Forget heavy leather-bound volumes - this New Testament brings an entirely new look to the table.

Even the format of Illuminated World's New Testament is a vast departure from any version of the Bible that readers are familiar with.  It doesn't look like a book, but instead looks like a high-end magazine, complete with glossy pages and illustrated with contemporary photographs.  

Why These Pictures and Highlighted Passages?

The layout is a departure from tradition, but the text itself is not.  The New Testament uses the standard Good News Translation, but the format again follows a contemporary approach.  Gone are the standard verses, replaced with the reader-friendly paragraphs and columns that modern readers are familiar with.  

Also gone from the Bible Illuminated's version of the New Testament are the familiar red print to highlight the words of Jesus.  Instead, there are passages highlighted or underlined to draw the reader's attention.  

The photographs are the aspect of The Book that are most likely to draw comment, both positive and negative.  Some are expected and representative, such as the portrait of a woman and her child that leads into the gospel of Luke.  The moody pictures set in a slaughterhouse can be disturbing, but much of Revelation is disturbing.

One interesting series of photos appears in the gospel of Mark.  Beginning with the the quote, "God said, 'I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you,'" the photos are a simple series of portrait shots of people that have had an impact on the world.  The subjects of the pictures, though, are sure to provoke conversation.  The photos run a wide range, from Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to less expected faces such as Bono, Angelina Jolie and Princess Diana.  

Why Create a New Version of the Bible?

The idea has its beginnings in a dinner table discussion between Michel Gyring and Mats Rabe in Stockholm, Sweden.  They wondered why people don't read historical texts.  Is it really a lack of interest, or are people turned off by the format or design?  The idea grew from them, and the newly formed company turned to Dag Soderberg for creative inspiration.  

Soderberg had owned an advertising agency and worked with clients internationally.  He has a passion for photography and innovative design, and works to find ways to present traditional ideas in non-traditional ways.  

What Are They Trying to Accomplish?

Readers may be surprised to learn that the publishers say there was no particular religious mission involved.  Participants in the project came from a variety of faiths and beliefs, and there was no sponsorship by any specific religion or denomination.  

The goals go beyond spreading a religious message.  Instead, the hope is to trigger  an emotional reaction, to encourage people to think and discuss the bigger moral questions.  Whether the reaction is positive or negative, The Book is intended to get people talking to one another about their own faiths and beliefs, hopefully leading to common ground.