The Book: The Bible Illuminated

         In 2008, an interesting adaptation of the New Testament called Bible Illuminated: The Book New Testament was published. On the website for the book, it claims that it is easier to read than the regular Bible because contemporary photographs are used to "make the connection between the Scriptures and the modern world." With the main features of photographs with relevant pull quotes and chapters, Bible Illuminated: The Book New Testament aims to inspire thought and get people involved with Christianity by making it relevant to todays society. It was interesting to me that by releasing something like this into the public, is implying that the Bible is not necessarily perceived by all to be reflective of the present times. Even though some may be offended by this, I think that this is a great presentation of how popular culture and Christianity can inform each other. Popular culture has presented the Bible in an innovative way!
        There is a part in Bible Illuminated: The Book New Testament that devotes a few pages on "8 Ways to Change the World," where various charities like: Give Water, Invisible Children, WWF, Peace One Day, and Innocence Project are incorporated to further bridge the gap between the Bible and the modern world. 
        Not only is this book trying to make the Bible more understandable, it also makes the modern adaptation more accessible by publishing it online. A free chapter can be downloaded from the website or you can view the whole book in digital format. Here are some photos from the book to exemplify how it uses contemporary photographs to enhance the Bibles messages.  

(*I do not take credit for any of these photos. They are all from http://www.bibleilluminated.com)

“A man stands behind a shattered window of a women’s dormitory following the fatal shooting of two African American students at Jackson State College. May 16, 1970. Jackson, Missisippi”

         Is it wrong to make an adaptation of the Bible because it is a big part of history? Is this adaptation successful in making it relevant to the modern world? I personally find the Bible easier to read as this magazine-like text. Popular culture has the ability to communicate a message even more powerfully by incorporating various kinds of media into one. These captivating images have coaxed me into purchasing this book...