Doctrine of Devils

Bible with photos of Muhammad Ali, Angelina Jolie, Al Gore, Princess Diana and Bono, depicting them as messengers and other characters of the Scriptures? They are mingled with the works of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the full-color makeover of the New Testament, "Bible Illuminated: The Book" (Illuminated World, $35), which may soon be coming to a bookstore, hair salon or trendy retailer near you.

Well-known figures among the more than 200 photographs are Andy Warhol in drag in the Book of John, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, cult leader Jim Jones, Bill Gates and John Lennon.

Did I mention a kid sipping Coca-Cola? Yes, the publisher has succumbed to the temptation of product placement.

While the text is advertised as the straight Good News Translation, approved by the American Bible Society, verses are unnumbered and laid out in magazine format, with many key passages in yellow highlight.

Swedish publisher Dag Söderberg, a former advertising executive, touts "Bible Illuminated" as a breakthrough in cultural relevancy. He contends that while many people are uncomfortable having the traditional Bible in public view, his will invite readership in settings where traditional Bibles might be considered out of place.

"I have seen many ultra-contemporary editions (of the Bible), and I am not personally a big fan of any of them," said Paul Gutjahr, an associate professor of religious studies at Indiana University.

This version, Gutjahr said, has many of the "edgiest" visuals he has seen and may gain some traction among non-believers and Christians younger than 30. But he doubts it will have much appeal either to those who are older or who move in more traditional circles.

"Christians believe that the word of God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and for decades American Bible publishers reinforced this sentiment in the ways they produced and presented the volume to their customers," Gutjahr noted.

He is concerned that the text to which readers are supposed to be drawn may be overwhelmed by the unusual visuals in some new versions.

"Bible Illuminated" was supposed to be released in the U.S. Oct. 28, but a check of numerous bookstores last week indicated that it had not yet reached this area.

"That someone would want to embellish, or even illuminate, the text of Scripture is of no surprise," remarked John E. Hurtgen, dean of the Campbellsville University school of theology. "That a non-church-related institution or group would do so is welcome, but also puzzling."

While an image-driven culture might be awakened to the Scriptures by many of the dramatic photographs, Hurtgen said that from previews he has seen online, he has "the feeling that a philosophical/theological agenda is afoot -- despite their disclaimer for 'neutrality' -- that would bother the orthodox among us."

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" 1Ti 4:1