Book Review: iShine NLT Bible (Tweens)

iShine NLT Bible "Totally for Tweens"

ISBN: 978-1-4143-4814-8 (boys)

ISBN: 978-1-4143-4815-5 (girls)

Retail: $19.99 each

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

It is interesting how times have changed since I was growing up. Things that I couldn't have even imagined are here. I recall my mom saying that when I was growing up I had access to much more technology than she did when she was younger- and that my life choices were tougher. If it were true when I was younger, how much more so now that I have kids. 

We don't have a smartphone, ipod, iphone, or blackberry (but we do have grapes!). We don't have cable, psp, or an xbox. We do have internet, a dvd player (a vcr even!), mp3, cell phone with texting (no internet), and various other technologies in our home. There's nothing wrong with technology. I love it! But it opens doors and 'windows' (pun intended!) to experiences that may not be the best for our children.

You may have heard that by the time kids are out of high school they are already on their way out of church. Is it any wonder? But honestly, I do not think these new Bibles will help.

The purpose of these new Bibles are to help tweens find their value in God's eyes. These bibles feature web links and the little codes for smartphones that display exclusive content for those reading. I don't have a smartphone so I don't know what they look like but I can read the little web addresses and here is a screenshot of where you go when you connect (this one is under "Purpose":

So... what do we think of these Bibles? I was really excited to get to review them because I enjoy it when my kids can connect with God on their level, I guess you could say. However, I am not very thrilled with these or the sites that they connect to. It's not that they are inappropriate or opposing the Bible. Not at all. I just do not care for their dress and appearance. I know, I know- stopping judging by outward appearances... I can't really put my finger on it but I don't see how these individuals are any different than the rest of the world- they act the same but say different things. The motto in the front of the book "Because I am, I shine" really doesn't make sense to me. ...Because of what He did, not because of who we are...

I do like that at the front of the books are what is titled "What the Bible talks about..." and has entries ranging from a to w (anger, bible, greed, injustice, Jesus, resentment, worship, etc)- I guess 'zeal' isn't in there ;). Also at the back of the book are "Great verses to memorize" - I think that is my favorite part of the book. I also like the size of the Bible- easy to carry around.

My ds likes this because it is geared to him. He likes the cover. He doesn't like the inserts with the kids because they look like rock stars. That's not what the Bible is about.

Unfortunately, I just cannot say that there is enough about this new Bible that I like enough to give it to my son (11 yo) or would I recommend it to others of the same age. It is reminiscent of some of the local youth groups that are all about appearances- say the correct words, attend the correct groups and you're good. 

No thank you, I will stick with our usual Bible.

**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. See more Disclosure/Policies.**