Analysis of the usefulness of Logos 9 base packages

As a Lutheran, we do make a significant distinction between Doctrine and Practice, with an insistence that Doctrinal unity is what unites the church, while Practices can change from time and place. We do differ across Lutheranism about what Doctrinal Unity means, but that is a different - and off topic - discussion.

And yet, to be a functioning member of a community you do have to, to some degree, accept the Practice of that time and place, so I will go along with your discussion.

There is a thing going on in many Lutheran circles of "Bible, Catechism, and Hymnal" as the three basic resources for the Christian. As far as Bible goes, Logos does well. LCMS has largely transferred from NIV84 to ESV. And ELCA largely uses NRSV. WELS, to my understanding has used NIV, ESV and now Evangelical Heritage Version has some champions. All except the NIV are in every Lutheran base package, and current NIV is easily available, and as for NIV84? Well - that topic can derail the thread and so I will not go there.

For Catechism, the standard LCMS catechism is https://www.logos.com/product/149689/luthers-small-catechism-with-explanation-2017-edition which, while not in any base package, is easy enough to add. To the best of my knowledge, the ELCA does not have a standard catechism that is used as broadly as the above, but they do have the Lutheran Handbook series, which is in Lutheran Bronze and above. I unfortunately do not know as much about catechisis in WELS as I probably should, but it appears that their standard catechism is also available separately in both and NIV and ESV version. And of course, the full K-W edition of the Book of Concord is in Lutheran Starter and up, with older versions also available.

But for Hymnal, Logos falls down - and possibly this is a case of the denominational publishers not willing to give up their monopolies on them, or at least not being willing to do so for a price that Faithlife is willing to accept. As for the hymnals that Logos does offer, while some may have historical interest, I have never seen any of them actually USED in a Lutheran Worship service.

You ask what level would have "everything". Well, while the Christian life will bring you to more and more, I am not at all convinced that "everything" is a realistic earthly goal. I will say that the Lutheran packages have many things that will feed the Lutheran on the way... They are just missing on a huge core text - namely the Hymnal and Orders of Worship that they would use every Sunday.

Maybe I don't understand .....  but...

I don't think it's Logos purpose to teach about some particular group. I think Logos wants to provide books, etc. for groups but not "teach" about that group. I pray I am right in this...

In fact, I think I belong to a group that FL does not have many books for so I wind up using books from other "groups" and making my own way with them. And being a somewhat free thinker....I'm ok with that. 

But if FL or Logos is going to try to gently or otherwise move me into some group...well.. I just don't think that's gonna happen either way. I don't think they are trying to do that... and I know I love a gooood Biblical discussion... just saying... [:D]

David Ames,

Just buy a book like “What Baptist Believe” or “What _____________ Believe” or since he or she is in your group you should teach them what your group believes and just have them use e-sword.  You should be able to teach a new convert what you believe without having to buy Logos.  Unless of course, you’re looking for a $30 dollar credit for referring someone.

So it’s your responsibility to teach and have them use e-sword or one of many websites with free access to online resources like studylight.org, etc.

Nobody has to spend half month’s rent on anything.  If they can afford it then invest in Logos, but if they can’t afford it then use e-sword or online free resources — or better yet, YOU since you know what your particular group believes 👍😁👌

DAL

Mike Binks said:

DAL said:

Nobody has to spend half month’s rent on anything.  If they can afford it then invest in Logos, but if they can’t afford it then use e-sword or online free resources

Hi DAL just out of interest.

Is there any reason that you are not recommending Logos (Desktop or WebApp) with basics as a free resource?

I do recommend the free version, but my point was nobody has to spend “half mont’s rent” to study the Bible.  In any case, the free resources offered by FL are too limited; hence, e-sword would be the better choice to recommend.

DAL

There’s no need to lead people into Logos; especially a new convert.  They need to read their Bible first and learn the basics with one on one lessons or Bible class for new converts in a group.  Once they learn the basics in the classroom then they need to learn how to study their Bible and find a method that they feel comfortable with; then and only then tools should be recommended based on the level of interest.  E-sword first if they are tight with money or Logos if they can afford it and are serious about studying the Bible in-depth.

Focus on leading people to Christ not Logos. Logos offers payment plans for their software but not salvation.  Sorry David, but you’re coming across like you got it all wrong and backwards.  No need for another thread.  It seems like you really failed from the get-go to articulate what it is that you were getting at with this whole Logos for “groups” thread.  
In fact, at one point you came across as complaining about Logos for recommending a silver package that costs “half month’s rent.” The whole thread just started out wrong and ended wrong.

Maybe you’re still not able to get your point across or put into words what you really have in your mind?

Anyway, just a thought about the whole thread that no one really seemed to understand.  So please, don’t feel attacked and don’t take it personal.

Blessings!

DAL

David Ames said:

But FL implies that this is the package you should buy if you are “Baptist”.

Not necessarily. They just offer a bundle at a discount of resources usually associated with Baptists, so Baptists can benefit from them. But many of us buy packages from different traditions than our own in order to get good deals on a large selection of books. Or because we're ecumenical/transdenominational Christians and are interested in some of the historical or other stuff that the Catholics or Anglicans or Orthodox traditions have in them.

I have bought base packages of Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal & Charismatic, Reformed, and Verbum (Catholic). I wish there were an Anabaptist base package, as that's what I associate with most these days, but I have bits and pieces of all those others in me (except Lutheran; but Luther and his influence are wide, and it's worth having in my Library). The only type of base package I have not bought is Baptist.

mab said:

I really do want to encourage believers to dig into their Bibles so they can see the Gospel for themselves. Frankly, it mostly comes by reading the Bible over and over again. Now with Logos, you can have that Bible with you everywhere, so I would never discount the usefulness of the program. 

Exactly! And if reading the Bible and the ability to take notes is all you need, then nobody needs to spend “half month’s rent” to do that.  When I was a kid I only had a small blue NT with Psalms and Proverbs and I always carried it in my pocket.  And I was happy and learned a lot.  Maybe we need to go back to making things simple.

DAL

Rosie Perera said:

But many of us buy packages from different traditions than our own in order to get good deals on a large selection of books. Or because we're ecumenical/transdenominational Christians and are interested in some of the historical or other stuff that the Catholics or Anglicans or Orthodox traditions have in them.

I have bought base packages of Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal & Charismatic, Reformed, and Verbum (Catholic).

This is exactly how I buy as well.  I buy every base package I can afford that offers me resources I want for a considerable discount.  For instance, the first time I bought an Anglican package was to get the entire ICC set for considerably less than the set itself would cost.  Since that time, Anglican always offers me a relatively cheap upgrade for several scholarly resources.  Notice that the current L9 iteration of Anglican Portfolio includes ICC, AYBC, Herm, and the Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Series, so it's great for research no matter your background.