bible study options
I’m a Mac user, and proud of it. When I made the switch from Windows in 2004 the biggest challenge that confronted me was what bible study software would I use. For all of my Windows life (from 3.0 to XP) I had used various versions of QuickVerse and it’s associated atlases and dictionaries.
Unfortunately for me, QuickVerse only came in a Windows version, and PC emulation at the time was terribly slow, so it was not an option for me to consider. I therefore had to find a new bible study software – there were a number of free/cheap options, but the standout was Accordance.
Now using Accordance was more a paradigm shift compared to switching to Mac and something that took some time to come to grips with. It was frustrating as it limited my ability to study and prepare messages, but over time I have come to appreciate it more and more – it’s power in compiling searches from a huge array of resources is awesome. To me, Accordance, makes the complex simple – a bit like a great teacher of the Word.
Five years on, after attending a training seminar in Sydney, I love Accordance. Yet now, Logos has recently released Logos4, clearly their best offering yet.
The Mac version is currently in Alpha mode and it’s fun to be a part of software development, whereas the Windows version is a complete release. With the advent of exceptional Windows virtualisation programs such as Parallels and VM Fusion, running a Windows bible study application is no longer a chore for Mac users.
The Windows version of Logos4 certainly has a Mac feel to it, but not quite. Yet is a great tool and has a great interface for students of the Word – powerful searching and great layout of resources for viewing. A neat bonus from Logos is that they have released an iPhone App that will sync your library with the phone – unfortunately, no information is presently able to be stored on the iPhone – it must by streamed over Wi-fi or 3G phone networks.
It’s a great position for the modern Christian to find themselves in – two great bible study apps for either of your operating system of choice.
For me, I will use both as they do different things in some ways better than their competitor. But if I had to choose one, it would be Accordance, as there motto says, the bible is central.
So if you’re in the market for new software, please consider Accordance and I Know you won’t regret it. Go ahead, make the switch!
PS – if you don’t want to leave Windows, Accordance provides an emulator so you run run Accordance on your Windows based machine.
Andrew Mercer, 
Dr. J, 
Bruce 10:22 am on November 16, 2009 Permalink |
Been looking at the accordance site. Looks very good. Which level of product do you have?
Andrew Mercer 1:46 pm on November 16, 2009 Permalink |
I'll check when I get home and let you know. I think I'm Library Collection – Standard
Donovan Palmer 1:34 am on November 17, 2009 Permalink |
I use Logos as well, and find with Accordance it makes a powerful combination.
That said, there is no one with the quality of Accordance Bible for the Mac platform. When it comes to standards, Accordance is the one which sets the bar.
thislamp 12:10 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink |
Andrew, I’m curious about your comment that initially Accordance “limited [your] ability to study and prepare messages.” Was that simply because of learning the way Accordance works, or is there something that could be improved in Accordance in regard to preparing messages?
Andrew Mercer 5:48 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink |
Rick
I was simply the way Accordance worked – I came from an old version of QuickVerse that was for me, very easy, but basic. Once I went to a training day with the Browns, I saw the power and potential of Accordance, and I now love it.
Dr. J 7:20 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink |
Glad you are enjoying Accordance. We have weekly podcasts now to help users get the most out of their software. You can find them under “Lighting the Lamp” on iTunes.
Andrew Mercer 9:08 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink
Dr J
I have been watching the past 10 or so podcasts and they have been very helpful You do a great job