Refuel: The Complete New Testament for Guys (Biblezines) [Paperback]

Nelson Bibles Staff (Author)

Book Description

Series: Biblezines | Publication Date: April 13, 2004

This BibleZine is a totally cool new way for teen guys to read the Bible. Formatted like a sports or entertainment magazine, this New Testament Bible comes to life with relevant application. Based on the success of Revolve, and in response to tremendous customer feedback, this Bible is sure to be a hit!

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718006763
• ISBN-13: 978-0718006761
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Innovative approach to interest teen boys in the Bible, April 27, 2004

By 

Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Refuel: The Complete New Testament for Guys (Biblezines) (Paperback)

I really enjoy finding a Bible that will get people talking and this one will definitely do that. "Refuel" is basically the New Century Version of the New Testament. But that is where the resemblance to a traditional Bible ends. A lot of people will probably have a hard time accepting a Bible of this nature but a lot will also find it the best idea in youth Bibles in a long time. I tend toward the second group.

So, what makes this Bible so different? The first thing that grabs your attention is the fact that it has the same layout and style as a modern teen magazine. In addition to the Bible there are music reviews, suggestions on how to live your faith, life guidance ideas, tips for understanding girls (the Refuel version is designed for teenage boys) and a lot of other items of contemporary interest. I have to say that this is one of the most difficult reviews that I have ever had to write because you really cannot appreciate the appeal of this Bible until you actually see it. It stays true to the traditional Bible and New Century Version and so provides the complete story of the New Testament while at the same time providing visual appeal and guidance in a manner that is much more likely to appeal to a teenage boy. It is easy to pick up and just start reading and inviting to leaf through and read a few sections at a time.

Now, having sung the praises of this wonderful Bible and how strongly it appeals to teenagers I will have to note that although the scripture is an accurate rendering of the Bible as translated in the New Century Version, the filler pieces, columns, and short articles do at times advance particular positions that all Christians may not necessarily hold. I might as well go after one of the really big ones as an example. Page 126 has a listing of ten "Random Causes Worth Standing For". The first item on the list is "The Rights of the Unborn". While this is somewhat vague it obviously comes down on the side of Pro-Life. Some Christians agree with this and some do not, and most seem to want to take all the facts and circumstances of a particular case into consideration (such as when the mother's life is in danger). Of course, the wise parent can use these things as a way to open the door to discussion and an opportunity to teach their children. My point is not to attack or defend the various positions but to make the reader aware that such items are in the book.

All in all "Refuel: The Complete New Testament" is one of the most exciting innovations to come along in youth Bibles in a long time. In my opinion a Bible that a teenager will actually pick up and read is far more valuable than one that sits on a shelf and is rarely, if ever, opened. "Refuel" is a complete marketing makeover for the Bible while still retaining a true translation at the core. Brilliant!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Brave, March 1, 2005

By 

L. Baldwin (Bremerton, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Refuel : The Complete New Testament for Guys (Paperback)

I think this is the sort of thing you either love or hate, and if you don't have any idea what it is or what the content of it is so you poke fun at.

Refuel is a good tool for any guy, but it is geared towards high school aged kids. It has many categories in it, including thoughts about girls, questions and answers, challenging your faith with difficult scriptures, and ideas on living your faith through service opportunities.

I feel sorry for the people who can't see the spiritual value in something like this. Guys who have never picked up a real bible will read this, and yes, they'll like it.

I recommend it, and plan to send a few copies to our Troops overseas.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hmmm, July 5, 2004

By 

Try "tryingmyhardest" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Refuel: The Complete New Testament for Guys (Biblezines) (Paperback)

I'm going to review the Format, Translation, and Commentary of the Refuel Bible separately.

Format: Innovative and eye-catching, the BibleMag format is proving to be a good way to get Christian teenagers and young adults to read the Scriptures. However, the bible is over 10.5 inches (27.5 cm) long, and 1/2 inch(1 cm) thick, making it impossible to role up and stow in a pocket. This limits it's portability, which makes this non-scary bible much less useful. (3 of five stars)

Translation: The NCV is inclusive and as accurate as a bible written in easy-to-read English can be. It deserves major kudos for a footnote explaining that "the Word" in John 1:1 is "logos" and refers to Christ. (5 of 5 stars)

Notes: The notes come from an unashamedly Conservative Evangelical perspective. I disagree with a lot of what they say, but they have every right to say that Paul wrote Timothy, and that "everything in the Bible is absolutely true and will never change." However, some of the advice is both legalistic and silly (eg. don't kiss your girlfriend), which could undermine the good advice. (2 of 5)