Friday, September 25, 2009

See the big picture with the Amazing Bible World History Timeline!

Okay, it's always neat to get a large, triangular package in the mail--more on that later. I was looking for the Amazing Bible World History Timeline to arrive, but it was way more than I expected. The size of a wall map, that's where we quickly found a place for it, and when I can't find my husband, that's where I look these days.

What is the Amazing Bible World History Timeline? It's a timeline in clock format of both Biblical events and overall world history, beginning with Adam and continuing through the present. Where did this timeline originate? Click here to read its background. While nothing other than God's Word, the Bible, is considered infallible, this is an excellent study and reference tool, connecting people and events in an ongoing account, rather than as the separate, independent entities of information we often perceive them as.

In a circular, color-coded format, one can view what was happening all over the world at a given century in world history, including information about significant inventions, leaders, revolutions, conflicts, and lineage, among a host of data. So often, we study and believe the Bible, but that knowledge exists in our heads separate from our knowledge of world history. This puts the two together, enhancing our perception of each.

What ages can use the timeline? While it's obviously above the reading levels of most young children, parents can use it as a tool in teaching, both their own kids and in church Bible classes for all ages. By upper elementary, with guidance, many students should be able to begin gleaning themselves from this chart. I remember lying in my grandfather's recliner studying old World Books at a young age, unable to comprehend everything but still learning a lot. So, while I can use this as a tool in the Old Testament overview curriculum we use with our kids, this is also something my parents and inlaws would love to receive as a gift.

Now, while this is a wonderful and incredibly useful tool, is it inspired? No. In fact, in the background on its sources, on the chart itself, it expresses the impossibility of being certain on all dates, and that users should consider all dates not "well-established" as "suggestive only". In fact, the last quarter of the clock design deals with the end times, which is a topic that no one can be definitive about, and there are references referring to Israel which reflect individual views. So, while the timeline can play a part in casting light on the interconnectedness of Biblical and overall world history and in understanding when events occurred in relation to people and other events, it should not be used as a infallible or solitary tool to determine or sway individual beliefs.

How much is it, and what do you get for your money? Well, one chart is $29.97, plus $6.00 s/h. However, they have a deal for 2 of them--$49.97 for two, still just $6 s/h. Along with the chart, which measures 37"x 45" and comes on glossy, sturdy paper, thicker than normal posterboard, you get free access to the following downloads:
  • Interactive Maps of the Holy Land
  • Genealogy of Jesus Christ
  • a pdf of the Amazing Bible Timeline

You can check out the latest prices and order on their website by clicking here.

Okay, my husband pointed out an unexpected plus to getting the timeline. You know that triangular box I referred to in the introduction? Well, we have a little train nut around here, and when you cut the box into sections, it makes perfect tunnels for little tracks and trains!

Seriously, this is an amazing tool, very visual and and full of information. You can find out more about the Amazing Bible World History Timeline at their website here and in the reviews of other TOS Crew members here.

1 comment:

  1. This is a great review of this product! My children are quite young, but we have looked at it a little bit. I do see this being a tool we can use for years to come.
    I am going to go out to our storage shed and see if I can find that triangular shipping box! I hope we didn't recycle ours already!

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