Review: The Apologetics Study Bible (CSB)

I am always very excited when I get a chance to review a Bible. B&H Publishing has released a CSB (Christian Standard Bible) "Apologetics Study Bible", and I jumped at the opportunity to review it. B&H gave me a complimentary copy of this Bible, and I in turn agreed to write this review. I think the most exciting feature of this Bible are the study notes that are written with an "Apologetic" view in mind. (Quotes from the Study Bible) "Christian "Apologetics" is the practice of giving reasons that support the Christian faith and responding to objections raised against it. Apologetics contributes to the restoration of a view of the Bible as a source of knowledge of its subject matter as opposed to a source of true belief to be accepted by a blind act of the will." I know as a Christian there have been times that people have asked me questions or challenged me in my faith, and I have not always had answers for them. Yes, I know that the Bible is true, and I have always had an easier time believing in God, but I know there are many people that are not like me. Many want to see how the Scriptures actually support what we (Christians) say we believe. There will always be an element of "faith" in our belief, but Scripture also beautifully supports what I say I believe. The "Apologetic" study notes are written so effectively with the intention to support the claims of the Bible. As I read the notes, I was encouraged in my belief, and also felt that the notes were easily written, so that I could share them with others that have questions. Another great resource in this Bible is the "Twisted Scripture" feature. "Twisted Scriptures" are short explanations of the most commonly misunderstood or "twisted" passages in the Bible. What a great addition to this Bible. There are many other features in this Bible that make it a wonderful resource for every Christian to own, but I will just spotlight one more in this review. I absolutely love that this bible has over 140 articles that deal with a broad range of apologetic issues. Articles such as, "Isn't Christianity Intolerant?", "Can Evolution Explain Ethics?", and "Can Something be True for You and Not for Me?". As I read through the titles of these articles, I realized that I too have heard these questions, and have really not known how to answer them from a biblical understanding. The commentary and articles are written by a group of over 90 leading apologists (IE: Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, Chuck Colson, etc). I know today that many of us that call ourselves "Christians" probably have several copies of the Bible, but I do think this Bible would be a great addition because it can teach us how to defend our faith better. I think that in and of itself, would be a good reason to add this Bible to your resources. On the other end of the spectrum, I think this Bible would be a great resource for those that do not call themselves "Christians", but are searching to find out if the Bible is true.