I own more Bibles than I care to admit, shelves and shelves of them. They are each unique, wonderful, and compelling in their own way. I own so many that my wife put a moratorium on buying more, but I occasionally slip one through the gatekeeper. I love Bibles, but you don’t have to be a Bible-lover to appreciate the work of art I am going to introduce you to today.
Though it would be difficult for me to select a favorite Bible, my Mosaic Bible stands head and shoulders above nearly all of them. Even on a shelf filled with many other Bibles (some costing hundreds of dollars), this Bible stands out. It is unlike any other Bible you have ever held.
COVER: The Mosaic Bible is beautiful from the get-go. Available in hardcover and imitation leather, there is an option for any budget and the quality is more than worth the investment. Both editions are attractive, classy, and hearken back to a time when the Church was known for its investment in the arts. I own the leather version, and it is magnificent. Each time I use it, I am reminded that words contained within the cover are ancient words of wisdom, the very breath of God himself. You can’t open the Bible without being reminded that you are entering the most important story ever told. While both editions are excellent, if you are going to spend the money I would strongly suggest springing for the leather edition. A great Bible deserves a great cover; you won’t be disappointed.
MOSAIC: This Bible contains an incredible amount of extra content, making it two books for the price of one (we’ll get to that in a moment). First, I want to point out that this Bible is decidedly small-“c” catholic (meaning “universal”), i.e. it embodies the whole church. Hence, the name Mosaic. This Bible strives to bring balance, avoiding being too Western or Eastern, too male or female, too modern or ancient. As Christians, we are a part of something larger than ourselves… we are part of a mosaic—a patchwork of people, places, times, and cultures. As such, this Bible brings together art, writings, hymns, prayers, and poetry from Christians of every continent and in every century of Christian history. The result is 300+ pages of the best curated devotional content available anywhere.
WEEKLY MEDITATIONS: This is not a Study Bible, per se. To some that will be a negative, but I worry modern Christ-followers have relied too much on the words of others rather than the word of God and the Spirit. This Bible offers the text of the New Living Translation (my favorite translation) in an uninterrupted way, except for a robust cross-reference system and brief book introductions. What you will find is better than study notes: a weekly original meditation that connects the weekly theme to the modern world. Each week follows the church year (liturgical cycle) and features full-color art, readings adapted from lectionaries, and whitespace note-taking and reflections.
TWO BOOKS IN ONE: The Mosaic Bible is really two books in one: a full-year devotional and a complete Bible. All are contained within a Bible that is no larger than a standard personal Bible. In fact, this Bible is smaller than almost every Study Bible on the market, so you will have no issue toting it around.
FINAL THOUGHT: I cannot give a higher recommendation. This Bible weds every era of Church history in a way that is compelling, practical, and in a word, beautiful. It will give years of quality use to its owner and be an invaluable resource for one’s spiritual journey, no matter where they are on it.
Still not convinced? Download an 84-page except HERE.
NOTE: This Bible went to press in 2009. In book-years, that is an eternity. My point? Don’t delay to get this Bible if you are considering it. It could go out-of-print anytime.