Christianbook.com Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for B & H Publishing Group Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed

B & H Publishing Group Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed

Real Questions. Straight Answers. Stronger Faith. The Apologetics Study Bible will help today’s Christians better understand, defend, and proclaim their beliefs in this age of increasing moral and spiritual relativism. More than one-hundred key questions and articles placed throughout the volume about faith and science prompt a rewarding study experience at every reading. 2240 pages, from Broadman & Holman.

The Apologetics Study Bible features valuable contributions from a who’s-who of modern apologists such as Chuck Colson, Norm Geisler, Hank Hanegraaff, Josh McDowell, Albert Mohler, Ravi Zacharias, J. P. Moreland, and Phil Johnson.

Other features include:

  • The full text of the popular Holman Christian Standard Bible translation
  • Two-color page layout
  • Introduction to each Bible book focusing on its inherent elements of apologetics
  • 10 point text
  • Double-column format
  • Book Outlines
  • Translation Footnotes
  • Articles on ethics, science, archaeology, philosophy, and non-Christian belief systems
  • Study notes that explain "problem" passages
  • Sidebars on Scriptures misused by cults
  • Profiles of historic Christian apologists from Justin Martyr to C. S. Lewis
  • Plan of Salvation
  • Bonded leather, black
  • Thumb-indexed
  • 7" x 9.5" x 1.5"
Average Customer Rating:
4.671 out of 5
4.7
 out of 
5
(73 Reviews) 73
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (73 reviews)
5 stars
58
4 stars
10
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
2
30 out of 3197%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Review 1 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

HCSB Apologetics Study Bible, Blue Duotone

Date:May 8, 2012
Customer Avatar
Karenc
Location:USA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is a recent purchase, so I cannot give an overview to all the study notes or articles. But I wanted to share on the quality of this sewn Bible. It may not be apparent viewing online but the font is a pleasure to read. The spacing is, well, spacious, between the words and marginal space. It is not perhaps even a very large print, but still I find it having the appeal of some of the older Bibles from the 1970's or 80's where more space was given for the Bible text. This truly makes it a reach for Bible. Furthermore, the blue on this binding is a very tranquil color and matches the blue design in the interior. One slight complaint is that the Bible footnotes are on the light font smaller side. Because I am an avid reader of Bible marginal footnotes and extra information pertaining to the Bible text, I always like these notes to be also big and bold. Lastly, the HCSB is coming forth with more 2009 update editions, but I find that this edition is also very nice. I do love the increase of the Yahweh Name usage in the new edition.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

So glad I got this Bible

Date:March 18, 2012
Customer Avatar
CHUSA
Location:Estes Park, CO
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I've anted a new bible for a while, but just couldn't quite decide which one to get. I knew specifically what I didn't want, but couldn't narrow it down to a Bible that matched everything on my list of requirements, wants, and don't wants. I thought I had it settled on another NASB, but then I came across this one, and it seemed to be more what I was looking for. I even got an additional one to give to my friends from Ukraine. I am really impressed with mine and am so glad I chose it. My friends love theirs, too. I'm pretty familiar with the Bible, having attended Bible School years ago, but it's so helpful to have so much information all together. What a fantastic find!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

the more I use this Bible, the better I like it

Date:February 25, 2012
Customer Avatar
vanessa walters
Location:Red Cloud, Neb.
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I had purchased another Bible, sent it back and exchanged that one for this one. I love the HSCB version more and more, its very to read and understand. Many of the biblical terms I didnt understand, are defined by the 'bullet notes' in the back. This Bible has many articles about apologetics for the Bible, our christian faith, and our Lord; these matters I had never read much about before. I love the print size, I do wish the Words of Christ were in red; but the font size and the layout of pages is very good. I am very glad I made the exchange for this Bible.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Best value

Date:February 8, 2012
Customer Avatar
Onion
Location:Los Angeles, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
This Bible met my expectation, best value of my recent purchases. It's worth keeping at hand to answer the reason of our hope.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A pleasure to handle and use!

Date:February 2, 2012
Customer Avatar
Barnabus
Location:Geraldton, Western Australia.
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This Bible is very readable with support articles very relevant to the the section consulted and from extremely respected contributors. The attractive finish and has a great feel. Smart, effective and quality presentation! Easy on the eye!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

I really like this version!

Date:January 28, 2012
Customer Avatar
Alan
Location:Nevada
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
My kids and I are reading through the Bible again this year and using this new HCSB version. I am really enjoying this version -- it seems to be very accurate, literal and reverent, while at the same time it uses modern english without trying to be politically correct or gender neutral. I am not able to read Greek and Hebrew texts -- I must rely upon study tools when I am trying to learn the richness of meaning of the text in the original languages, but so far it seems to me that the translators of this version were very concerned with trying to capture as much literal richness of the original languages in rendering the text in English. I am really growing to appreciate this translation and it is quickly gaining equal standing in my mind with the KJV, NASB and ESV.
For the most part I am enjoying the apologetic notes in this version, although a few of the articles seem to be a little trivial and of not much importance to me. But that doesn't mean that they won't be of interest to others. All in all I am really enjoying my reading in this version and edition and I am really glad that I purchased!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Easy Read

Date:January 27, 2012
Customer Avatar
Teresa Conway-mansfield
Location:Greenville
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I love the fact that this bible has letters large enough that it is easy to read. I found it very useful and encouraging. You will not be sorry in this purchase.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5

Not nearly what I expected

Date:November 3, 2011
Customer Avatar
IamLED
Location:Wilkes Barre, PA
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Would recommend only for the fact that it is an HCSB translation with the apologetics notes, and the physical workmanship is really good. FAULTS: Not enough cross references in the apologetics notes; hardly any in the "bullet notes"; "bullet notes" are basically a condensed dictionary, not nearly as concise as a good biblical dictionary; indexing system is poor, in sets of 3 books; books should be individually indexed or tabbed, no option given for either of these; the apologetic notes and articles are good, however, the need more scriptural cross references, and some need to be placed differently, or highlighted differently. The placement and light shading used especially with "Twisted Scripture" sections makes them annoying. Finally, the HCSB translations I've seen before have been "red lettered", that is, Jesus' words in red type, this one is not. This is more of an advanced beginers or intermediate bible.
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Great Bible, needs more study notes

Date:November 29, 2011
Customer Avatar
Matress44
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
This is an easy to read and understand Bible, similar to the 1984 NIV. The notes and articles are great but it sould be nice if it was a bit more scholarly. 2 ribbons! Great for bible study groups who want to learn more about apologetics! I do wish the graphics were not so light as they are a distraction at times.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Date:November 9, 2011
Customer Avatar
hannahbbanana
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
The commentary is so specific to apologetics that I feel like it is useful to have a second one to help explain the meaning of the passage. But the commentary itself is useful for its intended purpose.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

I shopped and shopped

Date:October 10, 2011
Customer Avatar
sail6382
Location:Tampa, FL
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
And I found it. I love the way this Bible has articles surrounding the history of each book in relevant terms. I appreciate the Apologetics version as a guide on how to defend what I believe....how to provide counterpoints to non-believers. It helps give me ground to stand on when faith isn't enough. It puts into words the WHY and HOW in simple terms that have lots of applications. It is influenced by the Southern Baptist Association, but I find that it is fairly liberal (as far as Baptists are concerned). All in all a very relevant Bible. Beautiful in the leather bound. I wish I had paid the extra $5.00 to be embossed.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Great apologetic information!

Date:August 26, 2011
Customer Avatar
Big B
Location:Parkland, FL
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
The apologetic topics covered by renowned experts represent an excellent means to defend the faith.
The apologetic insights into individual Bible passages are extremely useful and insightful.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:August 23, 2011
Customer Avatar
lilpink90
Location:Rifle, CO
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is an excellent version, and I would highly recommend it to everyone. The Study Bible has a great array of resources to help you learn about the passages you are reading.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5

Sorry guys, but I do not think much of this Bible

Date:August 17, 2011
Customer Avatar
Rick Reynolds
Location:Kennewick, WA
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
My biggest disappointment with the Apologetics Study Bible is that most of the issues they address are not really apologetic matters. They are doctrinal matters. Why does this make a difference? It makes a difference because the way we treat doctrine, which is the particulars of the faith, should be different than apologetics, which is a defense of the faith. Obviously, the two matters are related. A faith built on strong doctrine is more easily defensible.
The problem comes from confusing a legitimate question or interpretation from the inside with an attack from the outside. Christians with different doctrinal stances aren't trying to destroy faith; if anything, they are trying to make faith and belief more understandable. This Bible includes such essentially non-apologetics related matters as: why God is definitely male, why trus Christians should believe in eternal torment and not annihilation, and why the Churches of Christ are wrong to disallow the use of musical instruments. This is not apologetics. Apologetics is designed to defend the faith from attacks of those outside the Church, which today predominately means secular humanists, not the Church of Christ, the Seventh-Day Adventist, or Liberal Protestants. You may disagree with these groups interpretation of the Bible, but that i a doctrinal matter not an apologetic one.
On the positive side, I do love the HCSB
+2points
3of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Talk about the Scripture being a Sword!!!

Date:July 19, 2011
Customer Avatar
RaineyRN
Location:San Diego County, CA
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I absolutely LOVE this Bible! I had grown up using the Life Application Bible but felt that there was so much more meat then I was missing and boy I was right! I took the time to do the research and it was between 2 other Bible's and this one; I was alittle nervous never having used the HSBC version as I was not familiar with it. But I ordered this one and it has been my best tool in strengthing my walk as well as how be a better testimony to others. Great for teenagers and up!!!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Beautiful & Helpful Study Bible

Date:May 20, 2011
Customer Avatar
MikeJ
Location:NC
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Let me start with this: I love the text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible. This is the first completely new translation in quite some time, and it is very well done. Holman blends the word-for-word method of formal equivalence with the though-for-thought readability of dynamic equivalence, ending in something the publisher calls optimal equivalence. IMO, this methodology results in a very precise, yet eminently readable, translation.
Second, this is the most beautiful Bible I've ever read. The design and use of color and graphics is extraordinary. I love the gold ribbon across the middle of the page showing alternate translations. And the light blue verse numbers really make the text much easier on the eyes. The publisher also does a great job of using illustrations and pictures. Even the thumb tabs are beautifully done and augment the appearance of the Bible. Plus, there are two ribbon markers to help you find your page.
The study notes are fair and even-handed. They are not always as academic as the study notes in the ESV Study Bible, but they are quite good. They tend to do a very nice job of explaining things clearly and concisely.
My only real complaint is that I would have liked a better concordance, but that is a minor quibble when the rest of the Bible excels in so many areas.
The combination of beauty, helpful study aids, and precise but readable text make this Bible very hard to put down. The Holman Christian Standard Study Bible has quickly become my favorite Bible, and I gladly recommend it to you.
+2points
3of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:May 6, 2011
Customer Avatar
DJLawsonSr
Location:Anderson, IN
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Thjis is one of the best study bibles. The commentary really helps in my daily study.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:May 26, 2011
Customer Avatar
CECE
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nervous about cover material and keeping it clean but it is beautiful... and worth it.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Very nice

Date:April 29, 2011
Customer Avatar
Robert
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
This bible contains many one page articles that are interesting tid bits concerning different religions whether Moses wrote the P. I enjoy reading the articles and like that it is a different translation. I have about 20 some bibles and this one stands out. B&H customer service needs to improve though. I recently purchased a defective bible and tried to have it exchanged: Almost impossible. The quality of their bonded leather is not good. The quality of the "genuine" leather on this bible is average. It's about the same as a good bonded leather on for example the Nelson NKJV study bible. The glue was coming off the bonded leather on my other B&H which was made in China. This one is made in the USA and it's very well made. The cover retains it's shape when closed, it does not stay open.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Holman Christian Standard Bible Apologetics Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Thumb-Indexed
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Superb Investment for Bible believers!

Date:April 15, 2011
Customer Avatar
Chris Quah
Location:Singapore
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I teach Apologetics in our youth church and this bible is a great one-stop resource indeed. Of course a proper in-depth study requires more than just this volume but it is an excellent "snapshot" for the starter and a good refresher resource for the seasoned apologists.
Physical quality is very good, sturdy (but not stiff!) leather covers and the pages are strong enough for constant flipping about without that fear of accidental ripping! Binding is top notch and the bible sits flat when opened.
The bible is portable, so bring it to your mission trips!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.