We recently received the new Holman Sportsman’s Bible, a whole different format in Bible publishing specifically for sportsmen. Every aspect of this Bible is geared towards the sportsman, from the tough nylon Superflage Game Camouflage cover with tab closure, to its olive-drab page edges, designed to not shine and reflect, spooking game.
Beyond the cover, the translation is the Homan Christian Standard Bible, a very nice reading format with two column text, footnotes, and references at the bottom of each page, not just a New Testament, but Genesis through Revelation. The seven-point font is easy to read, yet keeps the overall Bible a neat, compact 5”x7”, and only about an inch thick. This compact Bible easily fits into the inside pocket of a hunting coat or vest or neatly in an outside pouch of a daypack as evidenced by the accompanying photo with pocket knife and coin for size reference. Although this Bible version contains over 1150 pages, the excellent quality paper is quite thin, and light-weight, keeping both the overall size to a minimum and the weight under a pound.
This full reference Bible is a red-letter edition with table of contents and unique HCSB Bullet Notes, a list of frequently used biblical terms and words, defined in an appendix in the back of the Bible. These key words are marked in the text with a bullet, denoting that a definition may be found, in alphabetical order in the appendix. A very nice feature and well thought out.
Now, beyond being an excellent format of God’s Word for carrying into game fields for instruction, study and contemplation. The Sportsman’s Bible takes a leap beyond where any Bible to date has gone. Included between the covers of this little jewel is a Hunter’s Harvest Record, and a section entitled Field Insights, with hunting tips, instructions, strategies for hunting, things such as ground blind construction, tree-stand height selection, bear protection, whitetail calling technique, outdoorsman’s survival kit, and much more. Each of these selections is written from a practical point of view with real-world wisdom and time tested techniques.
Too, there are a number of articles by well known sportsmen and celebrities, men of faith who share their perspectives, and some excellent insights and principles for us, as sportsmen, to live by. Also a focus on landowner respect and rights is presented from a couple of points of view. I especially appreciate the commentary by John L. Moore on this subject, coming from his outlook not only as a Montana ranch owner, but a Christian sportsman as well.
Included is a well done hunter’s code of ethics that should be mandatory reading for all sportsmen. It underscores the necessity of ethical behavior and conduct in the field, not only to insure the perpetuation of our sport, and the privileges afforded by our freedom to pursue those liberties, but the immense responsibility we shoulder every time we go afield, reflecting godly principles in our very behavior and conduct afield. It is by our actions that others will be drawn to Christ. And through the consistent practice of ethical behavior that our children and the youth that follow us into the game fields will learn to appreciate God’s creation, and treat it with the reverence and respect deserving of such an awesome resource.
Finally, the exceptionally well thought-out features of The Sportsman’s Bible should make it a lifelong companion into the woods and wherever we travel enjoying the awesome creation with which God has chosen to bless us. Not only are its features inclined entirely towards the outdoor enthusiast, it is priced such that anyone can afford this special package. Its suggested retail price is only $29.99, and would make an excellent gift for anyone who spends time afield.
As for me, I’m really grateful for such a feature packed version of God’s Word to be my hunting companion for years to come! A special thanks to the sportsmen of faith who have collaborated together in order to produce this excellent addition to our outdoor experience, and offering a feature-filled Bible geared towards helping us as outdoorsmen to enrich our experience afield and deepen our faith.
The Sportsman’s Bible is available online at the time of this printing for $19.95 at:
http://broadmanholman.com/productDetail.asp?isbn=1586400959
Or, write:
Broadman & Holman Publishers
127 Ninth Avenue, North
Nashville, TN 37234
615-251-5003
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