NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Ask anyone the number one frustration when using Bible software and you’ll get the same response: It’s not easy to use. The makers of Bible Navigator hope to change all that when the new Bible software hits stores this fall.
The software, designed by WORDsearch Corp for LifeWay Christian Resources’ technology division in conjunction with Broadman & Holman Publishers, initially will offer two different Bible translations and seven reference books.
Included in the edition are the Holman Christian Standard Bible and King James Version, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary and Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary. The CD also features various devotionals, dictionaries, inspirational books such as “Experiencing God Day-by-Day” and current photos of biblical sites and maps of biblical locations.
“Customers using Bible Navigator have told us they can’t believe how easy it is to use for Bible research and study,” said Tim Vineyard, vice president of LifeWay’s technology division. “Speed is another benefit — Bible Navigator’s search capabilities are not only powerful, they present requested information, even in-depth searches, very quickly.”
The software offers user-friendly features for comparing different translations on the same screen and the ability to locate cross-references quickly. Pop-up windows enable users to read the text of a Scripture verse with their choice of translation without opening a separate window. The desktop feature allows customized screens for different users, and a built-in word processor allows students to write study or sermon notes without leaving the software.
“The most outstanding feature, in addition to the number of valuable books within the library, is the excellent response time and ease of use that this software brings to the serious Bible scholar,” said Randy Knepper, a LifeWay trustee and banker from Lake Mary, Fla. “Other software I’ve used has never been this user-friendly and versatile. It isn’t necessary to be a computer genius to excel at using this.”
Aubrey Parish, special projects manager for LifeWay’s technology division, noted that the software also can search for occurrences of a specific Hebrew or Greek word and automatically cross-reference personal documents, pictures and maps.
“This CD-ROM allows both casual and serious Bible students to experience God’s Word in a totally new way,” Parish said. “It represents the first of several products that will be available in the months to come. LifeWay’s technology division is committed to providing Christians with the best technology-based Bible study tools coupled with the excellent content of other LifeWay divisions like Broadman & Holman and church resources.”
Bible Navigator will be available in stores nationwide beginning in November. For more information, visit http://www.broadmanholman.com/navigator.
WORDsearch Corp, based in Austin, Texas, has been producing software and electronic books for the Christian market since 1987. It operated as NavPress Software for more than 10 years before becoming WORDsearch Corp in July 2002. WORDsearch offers 700-plus volumes of electronic books for Christian pastors, teachers and laypeople through its WORDsearch, Bible Explorer and LESSONmaker software products.
LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, church literature, books, software, music, audio and video recordings, church supplies and Internet services through lifeway.com. The company also owns 119 LifeWay Christian Stores throughout the United States, as well as two of the largest Christian conference centers in the country. It is a religious nonprofit organization that receives no funding from the SBC but reinvests income above operating expenses in mission work and other ministries around the world.
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