Prioritization preferences - what do you use?

BruceJunkermann said:

NET Notes

Hi Bruce,

I have the NET Bible but the notes are built in as superscripted notes.  Is there a separate resource housing just the NET notes?

Thanks,

Peter

PeterLi said:

Is there a separate resource housing just the NET notes?

Yes, It is called NET Bible First Edition Notes.

Here's my prioritisation list:

I prioritise:

• Bibles
• Apocrypha/Pseudepigrapha
• Apostolic Fathers
• Bible/Theology Dictionaries
• Commentaries
• Greek Lexicons
• Hebrew Lexicons
• Systematic Theologies
• Dead Sea Scrolls
• Devotionals

Some may think it's overkill, but I make very heavy use of parallel resource sets, and it's important to me to have the parallel resource sets listed in the 'right' order. And if you're wondering why I'm using advanced settings in the Greek lexicons, it's because of an old bug. It's not really necessary any more.

Mark Barnes said:

Here's my prioritisation list: [Graphic]

Wow Mark,

I think you have more resources in your Pr. List, than I got in my whole Library!!!

Now I know why my Logos4 goes fast, and your goes slower ... [:D]

I'm not even going to touch your overkill comment!

While this is a great question to get a baseline of what others are having successful study with it still has a innate problem it does not address.  The fact remains that different resources are used for different study purposes as well as plain old differences in theological perspective.

For instance if one is doing sermon preparation then bible selection should hopefully include original language versions so that what is taught is not limited to the native tongue translation of the studier in question.  There are some fine English translations but in my opinion they are only translations and should be accompanied by Greek and Hebrew versions to get at the nuances of the message.

If one is doing devotion study then you probably are not going to be using Kittel or the BDAG much.  You might include Zodhiates or Strong's for a quick to the point peek into a words meaning.

A seminary student or exegetical pastor-teacher will most definitely need richer tools for study.  Exegetical commentaries, lexicons like BDAG/HALOT & TDNT [Kittel] and theological works & journals are a must. 

Which type of studier are you?  Are your convictions on the dispensational or reformed side? Are you a newbie needing the basics or a mature believer who needs strong meat to stay fed?

There is no "master list" in my opinion but there are some universals in each category that all should at least consider:

Bibles: I try to stay away from too many English translations as a rule.  Choosing to have a few that  are proven and then using the Hebrew and Greek text for the rest.  The KJV, NASB, NKJV, NIV and ESV are all popular and all have flaws and weaknesses.  With the exception of the NIV they are literal translations and are great for depth of study.  The NIV adds all of the watered down reading I would ever desire for a study session and adds some challenges to the mix that are nice to have.

Original Language Bibles: Take your pick here....

Greek Lexicons: BDAG & Kittel [TDNT] a must for a serious language study in Greek with EDNT and Louw-Nida being very helpful.  Others that are great with less "filler" are TDNTA, Zodhiates and Strong's.

Hebrew Lexicons: HALOT & BDB are a must for serious study in this arena. TWOT and Zodhiates are great with "less filler"

Dictionaries/Encyclopedias: Too many choices here but anything IVP, ISBE [for sheer scope & scholarship].  A great English dictionary like Oxford is a must as well.

Commentaries: Rubber meets the road here.. There are great single volume sets for under $50 and then there are some more costly than Logos 4.  This is where purpose sinks in for sure. Sets that are mentionable value are: NICNT/NICOT, Baker Exegetical series, Bible Knowledge Commentary, Lang, Ironside, Calvin, WBC, Keil & Delitzsch, New American set...

Also anyone doing serious study might look to the Theological Journal set.  In my opinion it is one of my most valued sets as it adds theological depth across many views and a span of time from some of the greatest minds about topics seldom found in print elsewhere if at all.  No commentary can add the detail and insight this sets adds on specific issues relevant to study.  Pound for pound these are a "best buy" and invaluable.

A great systematic theology library also adds immense value to any level of study.  L.S. Chafer, Hodges, Geisler, Calvin, Van Til, Fruchtenbaum, Moody, Ryrie, Shedd, Strong, Luther.  Disclaimer here as I have convictions consistent with a dispensational view but find great value in a variety of works in this category if for nothing else than an opposing view.

Prioritization is a key study strategy but should definitely be catered to the user or occasion in question.  Hope this helped someone.

Jim Towler said:

KevinTaylor said:

Bibles: I try to stay away from too many English translations as a rule.  Choosing to have a few that  are proven and then using the Hebrew and Greek text for the rest.  The KJV, NASB, NKJV, NIV and ESV are all popular and all have flaws and weaknesses.  With the exception of the NIV they are literal translations and are great for depth of study.  The NIV adds all of the watered down reading I would ever desire for a study session and adds some challenges to the mix that are nice to have.

Kevin,

I think I understand what you are saying here, but it concerns me sometimes, that as we learn more, we can trust less. How is a new believer to understand the problem with "English" Bibles, or that those named ones have flaws, weaknesses or that some are all watered down?

Its off-topic here, and Logos has given us guidelines for the use of their forums and resources, so I must limit my words. This is NOT aimed at you. You just happened to speak up with an easy-to-quote example of something we need to be careful of saying, when it can be heard by those that don't know the rest of the story. I think we use "weakness" in the same way the judges or TV Sports shows talk about the failings of the World Champ, for only getting 9.95 in the event.

 

 

Jim,  and I think I understand what you are trying to say as well but even the Logos training videos themselves demonstrate that any translation has "weaknesses" which is why Logos wonderfully includes the interlinear feature as well as Word Study and Exegetical features.  These are not secrets and are not designed to discredit any language translation.  The bottom line is that it would be best if we all fluently read Koine and Hebrew but we do not.  Tools like Logos help to bridge these gaps and are elements that are apart of the very marketing of this awesome software.  The thought that this could be viewed as being a negative when we are also discussing the value of prioritized resources is beyond me.

As a side note, It is not my intention to break any rules or defame others here but again these are common elements in the marketing of the product as well as apart of some level of discussion happening in any Bible study group or church meeting [or they should be].

Where have we gone when we cannot say that translations are translations?  It is not to be a discouragement to new believers that the original languages exist as some form of disdain to a translation.  But instead to be an encouragement that they can plug into them with the power of this software as they grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ!

This is a selling point not a negative....  If I have broken a rule I apologise but I did not know such a rule existed.

BIble:  NIV, ESV, KJV, NRSV, NLT, NASB95, Msg, NET
Greek:  TDNT, Louw-Nida, new Strong's, DBL Gk, Liddell
Hebrew:  BDB, TWOT, DBL Heb
Eng Dictionary:  ISBE, NBD, Eerdmans, DTIB, COED (Oxford), DNTB, ODCC
Commentary:  BST (22), WBC (59), IVP Bkgnd (2), Tyndale (49), NBC

MJ. Smith said:

As one who frequently plays "enforcer",

MJ, I think of you more as the "gentle reminderer type"   [A] rather than an enforcer.    Enforcer has some really rough connotations.  [:@]