Controversy Alert: NIV Upside Down Kingdom Bible

Oh boy…this one is going to press some buttons. While I think it does pretty good job handling some very difficult topics, I can already see this bible upsetting some people. Just get ready.

Tan Leathersoft:

Hardback:

[timwildsmith]

I like getting a dime's worth every now and then.

[etpeterson]

When you said Preston Sprinkle, I knew everything I needed to know.

[revdavidpeters]

This is not needed IMO. Scholars should just get together and publish a book, but they know people wouldn’t buy it so they throw the best selling worldwide translation in there knowing these bibles will eventually be on clearance and people will buy them. Not a good plan or idea

[Ka_Go]

God’s Kingdom is not upside down.. it’s right side up! Our world is what’s upside down.

[derrickpurdy]

I wouldn't be interested in this kind of Bible but I am glad to see the single column format being used more.

[hawk]

So in other words, it’s filled with commentaries trying to convince the reader that the Bible doesn’t mean what we can plainly see it means.

[sandracoombs]

Not for me Pastor Tim. However, thank you for reviewing this Bible so we are aware of what is contained within it. Blessings …😊

[sharonlee]

I LOVE that you encourage folks to always read the preface describing the translation!! Folks make a huge mistake when passing over this important information!! 👍🏼🙏🏼📖✝️

[tbsteph]

It's unclear to me who the target audience is for this publication. I cannot think of any traditional groups ever using this as a basis for teaching. The growing liberal groups (Methodist Church?) may find It of value.

[VaderNorq]

A fair review for sure, but I have read and listened to many of the contributors, and this particular edition would be a "no" for me.

[johnrobertgreco]

Pressed on Sprinkles are the worst. Just let them fall where they will on your ice cream.

[technoforever]

Why is Francis Chan's name being thrown in with this lot of scholars? Wretched's Todd Friel named him and I don't see his name on Zondervan's site of interviews, nor can I find anything on the whole internet linking him with this new Bible. Can anyone help?

[dedmanraizd]

Thank you for your review. Even if it is not our cup of tea, it does not hurt to be aware of different opinions about today's topics within Christianity and in secular circles rather to stay in an echo chamber.

[carmennooner]

Netflix is really getting their money's worth out of the Stranger Things series! I believe Michael Heiser wrote a book with "Upside-down " in the title somewhere, and now this? I'm not a boundary pusher, other than some people who like to be argumentative about the timing of the Rapture of the church. I am at a place in my life where I merely want to grow closer to God, through Jesus Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit. My personal stance is "Nearer My God To Thee". God bless! :)

[DeleteExistence]

We are in an upside down kingdom right now

[kathya]

Excellent review - thank you. I recently purchased this Bible but haven't had time to go through it yet. I do approach the scriptures from a conservative, evangelic viewpoint - but I'm also curious to see how the writers of the articles approach scripture - and then do my own study of those passages utilizing my Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

[TootietoOakie]

Just purchased! Looking forward to receiving it! Thanks for the review!

[michaelclark]

The NIV is controversial in of itself without woke contributions to it.

[djpodesta]

Love the typesetting layout and most of the articles. However, I am not sure how an emphasis on dissecting and concentrating on social issues adds anything to separating ourselves from the world and becoming more Christ like.

To me, the concept just adds more potential for debate and argument between immature believers.

Maybe learn the ins and outs of your faith first and then work out how to apply your faith into your world view.

If one wants to understand the universe, I would encourage people to engage in material from all perspectives. The same goes for gender, politics, economics, history; and so on. The resources are endless; outside the covers of the bible.

But that is just my 5 cents worth… :)

[randy-]

Thanks, Tim. The title they gave to this version just _sounds_ too much like Isaiah 5: 20 and sets off alarm bells for me. IMHO, it’s the World that is upside down, NOT God's Kingdom nor His Scriptures and, while I _think_ I understand their point, it kind of warns me away. I tend to be pretty conservative but I also deeply understand that my knowledge, discernment and wisdom are far from perfect.

For me, study bibles, reference notes, even “life application” suggestions are greatly appreciated assets, but I agree with you, it is the scripture that is perfectly Holy Spirit inspired (at least in the original writings), NOT the opinions and suggested applications.

I treasure honest reviews that point out both good and (potentially) bad points. That aids decision making!!