Waterproof Bible
When I learned I would be reviewing a waterproof Bible I was intrigued. The only type of waterproof book I am familiar with are those designed for toddlers to use in the bath tub featuring big fluffy pages encased in plastic. I figured that was not the format of the waterproof Bible, so I really didn't know what to expect. When I received the copy pictured to the right for review I was delighted to find out it was no different in appearance from other books or Bibles.
The Waterproof Bible is the result of two friends who enjoyed spending time outside in God's creation and wanted to take their Bibles along on outdoor adventures and activities, but hesitated for fear of damaging them. The first result of an element proof Bible was a 6 volume NASB Bible which folded like a map. However, this didn't prove to be very popular due to all the folding required, so other possibilities were explored. Then in 2008 the Waterproof Bible brand was launched with the bound editions now available.For the purpose of this review I was given a complimentary copy of the Waterproof Bible ESV New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. It is compact measuring 7 by 4 1/2 and approximately 3/4 inch thick. The pages are sewn together and then the whole spine is glued. This results in a sturdy, yet lightweight Bible unaffected by many substances which normally would mean the end to a book.Also all of their new Bible products float. This Bible very easily fits in a pocket or bag.
I did not try it, but the company says dry highlighters (those developed for Bible marking) work well on the pages with no adverse results. Ball point pens work well also. They do not recommend gel or liquid pens or highlighters. My test results are below.
The Waterproof Bible allows you to take Scripture anywhere.
The Waterproof Bible is available in 5 Translations. KJV, NIV, ESV, NKJV, and NLT. Each version is available in both the full Bible as well as New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. There is also a choice of three different cover designs as well. The full Bible is $44.95 and the New Testament is $24.95. Personalization is also available. Visit Bardin & Marsee Publishing to purchase.
866.846.4338
info@bardinmarseepublishing.com
MY THOUGHTS
The Bible is indeed waterproof. My daughter decided she would be the one to test it for me and so she put it under the shower. The water rolled off and the print was readable even while wet. Due to the amount of water on the Bible I decided to wipe it off and not just let it air dry. It wiped off easily, but took quite a bit of time to dry totally. While the pages are not porous, it appeared that water would continue to wick to the page edges, even when the surface felt dry. After wiping off much of the water, I just stood the Bible on end, fanned the pages and let it air dry. It took several hours to dry this way, but was none the worse for wear.
As a former church worker and married to a Pastor I know one of the duties is hospital and shut in visitation. On these occasions the church worker wants to take precautions to avoid catching germs and carrying them home or to someone else and one of the best ways to do this is wash hands or use hand sanitizer. However, the Bible used during visitation can't be washed or sanitized without damaging it. So with this in mind I decided to try hand sanitizer on my Bible. I rubbed some on the back cover as if I was putting on my skin. I am happy to report there was no apparent damage to the cover or page edges. Thus, I would be comfortable in using sanitizer on the Bible to cut down on spreading germs.
Blood also comes off the pages. We smeared a small sample of blood on a page, let it dry and wiped it off with a damp tissue. It came off totally and it was impossible to tell where it had been.
As noted above, The Waterproof Bible is available in several translations, including the 2011 NIV (which is owned by Zondervan). This new NIV version makes translation choices, including readability over concept-equivalent word use to the Greek and Hebrew, gender references, and other word choices that reflect a Calvinist/Arminian tradition. These choices have resulted in my denomination, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, ceasing to use the NIV. That is why I was glad to have the ESV by Crossway, which my church body uses in its worship and Bible study materials.
The notes are a smaller type and therefore more difficult to read. This was not as important to me as it really isn't a study Bible as much as a devotional Bible. If preparing a Bible Study or teaching I would use another resource with larger notes, but the size of the footnotes is fine for devotional reading. Overall the print is easy on the eyes.Other things I like about the Waterproof Bible
- The font used for the text and headings is very easy to read.
- The pages are very white and thus provide a great contrast with the black print. There is very little bleed through of text from one side to another.
- You can mark the text in pencil, and it doesn't show through. It erases cleanly as well.
- Post it notes stick to the pages and come off without taking ink with them.
In general, I really like this Bible. It is sturdy and well made. I think it would also be great to use around young children who want to share the same book as Mom or Dad. This waterproof Bible would also be great to take along on youth events. I probably would not intentionally expose it to moisture, the waterproof, stain proof format is great for those what if occasions.
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