 10 with 2GB.

Concerning the value of Logos to you, I will say that if you are not very serious about Bible Study or you just study once in a while, that Logos will probably be extremely expensive and won't have much value over any other program. But, if the study of the Word is a lifelong journey for you, Logos will meet you at the level you currently are at, and will accompany you regardless of what heights you may reach. Brothers and sisters who use Logos range from those newly converted to seasoned scholars.

One more thing, considering your current budget. Do a little research as to the resources (books) that will be most beneficial to you, and try to leave a little room for those "Must have" books. At a minimum, I would start with a base package.

EDIT: I see that Ben has completed his reply before I finished mine. [:)]

That is also a valid option. Something to keep in mind is that the base packages build upon one another, so if you begin with something like "Starter", and later upgrade to another base package, the cost of upgrading is reduced.

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792368#Comment_792368

Sorry Ben, but Rachel needs an affordable package if she is to gain a proper appreciation of Logos without running into a lot of questions like "why doesn't this feature work?" or "why don't I have this feature?".

Rachel,

Logos Gold package will get you all the features with resources and datasets that allow it to function properly. Logos Silver is almost as good. But Logos Bronze is fine for what you want and you can upgrade later if want to go deeper into study.

Kenute P. Curry

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792379#Comment_792379

Have to agree with you Dave Hooton I have Logos Gold and it is a fantastic package !!!

I started out with the Logos Silver Package and then upgraded to Logos Gold within a matter of weeks.

Erwin Stull, Sr.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792379#Comment_792379

Hi Dave;

Rachel's current budget is $500. That would get her started with "Starter" in which she can more economically upgrade later, and still have some funds remaining for those must-have resources.

Myke Harbuck

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792379#Comment_792379

Sorry Ben, but Rachel needs an affordable package if she is to gain a proper appreciation of Logos without running into a lot of questions like "why doesn't this feature work?" or "why don't I have this feature?".

Rachel,

Logos Gold package will get you all the features with resources and datasets that allow it to function properly. Logos Silver is almost as good. But Logos Bronze is fine for what you want and you can upgrade later if want to go deeper into study.

I agree. I think a package is a wise way to go; then there is no question as to features and datasets.

Remember, you can put the rest on a payment plan if the package you need exceeds $500. Its a valuable investment that will yield long-term ROI!

NB.Mick

I have been considering purchasing Bible study software, but I am not sure if Logos is the right program for my needs. I would love your insights and advice.

I am not in ministry or a scholar, but someone who wants to be able to do deeper Bible study. I saw Logos at a conference at my church, and I'm interested in having more study resources available (Bible dictionaries, a good commentary, info on biblical culture) and the software to help with searching. However, my budget is $500 at this point, which it seems would get me the Bronze package with the current discount (I don't think I qualify for any other discounts). However, I don't know if I am the "typical" type of person that Logos targets, and if this program will be worth the investment for me. From looking at a couple other programs, it seems that Logos is the most expensive (although it seems difficult to figure out if the programs/resources are equal), but I am having a difficult time deciding if the extra features that Logos has is worth the investment. I have tried some of the free online programs, but find the interfaces difficult to use and thus distracting.

You have received great advice so far. I'm not sure whether there is a "typical" type of Logos users (here in the forums we come from a great variety of ways) - in the end, you decide to use it, whether you are the kind of person they had in mind when designing certain things or not. Since Logos is a so large "universe" to explore, there are different options to go about that (such as base packages, bundles, individual resources etc.

Some people try to start with linited financial invest - getting the free engine, the free books (which include an English bible, a study bible, a great bible dictionary, even a Greek NT and much more): see for yourself at https://www.logos.com/products/search?view=grid&Status=Live&Delivery+Method=DOWNLOAD&start=&sort=pricelo&pageSize=60 - and then adding selected resources "cafeteria style", but some features require non-free datasets. Thus it might make sense to go for a base package - they give the most value for money, and come in different sizes, denominations etc.

One thing that might be of interest to you as a new customer is trying the Logos subscription solution, called "Cloud". This will give you the equivalent of a base package for monthly subscription payments. You can start with a month free, pick the size you want and even adjust that to a smaller or larger size and supplant with bought resources. See http://logoscloud.com for more info.

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792382#Comment_792382

That would get her started with "Starter"

Bronze is just over $500 with current discount and has those "must have"** resources which will cost much more if bought separately (the saving of $300 over Starter doesn't go far and remember the 30 day trial).

Rene Atchley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792384#Comment_792384

Logos is, in fact, the Cadillac of Bible oriented software. However, it is more of a library than Bible Software proper due to its open ended manner in which it needs to have huge amounts of resources to run properly...read this as money out of your pocket. For me I bought version 3 in Seminary and never have purchased anything more than a minor upgrade..once. It basically just sits on my computer as the company moves toward a subscription model Microsoft uses for its software. Ironically for all of its power I never used it in my D. Min degree because Paul Tillich was not an available resource at the time. Is it worth buying...well yes and no. If you want a massive library with powerful resources it is worth it. Get use to having empty pockets if you do buy it.

Erwin Stull, Sr.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792388#Comment_792388

That would get her started with "Starter"

Bronze is just over $500 with current discount and has those "must have"** resources which will cost much more if bought separately (the saving of $300 over Starter doesn't go far and remember the 30 day trial).

Good point.

Myke has mentioned the payment plan option (which I forgot about). If she can do that, that will get her Gold (which has all of the data sets), and that also carries the 30 day trial.

Lynden O. Williams

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792391#Comment_792391

Don't forget the free resources. https://www.logos.com/products/search?start=0&sort=pricelo&pageSize=60

Check out these 25 free resources.

Kent

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792418#Comment_792418

I would agree with a starter package but add a specific bundle. https://www.logos.com/bundles

Diego Lara

Rachel you Said: One thing that concerns me is that some people say that Logos is slow. My computer is about 2 years old but has a new hard drive and 8gb of RAM and an i7 processor. I recently upgraded to Windows 10, and have gotten "low memory" messages, which I haven't ever gotten before. I am concerned that this program won't work well on my computer.

My Ansswer: I would recommend doing a fresh reinstall on your computer. There is a refresh option in windows 10 under "Reset this PC" which can be found if you type "Reset this PC" in the cortana search box. This will refresh the entire operating system and still keep your files on the computer. Or if you want to go one step further you could backup all your documents and choose the refresh everything option which also removes all your documents. You could then import your documents back and reinstall all your software. Sometimes if you do an upgrade instead of a clean install it causes problems so I highly recommend doing this.

Based on the specs you mention you will have no problem running Logos 6 specially if you reset your PC. I currently run Logos 6 on a Desktop that has an old AMD Quad Core processor and 8GB of RAM and my Logos runs very well. I also recently purchased a new HP Envy 13m ultrabook which has an i5 and 8GB of RAM and it also runs good. You don't need the fastest computer in the world to run Logos and some would say, as long as your computer is well maintained and tuned up. For example my desktop is about 7 years old and it runs like new because I always make sure I do maintenance on it by keeping it clean with CCleaner and running a good antivirus programs which is why I have never got a virus in 7 years.

I will tell you this no matter which package you start off with you will be at least 2 package levels higher within 2 years lol. I am sure everyone on here knows what I mean. But every penny is worth it because these purchase is for life and you will have resources that will expand your knowledge about God and the scriptures. And don't forget that you can get everything in a payment plan which makes it much easier to separate from a few bucks a month then one huge amount of money at ones.

Let me know if you need further help on how to get your computer to run like new again.

Diego

Diego Lara

Hey Rachel! I just saw your post on accordance's forum and that you are deciding between Logos and Accordance? All I can tell you is that at the end no matter what you go with you will be blessed with your purchase. I don't have much experience with Accordance but from I have heard they are also a good product. But of course I hope you go with Logos!

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792430#Comment_792430

I've used Logos for well over 10 years now. It is the Cadillac, but a well earned title. It is expesnive, but IMO worth the investment. I would also suggest Package plus Bundle approach, depending on your views/interests.

FWIW, $500 is not much in the book world, so I would be prepared to add to it.

Rachel Sutton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792437#Comment_792437

Thank you all for your responses! As far as describing Logos as the "Cadillac" of Bible software - can you explain a little more about what you mean? Is it because of the huge number or resources or other features the software provide (and can you give examples)?

Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792454#Comment_792454

I use both Logos and Olivetree. The books on Olivetree are usually cheaper, especially with their frequent discounts. Logos engine is more powerful: in terms of original language ability (you do not have to know the original languages yourself because the software offers a lot of "clutches"), in terms of searches (e.g. checking who have cited a certain biblical passage in theological journals, sermons, and books that you own), and in terms of analytical abilities (e.g. comparing different bible versions, parallelism and rhyming within the psalms, etc.).

However, unless you invest thousands of dollars in Logos, you cannot really take full advantage of the Logos software. On such a true "Cadillac" system, with the press of a button one can perform exegetical analysis, compare variants among ancient manuscripts, check out ancient interpretations, read Jewish and Calvin commentaries, examine Exegetical and Homelitical commentaries, find out how Tim Keller or Spurgeon or John Piper or John MacArthur preached on the passage, and examine contemporary debates as presented in relevant journal articles and theology texts.

If you have $500 to spend, I would focus on having the most important tools for doing good Bible study research. I would get NIV and ESV as the core versions, NIV Zondervan Bible Study Note (which is better than many one volume commentary), Strong Exhaustive concordance, Bible atlas, a simple Bible dictionary, and a good set of commentary. With your budget, I would not get into the journals, deeper original language tools, and large commentaries. Within the Logos system, I would get Starter set, NIV (not included in the Starter package) and Zondervan NIV study notes, and an intermediate commentary. The choices of commentary would include: (1) Tyndale (around $220); (2) Life Application/Wiersbe set (around $200); (3) Understanding Bible Commentaries by Baker (currently almost 75% off for a few days for about $170). Which set of commentaries to get would depend on what you want to get out of your Bible study, but currently the Understanding Bible Commentaries set is a very good deal.

Rachel Sutton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792481#Comment_792481

I use both Logos and Olivetree. The books on Olivetree are usually cheaper, especially with their frequent discounts. Logos engine is more powerful: in terms of original language ability (you do not have to know the original languages yourself because the software offers a lot of "clutches"), in terms of searches (e.g. checking who have cited a certain biblical passage in theological journals, sermons, and books that you own), and in terms of analytical abilities (e.g. comparing different bible versions, parallelism and rhyming within the psalms, etc.).

However, unless you invest thousands of dollars in Logos, you cannot really take full advantage of the Logos software. On such a true "Cadillac" system, with the press of a button one can perform exegetical analysis, compare variants among ancient manuscripts, check out ancient interpretations, read Jewish and Calvin commentaries, examine Exegetical and Homelitical commentaries, find out how Tim Keller or Spurgeon or John Piper or John MacArthur preached on the passage, and examine contemporary debates as presented in relevant journal articles and theology texts.

If you have $500 to spend, I would focus on having the most important tools for doing good Bible study research. I would get NIV and ESV as the core versions, NIV Zondervan Bible Study Note (which is better than many one volume commentary), Strong Exhaustive concordance, Bible atlas, a simple Bible dictionary, and a good set of commentary. With your budget, I would not get into the journals, deeper original language tools, and large commentaries. Within the Logos system, I would get Starter set, NIV (not included in the Starter package) and Zondervan NIV study notes, and an intermediate commentary. The choices of commentary would include: (1) Tyndale (around $220); (2) Life Application/Wiersbe set (around $200); (3) Understanding Bible Commentaries by Baker (currently almost 75% off for a few days for about $170). Which set of commentaries to get would depend on what you want to get out of your Bible study, but currently the Understanding Bible Commentaries set is a very good deal.

Thank you very much for this information, this is very helpful!

Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792483#Comment_792483

One additional money saving tips: Dr. Constable's Expository (Bible Study) Notes is very informative and helpful. For most "non-professionals", his note is as good as many commentaries set and only cost around $30 on OliveTree and Logos. Dr. Constable was the Department Chairman and Senior Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Though his theology is dispensational, non-dispensational readers will still benefit from this work. I first heard about this set of notes from his students, and I certainly feel his passion for God as I work through his writings. I was so happy with his notes I even started watching his sermons on Youtube. You can check out his notes for free on his website to get a taste of what it is like.

The version available in OliveTree is his 2014 version, currently selling for $20, whereas Logos is still selling his 2003 version for $37. The 2014 version has more current references and is the version I prefer (I have both).

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792483#Comment_792483

Hi Rachel

In addition to the good advice you have already received I would suggest you look at http://www.logosbiblesoftwaretraining.com/documents/logos-6-buyers-guide/# where Mark Barnes (one of our forum MVPs) has put together a buyers guide showing his views on the value of the different passages

Graham

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792495#Comment_792495

I'd like to give a different perspective. One need not spend thousands of dollars on Logos to have a "Cadillac". Nor is it really money saved to get resources less expensively in other software. Unless you are a professional genuinely needing features available only in different software, much of the value of using software is that all your resources are there at your fingertips. Splitting across software negates that value.

Second, a major advantage of software such as Logos is that it can grow with you. You can start with as little as a Bible, a Bible dictionary and a one-volume commentary and reap benefits of the linking and synchronized scrolling. Yes, if one can afford it, having more tools activated is useful - especially Factbook and a reverse interlinear. But one can start with a bare minimum and add resources as your needs and finances dictate. It gets expensive when your needs become specialized or when you starting buying because its a bargain you might use or you get caught up in a I-saved-more-than-you/my-library-is-bigger-than-your-library mentality.

I suggest that you download the free engine and some of the free resources, ask on the forums how to do what you need to do, and see how helpful you find Logos. Then you can make informed decisions as to whether or not it meets your needs and what resources you actual need.

Jan Krohn

Since Logos is extremely modular, I'd say it's "right" for almost everyone. I've been using Logos since 2001, and have spent a total of about $2000 on it in 15 years ($500 on 3rd party publishers such as Nelson eBible and SESB, and $1500 on Logos including $100 for EBNE, about $200 for Vyrso books that I would have purchased in dead tree or Kindle format anyhow, and the previous Leader's base package and all subsequent upgrades, which were replaced with the current Starter base package at some point).

So that's a bit more than $10 per month on average. Obviously, the biggest chunk of investment comes at the start with the initial Logos purchase...

I've been quite happy with the Leader's/Starter package. It contains a decent amount of data sets, sufficient original language tools for someone like me who knows neither Hebrew nor Greek, and a number of excellent resources.

The good thing is, should I start some distance learning Bible college program next year, I'd only pay the difference between the Bronze and Starter packages. My library grows according to my needs.

Another way to grow your library is adding free books. Logos has always been very generous giving stuff away for free, and I grab those always, no matter whether I might need them in the future or not - any resource in your library that you already own might lower the price of a future base package :-)

$0.99 or $1.99 discount LOGOS offers I purchase most of the time, unless they're entirely useless. $0.99 and $1.99 VYRSO offers I'm more cautious about, as there are loads and loads of them every week, even at steep discounts of 90%.

Other "must have" resources I place on my wish list, and check them out about twice per month in case some of them have a decent discount. Patience usually pays out (and I'm glad it's one of the fruit of the Spirit).

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

I am not in ministry or a scholar, but someone who wants to be able to do deeper Bible study.

Welcome [:D]

My original Logos purchase years ago had similar purpose to enable deeper Bible Study.

My favorite commentary set is the UBS Handbooks that is included in many packages => https://www.logos.com/product/39480/ubs-handbook-series-old-and-new-testament-collection with $ 1,151.71 Verbum Scholar being the least expensive. Thankful for dynamic pricing so upgrading to a larger package is paying for new resource licenses (price is discounted for resources already licensed).

Logos Wiki has => Logos Resource Reviews with samples from a number of resources. Many forum threads have more resource samples. Please ask if you would to see resource samples.

Observation: an exhaustive concordance is not needed in Logos since can quickly search for all occurrences. Also Logos can search for root, which finds related words.

Logos has awesome search capabilities, which has a learning curve for effective use.

However, my budget is $500 at this point, which it seems would get me the Bronze package with the current discount

Bronze has many flavors, which differ a lot in commentaries:

Logos 6 Standard

Logos 6 Anglican

Logos 6 Baptist

Logos 6 Lutheran

Logos 6 Orthodox

Logos 6 Pentecostal / Charismatic

Logos 6 Reformed

Logos 6 SDA

Noticed all Bronze packages include interlinear Bibles that enable range of Greek verbal expression to be highlighted in English and Greek. Thankful can use screen capture of Logos 6 and paste to create handout of parallel passages. Attached Ephesians parallel example of NA28 (Greek) and AV 1873 (English):

1830.EphesiansNA28-AV1873.docx

Logos 6 has the ability to display or hide chapter and verse numbers.

My favorite Logos feature is visual filter highlighting that combines hundreds of search results for simultaneous display. Logos wiki has => Examples of visual filters Thankful for Faithlife corporation enabling the free sharing of user created documents so highlighting palettes and visual filters can be copied.

One thing that concerns me is that some people say that Logos is slow. My computer is about 2 years old but has a new hard drive and 8gb of RAM and an i7 processor. I recently upgraded to Windows 10, and have gotten "low memory" messages, which I haven't ever gotten before. I am concerned that this program won't work well on my computer,

Microsoft has a support article about Low Memory => http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preventing-low-memory-problems

One suggestion is increasing virtual memory size so a page file is used when programs request more RAM than physically available. Disk performance of page file affects Windows and Logos performance. Personally upgraded to Solid State Disk with 500 MBps max write speed, which has noticeably improved operating system and Logos responsiveness. With 11 windows (~66 tabs) open in Logos 6.8, am using 1.5 MB of RAM (easy to open many resources for reading and studying; having fewer tabs open is more responsive).

Logos performance depends on what is being used; visual filter highlighting can take a while to search and combine results for display.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792498#Comment_792498

I suggest that you download the free engine and some of the free resources, ask on the forums how to do what you need to do, and see how helpful you find Logos. Then you can make informed decisions as to whether or not it meets your needs and what resources you actual need.

Again, I have to disagree with this approach. The free engine is fine for people with a decent library, but many of the Tools/Guides rely on certain resources (free ones are inadequate). Datasets are essential for basic functioning of original language Search, Home page, Passage Guide, Topic Guide, Sermons, & even the Context Menu - and these have to be purchased in a package/crossgrade. Better to start with the Bronze package and make an informed decision about Logos in 30 days than have to come back with more and more questions, inevitably leading to purchase of a package!

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792508#Comment_792508

Years ago I tried the older version of Logos, Libronix for free. Decided it wasn't for me. It just didn't behave like I wanted or do what I expected and everything cost a lot. Free and low-cost software seemed to meet my needs. But then, I didn't really know what Logos was or what it could do. Before long I quit.

A couple years went by and I tried again. Again, I was underwhlemed. That time I quit for good. Went with other software.

Then a few years later a respected friend gently twisted my arm to reconsider. I tried one more time, bought a small base package and was stunned at what I had been missing. Before long I invested more in Logos and at risk of sounding overblown--it revolutionized my study life. Ask my wife.

I am amazed that EVERYONE doesn't take advantage of Logos for free--even if they have not bought anything in Logos yet. I grit my teeth at the loss my non-Logos friends are blindly suffering by not getting free resources and great deals. But that is the perspective of a person who already knows its value.

So, I think Dave's idea is good. If you really want to know what Logos is, try a 30 day trial of a base package or better yet, try a subscription for awhile, till you get the hang of it. I am concerned that if you just go the free-route, then like me in the past you will be mildly impressed, but underwhelmed at strange bells, whistles and a seemingly steep learning curve.

If you get a real system, even a small base package (Bronze at a minimum), that actually runs well, then like me, you might be breathtaken to discover what you can actually do.

Mike Childs

I agree with those who suggest giving Logos a try for about three weeks. By then, you should know for yourself if it is right for you. If not, they will be glad to let you return it for a full refund.

What do you have to lose?

Erwin Stull, Sr.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792483#Comment_792483

Hi Rachel;

One thing to note, that I don't see mentioned in the replies, is that, regardless of which system you choose (Logos, Accordance, Olive Tree, WordSearch, etc.), try to stick with that system as much as possible. The reason being is that the resources (books) of the various systems are not interchangeable with each other. It kind of defeats the purpose of a Bible Study program if you have your resources spread out through multiple programs.

Justin Gatlin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792538#Comment_792538

Hi Rachel,

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Logos Cloud [EDIT: I see Gao did mention trying a subscription]. If you're open to a subscription, Logos Cloud Plus is the equivalent of Gold and is $20/month (Essentials is not as good of a deal, and the web app is not a selling point at this stage). The first month is a free trial, then if you commit to an annual plan, you get two months free ($16.67/mo). I would get the month free trial, download all of the free books and use Plus to play for a month. If you think you like the software, get the LearnLogos.com training ($65); it will turn you into a power user. With the training and the annual pricing, your budget would cover about 2 years of the software.

If all you really want is a commentary and the ISBE, I would look at E-Sword. Of course, E-Sword is free and has (through biblesupport.com) things like Constable, Guzik and basically every PD commentary/dictionary (like the old ISBE - still excellent) for free. But the interface is clunky and it lacks many of the cool things about Logos: having a comprehensive library; tools like the "Bible Word Study" and the incredible Bible searches (a recent forum thread was about finding everywhere that people were addressed with a word that meant "child" where Jesus was the speaker) are simply not available without spending some money.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792508#Comment_792508

Again, I have to disagree with this approach.

This may be a denominational thing ... to bring Logos/Verbum into a parish one needs to keep the cost at most $50-75 with the ability to opt in with nothing but the text and a Bible. People quickly learn what additional resources they actually would use and begin adding them. A few have sufficient need to move up to full-featured packages.

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792627#Comment_792627

I agree give it a try but rather than going ahead and getting your feet too wet, just buy the free Lexham Intro Collection (5 vols.) this will give you a feel for the software and help you decide, although will not reveal important features like reverse interlinear texts. But a good look at the potential you might have in Logos.

-Dan

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792636#Comment_792636

The FSB (Study Bible) and LBD (Bible Dictionary) alone are reasons well worth having Logos--if for nothing else at all. Free! Of course, once a person sees that they have, they will certainly fast if necessary save the readies to build their library.

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792627#Comment_792627

This may be a denominational thing ...

Not at all - it's best meeting the expressed need.

James McAdams

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792753#Comment_792753

Just my story, but when I started out with bible study software, I went for Olive Tree's app because all I wanted was a decent study bible and a bible dictionary - spending hundreds seemed daft to me at the time. Still, as my study evolved, it got to a point where my total spending could have bought the Platinum Logos bundle a couple of times over (with change) which would give me a great deal more value for money. That's not a slight on Olive Tree - they have a different business model which tends to mean that individual resources cost less (not always), but bundles tend to be far less impressive (again, not always).

I've now given away my login to that app to a friend and started from scratch with Logos, fully aware that it will take me a few years to get back to where I was resource-wise (especially now I'm married - I was a singleton when my library first started growing at speed).

The software is so much more powerful that it was worth the sacrifice for me. If I could go back and start over, it would be with Logos, absolutely without a doubt.

Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792481#Comment_792481

Hi Rachel,

One option you might consider is Logos Now, which is a subscription rather than ownership approach. Financially, it costs about $90 per year. You can see how over the 2-3 years a full version lasts before an upgrade is available, this could be an interesting option financially. Look here for explanation of what it works and what it gives you access to: https://www.logos.com/now

Moreover, you can test drive it for free for one month, no strings attached. This would allow you to discover a number of the features in Logos which are the same in the Now and Desktop base package versions.

Otherwise, the value of packages and to what extent they would be valuable to you depends on your intended use. If you head to https://www.logos.com/6 you can see a number of features in action. Some features are only available in certain base packages, and in any case, they use resources, so that how many results you get depend on how many books you have and of what kind. For instance, the Bible Word Study Guide probes lexicons. If you have only 2, you would get 2 results for a word found in both, if you have 20, you see how it works.

Logos can be used in simple ways such as note-taking, highlighting, reading of course, prayer lists, reading plans, and cross-referencing between Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, etc. It is true that to use the full power of Logos, you need packages such as Gold, but not everyone needs that and actually uses it. So, it depends a bit on you.

Another consideration, what you get now based on what you can afford at present, needs not be the final word. I have been using Logos for a good number of years and it is over time that I have updated and upgraded. At the beginning, I only had one collection of resources.

Finally, there are second-hand sales on Facebook, people who for whatever reason no longer have use for Logos or want to trim down their library. There is a small transfer fee but this could be something to look at. See here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/548061461941184/

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792788#Comment_792788

One option you might consider is Logos Now, which is a subscription rather than ownership approach.

Hi Francis

I don't think this works - Logos Now is designed to provide additional functionality to a base package, not to operate in isolation

Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792794#Comment_792794

right, I got it mixed up with the other logos subscription formula, but now I cannot find a link to it, did they give it up?

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792806#Comment_792806

right, I got it mixed up with the other logos subscription formula, but now I cannot find a link to it, did they give it up?

That is Logos Cloud, referenced by Justin and others above, available from https://logoscloud.com/

David A Egolf

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792498#Comment_792498

Second, a major advantage of software such as Logos is that it can grow with you. You can start with as little as a Bible, a Bible dictionary and a one-volume commentary and reap benefits of the linking and synchronized scrolling. Yes, if one can afford it, having more tools activated is useful - especially Factbook and a reverse interlinear. But one can start with a bare minimum and add resources as your needs and finances dictate. It gets expensive when your needs become specialized or when you starting buying because its a bargain you might use or you get caught up in a I-saved-more-than-you/my-library-is-bigger-than-your-library mentality.

I tend to agree with Dave's response to your first suggestion of trying the bare bones approach. However, I think you both have two end goals in mind. If Rachel is trying to decide on a Bronze purchase, then the free download could easily mislead her since Bronze would actually be much better. However, if the intent is to get skin in the game with a minimal purchase, then your approach would be fine. We have a University professor of Old Testament in our congregation that is doing just that.

I wanted to make sure your second point is reiterated. If Rachel believes that there is any chance that she would want to delve into Greek or Hebrew study in the future, then Logos would certainly be warranted. I have been on the fringes of Greek study for years and have been accumulating a library of Greek material which I intend to employ when I finally have the time. Logos has very good language study tools which are only exceeded, if at all, by the dedicated language packages.

In the meanwhile, I have been able to avail myself of some of the features of Logos where the software does the heavy lifting. For instance, I have permanently set up a morphology filter for my ESV Bible reading to highlight all the English words which were translated from the Greek imperative mood. This has resulted in several insights during normal Bible reading.

The idea for the imperative filter came from these forums. Rachel should browse these forums and see the rich ideas, community, and support here! These forums are great.

Finally, one should note the free reading applications for mobile devices. I personally do most of my reading and note taking on my iPads. The notes are synchronized to my PC's. So I access my entire library, with note, from four PC's, two iPads, and my Android phone.

I am a computer engineering professional and I can honestly say that Logos is a top tier software package.

Rachel Sutton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792829#Comment_792829

Thanks for all the replies! I have downloaded the free logos software and the free books that are offered.

However, several comments mentioned that the Gold package is really needed to get the most out of Logos software. While this may change in the future, at this point I am not able to put a huge amount of money into Bible study software. I am also not willing to go into debt (use payment plans). So, I think a less expensive program is probably best for my needs at this point.

Frank Sauer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792949#Comment_792949

Thanks for all the replies! I have downloaded the free logos software and the free books that are offered.

However, several comments mentioned that the Gold package is really needed to get the most out of Logos software. While this may change in the future, at this point I am not able to put a huge amount of money into Bible study software. I am also not willing to go into debt (use payment plans). So, I think a less expensive program is probably best for my needs at this point.

Rachel,

While I do agree Gold is a great package, please understand that for what you say you're looking for, you would not need Gold. Bronze would give you what you seem to be looking for based on your post. There are some "power tool" features that many love on the forums that are available in Gold. So please don't base your decision on the price of Gold. I'm not very familiar with Accordance, but with the little I've seen on a friend's Accordance package. I believe Logos has it beat.

Dustin Pearson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792951#Comment_792951

I haven't liked what I have seen from the other offerings. Accordance, yeah they might be faster but they don't claim to have better results in the end and I think Logos has better presentation of the results that make understanding better.

I'll stick with Logos.

David A Egolf

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792949#Comment_792949

Thanks for all the replies! I have downloaded the free logos software and the free books that are offered.

However, several comments mentioned that the Gold package is really needed to get the most out of Logos software. While this may change in the future, at this point I am not able to put a huge amount of money into Bible study software. I am also not willing to go into debt (use payment plans). So, I think a less expensive program is probably best for my needs at this point.

Make sure you download the free Lexham Intro Collection: https://www.logos.com/product/55923/lexham-intro-collection

Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the Faithlife Study Bible. It is very high quality. It works very well when paired with the ESV or the freel Lexham English Bible.

Also be aware that there are free books offered every month and can be located from the logos.com web page. Many good deals are noted on this forum.

Logos also sponsors a tremendous March Madness sale every year. They have a list of 64 books or authors for voting by the community. Each round results in larger and larger discounts. The winning entry has been discounted by 75%. Even those eliminated in the earlier rounds provide some very good purchases. Since the community has voted the finalists, you can consider them "vetted", albeit by folks from quite varied theological backgrounds. For the last two years D. A. Carson has won the final spot. We have a Phoenix Logos Users Group which makes a point of meeting during the final round. We locate a local academic who can help us make choices with the hundreds of titles available on varying discounts.

Of course, all of these resources would work more cohesively with the Bronze package!

Merry Christmas.

Diego Lara

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792951#Comment_792951

Frank

I agree with you, a few days ago I download the free trial for Accordance just to why some reviews say accordance is better than logos. I honestly do not see why some claim accordance is better. Just the interface alone blows accordance away and the menu's are so much more intuitive in Logos 6. When you use Logos you know you are dealing with a company that puts a lot of time and thought into the design of it. Comparing Logos 6 to Accordance 11 would be like comparing Windows 10 with Windows XP in my opinion. Yes you can accomplish the same thing with both operating systems (or programs) but at the end one has more year of experience behind its programming and is designed to help you do more.

Maybe its just me but I like software that looks modernized [:D

Diego Lara

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792949#Comment_792949

Rachel,

Don't fall for this "you need to get the gold package". You clearly said you are looking basic bible study, you can start off with bronze and in the future work your way up if you decide to. You will find that Bronze has the resources you need. Most the of the features people are talking bout here you may never use anyways. You won't regret going with Logos 6, trust me!

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792949#Comment_792949

Thanks for all the replies! I have downloaded the free logos software and the free books that are offered.

However, several comments mentioned that the Gold package is really needed to get the most out of Logos software. While this may change in the future, at this point I am not able to put a huge amount of money into Bible study software. I am also not willing to go into debt (use payment plans). So, I think a less expensive program is probably best for my needs at this point.

Sometimes I wish there was a way to take up a collection for folks here. Perhaps everyone would want to get one if we did.

Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/792949#Comment_792949

I am also not willing to go into debt (use payment plans). So, I think a less expensive program is probably best for my needs at this point.

[Y]

Edwin Bowden

I am not a pastor. I have been teaching Sunday School for over 45 yrs. I have a huge print library accumulated while teaching through the Bible over the years.

I began with a basic pkg from Logos 7 yrs ago. It revolutionized my Bible study. Being able to search everything in my library instantly by verse, word or topic was incredible. Logos software provides the powerful engine to do amazing things. The more resources you have, the more you are able to do with it.

I upgraded to Gold 6 months after beginning with Logos. You never have to pay for the same resources twice, so upgrading is easy to do. Logos uses Dynamic Pricing and will show you what titles are new to you when considering an upgrade. Logos also has frequent sales. Logos also has Vyrso titles which includes more general titles (Christian living, fiction, etc.). There are several free books every week. Logos also has monthly free books. They have several big sales through the year.

My beginner Logos library has now expanded into 4600 titles.

I highly recommend Logos. Dave Kaplan has been my salesman through the years and is a great help. Kaplan@faithlife.com