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About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew  I received a free Amazing Bible Timeline for the purposes of this review.

The Amazing Bible Timeline is exactly what is sounds like.  A Bible timeline.  It is filled with information as you can plainly see from the picture above.  Honestly, beyond that I have a hard time describing it, so I am going to cheat this time around and just highlight some info off of the website. 

Here's just a sample from the website of what's on this outline:

• See Bible and World History together - Solomon and the Greek poet Homer lived at the same time
• Keep key people and events in order  - Esther lived just after Daniel
• Learn from the overlap  -Noah's son Shem lived until Abraham was 150 years old    
• Track the timing of Bible and World history - 6000 years of history at a glance
• Watch the Sons of Noah spreading across the world - the rise and fall of nations
  

Along with the purchase of the Amazing Bible Timeline, customers also receive access to free Interactive Maps of the Holy Land (these are available via download).  Additional bonuses include: Genealogy of Jesus Christ in two formats (in .pdf form for printing), and a .pdf file of the Amazing Bible Timeline (to be used on your computer).

What are the pros of this product?  This timeline is very detailed and it makes it easy to see how different events in history happened at the same time.  If you're adept at reading this type of timeline that is! 

What's not to like?  The first thing I noticed right away is that the print is very small, so it's a bit hard to read.  Also, the timeline itself is very large.  You'll need a lot of wallspace or a large table to use this.  (Of course I can't complain too much about both the font and the size.  If you increase the font, you increase the size and vice versa.  Still, it's something to consider before buying.) 

A more critical issue, however, is that there are some references that appear to come from Morman sources which may cause concern for some Christians.  And, honestly, I have no clue as to the validity of the information given.  There is even a disclaimer on the timeline itself that says that they cannot be sure of the dates.  Yes, that is true of a lot of historical references.  The problem is that I don't know where they got the information from to determine what they thought was the best source.  Not being a history expert, I am always a little leary of this type of information, but I normally at least have a clue where the folks who publish the info are coming from.  In this case I don't really know.  Are they conservative?  Liberal?  Protestant?  Catholic?  Morman?  Vegan?  Left-handed? Steelers fans?  Chai tea addicts?  Or what?  I really don't know.  (OK, I'm being a bit silly here, but I do think it's always good to know your sources!)

The Crazy Mom take:  To be honest, I have never been a timeline person.  I mean, I enjoy checking them out once in a while, and I totally see the value in them, but I have never really used them in my homeschool.  I probably should, but I don't.  I bought one years ago, probably over a dozen years ago, and it still sits untouched.  Somewhere.

Also, I have limited space and really don't have room for something this size.  Plus, I have to admit to feeling a bit uncomfortable with the Morman references.  I will keep it around, and might even put it up on the wall at some point, but I doubt it will be used very often.  Since we've had it, we haven't really had a reason to look anything up, but that doesn't mean we won't in the future.  I guess the best way to put it is that I was not in the market for such a product, and would not be inclined to buy it based on what I've seen had I not recieved it free. 

And, of course, being the Crazy Mom, just looking at it made my head spin.  Here I go again, beating the same old drum, but I am a very simple-minded kinda gal.  This timeline was just too "busy" for me.  I was like, Wow, this is overwhelming.  I was simply not inspired to try to figure it all out, as it was just too much information for me.  The way it is laid out, in the circular pattern, probably has something to do with it.  I am so totally a linear person.  If you are not, well, it might work great for you.  But I need things in an easy sequential order.  (It's why I can follow bowling and baseball, but not football or basketball.  Too much going on at once on the field is more than I can keep focused on.  Hmmm...maybe that's why having eight kids running in eight direction is confusing, huh?  LOL)

All that being said, there really has been a lot of work put into this and it could be a great reference tool for someone who loves timelines and/or history.  It really is rather cool to see how interrelated things are in history.  This is one of those times I have to step outside myself and look at it as though I were someone in the market for such a product.  Would I buy it?  Hmmm... a definate maybe!  LOL  Sorry, folks, but this is one of those products where you will really have to do the homework and check it out yourself.  :)

What's the bottom line? $29.97

I am going to give 2 and 1/2 smileys!!! .5 

(This is the second time I have given this rating.  I was inclined to give it only two smileys, yet there is enough value in it that I think you should at least consider it.  However, I would not be able to, in all fairness, give it 3 smileys as it does not, in my opinion, measure up to the other products that fall into the "good product, but isn't right for everyone" category.) 

Check it out! http://bibletimeline.net/index2.html

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/726414/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House