For 2000 years there has been only small innovations in the way we read the Bible until now. Buckle you spiritual seatbelts as the most inspired Bible ever hits the shelves: the 3-D Bible. Simply crack open the Good Book, put on your Inspirivision glasses and experience three dimensions of truth and insight. The important verses jump off the page, and those boring maps in the back come to life. This sword of the spirit you will never set down.

Now the 3-D Bible does not actually exist, except as a part of my collection of ideas that I could sell to Christians. However the favor and importance that we place on versions and translations permeates our churches, bible studies, and small groups. For many the NIV is the preeminent version, but which NIV? Zondervan has twice tried to reintroduce the version in the past 30 years. We also cannot ignore the King James Version, which certain sects refer to as the only perfect or inerrant version (they would even take issue to the fact that I called it a version). No matter your need or purpose publishers have provided us with a version of the Bible to read, for those looking for readable you can pickup the New Living, if you want accuracy the New American.

The adoration of versions goes beyond just the translation and into the type of Bible. For many the archeology study Bibles are the best, or perhaps a key word study Bible that way we can sound smart by saying what the Greek or Hebrew word is. I can look at my bookshelf and see the 20 Bibles on the shelf, yet most collect dust on the shelf because I really only read the ESV and its study Bible version.

I fear that the importance we place on these versions has risen to an almost idolatrous level. Instead of worshipping God for the spiritual growth that we experience we attribute it to a translation. I am not saying that everyone should learn Hebrew and Greek or that having a preferred Bible is wrong. Instead we need to see the Bible for what it is, God’s chosen mode of self-revelation to humanity. That in Scripture we see Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament anticipation and the savior who did for us what we cannot otherwise do. We grow because of the work of the Spirit in our lives and through the revelation of God’s plan, action, and commands that are found in Scripture.