Last Eyewitness-VC: The Final Week

I heard about this new resource by word of mouth from a friend (who actually gave me a copy of this book). However, I see this as a great resource for anyone in a variety of ways. What this gives you is a new perspective on these Scriptures from John's account of the last week of Jesus' life (a new translation if you will). The idea was to have a first person account written from John, which with it brings a large amount of background information within the text (which is quite interesting and helpful when reading this account). You can tell very easily when the book is talking about scripture and when there is historical information being told. There is a great blend of both in this book. The main author and editor is a man that I am becoming to appreciate more and more with his lessons and some of his videos that he has produced on The Work of People, Chris Seay. The great thing about this resource is there is a multitude of people working together on this (writers including Brian McLaren, Lauren Winner, and others). There are other books in the works. One of the ways I see this resource being helpful (besides personal and communal readings for adults, college, teens, etc) would be to have this read as a monologue. An out loud reading of this would be impactful and beautiful (they need to get working on the book on CD/tape/mp3/whatever). There is artwork throughout the book (which pictures in a book for me are a plus). The art is very simplistic in nature which I appreciate but yet give a great visual to what is being read or said in the piece. Again if this is done before a group a people (being read), I could see a large amount of pre done art work or even as the reading is going on, artist recreating the words that are being spoken. Make sure you check out there upcoming series and get your self (and maybe others) a copy of this great resource.

Chris has captured (along with his other artist/translators) the essence of what it must have been like to read the personal letters and memoirs of the early disciples of Jesus. For anyone who has struggled to understand or capture the power of the original authors, this new expression will certainly prove valuable. As a long time reader of the bible, I found the format, and the fresh wording to be a welcome surprise. The dialogue sections set in the format of a play are powerful and clear. No more trying to remember who is speaking or being spoken to. Thanks to Chris, Brian, Lauren and the many others who have contributed so far. I am looking forward with great expectation to the next releases,

I have to say that I'm impressed with this resource. I recommend it highly to anyone (adult, college, teen) who has honesty found it hard to "get into" personal Bible study. It is, in essence, a fresh tranlation of scripture...but it is so much more than that. It is a fresh approach. In particular, this volume covers the final week in the life of Jesus primarily from the book of John. Clearly deliniated from actual scripture, is a first person commentary written in the voice of John that brings in tons of historical and cultural context (I like this approach b/c it doesn't come across as scholarly, but is extremely informative and enlightening). "John" also bring in the perspectives of the other gospel writers (translated by different writers) where it gives a fuller picture of what's going on in the story. Chris Seay is the main author/editor for this volume (though it includes writing/translation by Brian Mclaren, Lauren Winner, Greg Garrett, and others). This is a promising start to the series.

This book is a breath of fresh air and recaptures the wonder of Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection. It takes scripture and gives you tools to visualize the story. It was so easy to imagine being in front a campfire listening to a grandpa-like figure tell his story of what's most important to him and why. This book clearly indicates when scripture is being used versus historic detail but blends them beautifully. It's like reading a news report and talking to someone who was there at the same time. This book on CD would be incredible. I appreciated the artwork once I understood the artist's process in creating each piece. However, I would have liked to see more art by more than one artist. I imagined John with a crowd of people, including several artists, around him as he told the story. These artists then recording every heart beat with mark making. A collection of art in the back of the book by different artists would have been a joyful addition.