"One Dominion" (Paul Richardson & Bob Beasley)

TITLE: One Dominion, Celebrating Canada
AUTHOR: Paul Richardson & Bob Beasley
PUBLISHER: Grimsby, Ontario: Bible League Canada, 2017, (96 pages).

This year is a special year. It is the 150th year of the confederation of Canada, a nation that began with just four provinces, but now comprises ten provinces and three territories. It is also the second largest country in the world by land mass. Widely recognized by many to be one of the best places in the world to live in, the country boasts of many strengths. It is an economic power, a member of the G7 (now G8). It also has a strong banking system; is a reliable trading partner; one of the best education systems in the world; a leading advocate for human rights; resource rich, and proud multicultural nation. In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was formed with Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. By 1949, Newfoundland became the tenth province to become the Canada we have today. Canada only became a fully independent nation from Britain in 1982. To celebrate this momentous event, Bible League Canada and Graf-Martin Communications have come together to publish this special book.

"Taste and See" (Annabel Robinson)

TITLE: Taste and See: An invitation to read the Bible
AUTHOR: Annabel Robinson
PUBLISHER: Pickering, ON: Scripture Union Canada, 2012, (52 pages).

This book is a mini-introduction to selected portions of the Bible. It provides some interesting content for readers to "taste" first, and subsequently "see" for themselves the beauty, the power, and the application of Scripture in everyday life. Comprising 12 brief stories, of which 5 are from the Old Testament and 7 from the New Testament, the author first presents and overview of each Bible story. The "Way In" is to ask some relevant questions for the contemporary reader. The context and the background is then presented, followed by some exploration of the characters, the plot, and the story. Finally, the reader is invited to ask questions of both what they have read, and how it can be applied to everyday living.

This is a book written for people who have absolutely no idea of what the Bible is all about. The publisher continues to try and promote the habit of regular Bible reading for all groups. This book is aimed at the newbie, or those who are unfamiliar with what the Bible is all about. Often in society, people talk about the Bible without really engaging the contexts and the contents of the Bible. This is most unfortunate. Without knowing what the Bible says, we can easily misunderstand and misinterpret the words of others. The big is short enough for readers to read. Given the small footprint, the e-edition is most appropriate for ereaders, our Kindles, or our mobile electronic readers. The book is more a taste of the main thing. The main thing is still the Bible itself. If this book can encourage and inspire readers to read more of the Bible, it will have been worth the price of the book.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Canadian Bible Society and Graf-Martin Communications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.