While discussion and debate of purchasing software versions of texts versus the printed alternative is beyond the focus of this post, it may affect how the individual initially responds when presented with such offerings.
I know that I prefer the bounded editions of most text-based documents, but with the scarcity of the monetary resource, the extra room of space that printed texts take up compared with electronic resources [and we know how the other half's love having books all over the house], the portability of software that allows one to have a library on one’s laptop, and the ease of use with electronic resources that makes sermon and study preparation a more productive use of one’s time, electronic resources are becoming more and more relevant, and seemingly wise, as one considers how to use one’s stewarding resource!
I only have a couple of small software programmes. I have considered buying the Scholars edition from Logos some time ago, but apart from the cost, there was too much in the product that I really did not think I would use. However, if someone is wanting to be spirit-filled, one would not say no to something of the sort… just ask, and I will be compelled to answer!
For my past studies, we were encouraged to purchase the electronic journal software, and as part of my present studies, I am thinking seriously about getting the electronic journals volumes 1-10 and volume 11, as these are presently not too bad in our New Zealand dollar context [although 75c vs the US dollar is pretty darn good... thanks to the US economy and Government for their recent assistance].
However, in the fullness of His time, I am thinking that I would like to purchase Bibleworks, as I have heard good things about this, but if I find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and I go all Mac on ya, then in Accordance with that option, I will follow!
With such decisions in mind, I was alerted to some reviews of Accordance, BibleWorks, and Logos Scholars Gold.
Here they are for your reflective pleasure, thanks to Keith Mathison @ Ligonier
Finally, Mathison has a review comparing the three, giving his opinion of which one is best option.
Here are his concluding thoughts…
So which software program is best? I think this ultimately depends on what it is you want to be able to do with the software and what you can afford. All three have relatively easy to learn interfaces, so that issue really boils down to personal preference.
What you want to do is the main question you should ask yourself before purchasing one of these programs. If your only interest is getting resources for the study of the biblical languages, I believe all three are sufficient, but BibleWorks is likely the best buy because of its more up to date original language resources that are contained in its base package. If you do not already have some level of competence with the original languages, however, BibleWorks will not be very helpful.
If you are a busy pastor and your main goal is an easy to use tool that will help with sermon preparation, Logos might be the way to go since it puts a wide variety of sermon preparation resources in one place. Logos is also the program of choice for those who are interested in building a large digital library of theological and biblical resources.
Teachers and students who want access to a variety of tools and an easy to learn interface will find that Accordance probably has much or most of what they want and need. Mac users will certainly want to take a close look at Accordance.
Those are some basic thoughts, not hard and fast rules. After reviewing all three, BibleWorks is still my software program of choice because of what I use it for. One of the others may be a better choice for someone with different uses in mind.
That said, my advice to anyone considering the purchase of any of these is to visit the three websites and read everything you can, including linked reviews. If available, watch the demo videos to get an idea of the actual way the program works. The purchase of any of these programs will involve a significant investment of money, and it is best to know what you are getting before spending anything.
Look at the features available on each. Look at the resources that come with each and those that are optional add-ons. Are the resources available the ones you need? What will it cost you to get everything you want?
Look at the system requirements. If you think BibleWorks is the program for you and you have a Mac, know that you will need additional software like Parallels desktop to run it. If you think Accordance is the program for you and you have a PC, know that you too will need additional software. If you like what Logos has to offer and you have a Mac, know that the Mac versions of Logos do not necessarily have everything the PC versions have (see my review of Logos Gold).
For more information about these resources, go their various digital sources
Accordance, Bibleworks, and Logos.
Feel free to pass on your thoughts if you are a user!
Until Next Time
I am Jonny King
H/T: JT for the Intro.
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