NLT Immerse Reading Bible
A closer look at this unique project from the Institute for Bible Reading.
The NLT Immerse Reading Bible has been around for a few years, yet I’ve somehow managed to never see it in person until just a few weeks ago. Thanks to the paperback binding and modern design aesthetic, I assumed that this set was essentially a budget-friendly version of a reader’s Bible set (which it definitely is), but there’s a lot more to it than that. Immerse was created by a really cool organization called the Institute for Bible Reading, and for this review I sat down with their Executive Director, Alex Goodwin, to learn more about their work and the mission behind Immerse.
Hear more about that conversation and get a closer look at Immerse by watching the video review below, and keep scrolling for more details and photos. I’m really impressed with this one, and I think you will be, too.
Immerse Reading Bible – Overview
After studying the latest research about Bible reading trends in North America, the Institute for Bible Reading developed Immerse with the goal of helping people develop a meaningful rhythm of reading (and understanding) the Bible. Immerse splits the Bible into six paperback books that are each about the size of a novel (see my video for the slightly larger “Large Print” edition). Inside each paperback you’ll find the text of the Bible laid out in a single-column format without chapter and verse numbers, section headings, or footnotes. Don’t worthy though… the top of each page has helpful guides to let you know where you are.
Immerse is designed for reading the Bible at length, and Alex told me that their hope is that these types of reader’s Bibles will not be seen as a gimmick, but will become an important type of Bible that people use just as much as their study Bibles, journaling Bibles, etc.
The Institute for Bible Reading also provides resources like conversation guides, reading plans, and videos to help people read the Bible together in community. Think “book club” for the Bible.
FEATURES
• 10pt Arno typeface (standard edition)
• 12pt Arno typeface (large print edition)
• 5.25” x 8.5” trim size (standard edition)
• 6” x 9” (large print edition)
• Opaque 40-lb paper
• Book Introductions
• Articles
• Reading plans
• Bible Maps
• Conversation Guides and other resources available online from Institute for Bible Reading
Immerse Yourself in the Bible
Immerse is a unique take on the Bible in terms of its physical form and typesetting. It might take you some time to get used to reading a Bible like this, but I found myself really enjoying it the more I spent time with it. It really is an immersive experience, and I love a Bible like this for those days when I want to sit down for an extended reading session.
I’ve raved about the ESV Six-Volume Reader’s Set a lot over the years, and Immerse has some similarities, but I think it has the potential to be a bit more accessible to a wider range of people. When you combine the paperback format, the NLT translation, and the affordable prices, it adds up to a really great option.
Right For You?
If you’re looking for a something new to help spark some life into your Bible reading, I think Immerse is worth checking out. And if you’ve got a small group or a Sunday School class that meets regularly, Immerse could be a really great tool for reading the Bible together. I’m very impressed with the work of the Institute for Bible Reading, and I’m excited to see what they come up with in the future.
BUY THIS BIBLE*
FULL SET
• Purchase the full set of Immerse from Tyndale for $75.
MESSIAH (New Testament)
• Amazon ($13)
• ChristianBook.com ($13)
• KINDLE edition ($10)
• Amazon LARGE PRINT ($20)
*Pricing and Availability subject to change, and some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase something after clicking the link. Many of the Bibles I review have been provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
