BibleWorks, BJU, and Logos

By Mark Ward

During two two-week periods each year Logos lets BJU students buy some of their major packages for 40% off. That time is about to expire. I’m helping Logos get the word out.

I bought the Scholar’s Gold package a little over a year ago, and I am glad I did. I have also purchased several commentary and reference sets. Here’s a complete list of what I’ve purchased, followed by approximate recollections of what I paid:

  • Scholar’s Library: Gold ($700)
  • Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament ($150)
  • The Essential IVP Reference Collection ($80)
  • Theological Journal Library 1-10 ($330)
  • WEA Theological Resource Library ($18)
  • Word Biblical Commentary 58-Volume Set ($250)
  • F.W. Farrar, History of Interpretation (ca. $15)
  • Craig Blomberg, Interpreting the Parables (ca. $15)
  • Adolf Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East (ca. $15)

I have a few major recommendations to make to prospective Bible software buyers:

  1. Get BibleWorks first, then Logos. My good friends at Logos will not like me for this, but text-level work is primary, not commentaries or even reference works. BibleWorks is for original language exegesis. If you’ve studied Greek (and/or Hebrew), just get it!
  2. Regarding Logos: get reference works, like commentaries, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. That’s what I think you’ll use, though you may like reading books on your computer screen.
  3. Add up the value of what you will actually use and see if it exceeds what you’re paying for the package. Compare and contrast various packages.
  4. Make sure to check out the Theological Journal Library. Buy it from Logos or direct from Galaxie Software. They’ve got a new Internet subscription, too. $50 a year. Not bad.
  5. Sign up for Rejoice Christian Software’s e-mail list. I don’t know how he gets his deals, but he somehow manages.

BJU students: for more information or to make a purchase, visit: logos.com/academic/bju/spring2008