Customer Reviews

Refuel: The Complete New Testament for Guys (Biblezines)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

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.

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)

I think these new style Bibles are great. Anything to help teenagers read the truth. There is enough garbage out there that our teens are reading. Some of the reviewers should obviously not be writing a review for a Christian book, let alone a version of the Bible. Sure, it may not be my taste of a sit down and read Bible, but I am long past being a teenager. The teens I have talked to think it is pretty cool to have a Bible they can take somewhere that doesn't look like a typical Bible. Don't let a couple negative reviews keep you from getting any of these for your teen. Check out the New Century Version and make sure it is ok with you. Well, you all take care.

this hardly looks like a Bible, but it is. It proves to new users that the old-fashioned Word of God is really applicable to today's life!

Teenagers will love this bible. It looks great & reads easy. In addition to the entire New Testamant, it is full of fun and interesting info for young men. However, though the Scriptures are reliable (of course), it is the added notes & advice that should give parents & pastors concern. Be advised that some of the advice given to young men here is questionable and unwise, particularly on social issues and dating. Instead, I would recommend a Study Bible geared toward teens.

This so called Bible in magazine format is full of inaccurate wording. Even false teaching. This is a shameful attempt of turning Gods word into other meanings. Not totally rewrote but full of areas with wrongful meanings. I strongly recommend not buying this. I purchased this for my child and certainly wish I had saved my money after I had a good look through it. Better to spend your money on a good King James Study bible than this. Two thumbs down.

I don't know really how to rate this book. I'm not Christian/Catholic whatever, so I don't get any use out of the Bible in these pages, but the advice they offer the average teenage boy is some of the most unintentionally funny stuff I've ever read in my life. In fact most of the people who work with me (bookstore) find this hysterical. Last years edition for teenage girls was very funny as well, but this one just pushes the boundaries of comedy with such helpful advice as "Don't Give Swirlies" (Well Duh) While one of the more fun things you can do outside is... "Clip your toe nails." I wish I had it front of me, I could list many more hilarious parts, but I refuse to pay the $16.00 price for it. I would love to meet the author, and ask him/her if they were serious when writing this.