Oh Sage, Do You Have an App for That?

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Truth be told, for us bibliophiles, it can be as menacing, as it is rewarding, to “manage” the books that we possess (or have access to through various libraries). Most every professor I know has stacks, and stacks, of commentaries, monographs, and reference works in his office or den, and only the best of us have any real system of organization: Medieval stuff is on that wall, history’s over there, and oh yeah, there’s some new stuff under this pile of junk mail. Even many engaged laymen I know have a similar problem; many books and little time to organize”or even read”them. It is as the sage of Ecclesiastes said.

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Bible Software for Catholics

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 -0400

Remember the 1990s? They brought forth a variety of PC versions of the Bible. Back in the day, they were stunning; although admittedly, these first-generation programs were clunky, and little more than electronic texts of the Bible, marketed to the busy pastor or motivated Bible student. Gradually, speedier processors allowed for more features, including word study, and some graphics, such as maps of biblical lands, etc.

Today, the situation is remarkably different. Virtually none of the earlier pioneer companies survived and there are only several major developers of biblical software. Gone are the “mom and pop” companies, which, in the early days of Bible software, offered rudimentary, reasonably priced programs. In their place today are several big developers which produce smooth-running, lightning fast programs. One of the predominant software developers today is Logos Bible Software, Inc.

Logos programs run on desktop or laptop as well as iPhone and iPad, and are immeasurably more advanced than previous generations of biblical software. Today’s software opens the biblical world as never before, with dozens of languages and hundreds of features. One of my own favorite features is the “word wheel,” which allows one to study the meaning, for example, of the Hebrew term for Pharaoh, complete with multi-dimensional graphics. In just a few clicks, one can view all of its 268 occurrences in the OT, along with a boatload of textual data.

In order to enjoy such goodies, one must purchase a base package, which ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Those looking for more in-depth study will want to consider the “Original Languages Library” ($415.95) or the “Scholars Library” ($629.95). The latter contains 47 bibles, over 50 Greek and Hebrew resources, 90 commentaries and reference works, biblical maps, photos, etc.

There are two reasons why Logos is currently leading the field. First, the company partners with traditional print publishers (i.e. Ignatius, Intervarsity, Fortress Press). By investing in electronic licensing, Logos now offers thousands of titles. Open to John Chapter 2, for example, and all of the respective commentaries open as well; cross-linked and fully searchable. This creates a virtual library at one’s fingertips.

Second, Logos’ packages are multi-platform, meaning that they will run on both PC and Mac. Once purchased, the software will run or both, Additionally, the latest version (Logos 4) operates on iPad and iPhone at no additional cost”but in a pared-down format. Online video tutorials and generally helpful customer representatives make set-up and trouble-shooting workable.

Until quite recently, Logos’ marketing efforts were clearly aimed at a decidedly Protestant clientele. This was evident not only in the scores of Protestant titles included in all of the base packages (e.g. Protestant Bible translations, sermon-building resources, Evangelical commentaries and resources). The company seemed to ignore”or at least overlook the needs and interests of Catholic customers. As a Catholic seminary professor, I carried my cross and accepted their rather meager efforts to satisfy those to us on the other side of the Tiber.

Fortunately, this “Catholic blind spot” is no more: Cor ad cor loquitur , or at least, to the pocketbook. Logos has crossed the Tiber. Sort of. They’ve recently hired a Catholic resource specialist. After a few conversations with Mr. Andrew Jones, it is clear that Logos is getting the message. Jones informed me that Logos will offer a Catholic base package in the near future, and is working on other vital licenses, such as the Catechism. In the meantime, the Catholic user can purchase what is being called the “Catholic Library Builder.” Over 230 volumes are included in the package, aimed at the Catholic priest, teacher/student or layperson, including:

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Oh Sage, Do You Have an App for That?

Bible Software for Catholics