Filed under: Software, Reviews
Accordance: powerful Bible study software, only for the Mac
"I switched to the Mac to use this!" might be the highest praise a Mac developer could ever hope to hear. Switching platforms means not just buying a new computer, but also buying a bunch of new software. There are probably only a handful of applications that merit changing platforms all on their own, but Accordance Bible Software is one of them. Accordance isn't just widely respected within the Mac world, it's widely respected within the entire scriptural research software universe. Bible Software Review wrote: "Anyone who knows a little bit about Bible software has heard of Accordance."
The current version is compatible with Snow Leopard, and yet still runs on System 7.5! This is the first time I've seen a Mac application vendor talk about running Mac software in emulation rather than the other way around. Accordance is proudly Mac-only, suggesting to users that once they have switched to Mac they shouldn't put up with "Windows software" on their Macs, and offering crossgrades for those who have made the switch.
Being first is nice, but once other companies have come into the market, it doesn't take long to forget who was first and start to compare based on which features each product provides. Fortunately, Accordance has a lot to offer. There are a wide variety of packages available, ranging from $49 to several thousand dollars, depending on the library options. Like other Bible software programs, you are buying two parts: first, the app itself; second, items for your library, such as commentaries, different translations of the Bible, maps, and so forth. Most users should expect to make an initial investment of at least $100, perhaps $200-$300, but those purchases will almost certainly reflect savings over buying the printed versions.
Choosing packages can be a tricky decision on any platform. The "right" package for you might not be the right one for me. Normally my preference has always been to buy as big of a package as I could afford and reasonably think that I would use, because you usually get a better deal when purchasing up front. However, Accordance has a strong upgrade program which only charges you the difference between your previous package and the one you wish to upgrade to, meaning that you will not end up paying more for starting small. This policy alone makes Accordance a strong choice, even if you cannot or are not willing to make a large investment. Be sure to look at their How to Choose page for help making your initial purchase.
As with all such programs, the packages that you buy depend on what you want and need. While the initial purchase price for some of them may seem steep, these library items are yours forever, as long as you use the application, and do not need to be upgraded. In a sense, Accordance is like an e-book reader (although it is much more than that), and the library items are books on your shelf. Of course Accordance integrates these new library items with the rest of your research and study tools, making the whole program more powerful.
It is possible to sit down in front of Accordance and simply start using it. The main window offers a quick-search access to any verse in the Bible, and a dropdown menu offers you a range of books from which to choose. There's even a Dashboard widget which will look up a verse and quickly insert it into any application; but there is so much more to Accordance. Considering that this software is likely to represent a significant investment, I highly recommend the demo videos and video training sessions which are offered free of charge (some of them are based on version 7) or the weekly video podcast [iTunes link]. Some of the training videos are also available on DVD for $15US but all of them are available online for free. I watched a few of these videos before I even installed the software and within an hour I felt like an expert.
The time you spend watching the videos will help you understand how the program is designed and how the various tools work together. If you're not sure you're ready to take the plunge, a free trial is available to let you get your feet wet. Customer support was extremely responsive, and there are also user forums available, as well as a company blog which shows how actively the software has been developed and how often new versions are released.
About the only difficulty I had with the program is that resources are referred to through abbreviated names. When this involves versions of the Bible they are fairly straightforward, it's no big deal; for example, those who are familiar with translations of the Christian Bible might easily recognize "NASB" as the New American Standard Bible. Other abbreviations, however, such as GNT-T, GNT-TIS, HCSB, BBE, and LBLA might leave newcomers like myself confused. As you spend time with the program and the titles in your library, these abbreviations will become more familiar. The learning curve can be overcome, but don't be surprised when you find the initial ascent to be fairly steep. Also, it should be noted that any Bible study software will have a similar initial investment price and learning curve. If you still have questions, technical support is available through the forums, FAQs, and through phone or email. There are even free seminars held at select locations in the USA.
Choosing Bible study software for the Mac is now like choosing between a camera from Nikon or a Canon. Buying 'packages' for one software program is like buying camera lenses: they aren't interchangeable, which means that switching later on will be an expensive proposition. It makes sense to do your research beforehand and make sure you are buying the right one for you, rather than listen to someone else tell you which is "best" -- it really comes down to personal preference. Accordance has a long track record on the Mac, a solid reputation, and an extensive library of research tools. Combine that with an active and ongoing development cycle and extensive tutorials, and you've got a Mac application which you can expect to use for many years to come.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
lanejasper69 said 12:04PM on 9-23-2009
It's great if you want a good read but not worth switching. The Bible was entertaining.
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sam said 12:19PM on 9-23-2009
I've used accordance first as a divinity student and now as a minister and accordance is a great tool.
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James said 12:17PM on 9-23-2009
Great! I shall get my church onto Macs with this! Seriously, it will save them quite a lot of time, and morale will be up too.
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Timothy P. Jenney said 1:27PM on 9-23-2009
Just wanted to say "thanks!" for the software review and for letting people know about our podcasts. We're all avid Mac users here at the company and appreciate the overall quality of your weblog, whatever its current topic.
BTW, our users span a pretty wide spectrum—from liberal university world religion profs to conservative Christians and Jews, with varying expertise in the field ranging from the casual reader to some of the top Dead Sea scholars in the world. Whatever their theological or religious beliefs, we're thrilled to be able to provide them a top-notch software program on the best computer on the planet.
"Dr. J"
Host, "Lighting the Lamp" podcast
Accordance Bible Software
bhamblin said 12:36PM on 9-23-2009
I use Logos, which now has a native Mac version. It's also a great Bible software package.
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Denver said 12:40PM on 9-23-2009
You know, I'm sort of against TUAW endorsing religious software, at least without mentioning comparable software in other religions. Are there for example Quran software packages?
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tabaks said 12:43PM on 9-23-2009
Who cares?
Burke Hamblin said 12:43PM on 9-23-2009
Denver:
Really? Every time TUAW mentions a Mac product, it should also list a comparable PC product? It seems silly.
Craig Stanton said 4:08PM on 9-23-2009
@Burke
It's more like saying everytime there is a book software review, they should at least find software that studies two different books.
@Denver
There wouldn't be much point. The vast majority of users for this kind of software will have already "decided" which book they want to study, offer them a million other books and they'll only want to read one.
John Allard said 4:21PM on 9-23-2009
hmmm, I tend to think TUAW has the freedom to do as they wish. that's one of the beauties of the internet. besides, TUAW has historically been pretty balanced in offering balanced feedback like this post (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/06/bible-19-biblical-translations-on-your-iphone/). let's give them a break.
tabaks said 12:42PM on 9-23-2009
I read the Bible with interest, once. Admittedly, a great work of fiction, I enjoyed it. But, there's no need to study it, really. I'd rather study science books instead, thank you.
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Burke Hamblin said 12:44PM on 9-23-2009
Why do people always insist on making your kind of snide comment when the word "bible" is mentioned? Why can't you just read the article, offer a "hmph" and move on?
Ryan Trevisol said 12:55PM on 9-23-2009
It's the way of the internet, it seems.
The article is about a piece of software for studying the bible. This guy makes a comment about the bible, which will start a whole comment war.
To compare apples to apples, here's some imagined TUAW Headlines and similar comments:
TUAW: Pixelmator Now in Version 3.0, price drops
Tabaks: I took some pictures once, but I'd rather spend my time doing something worthwhile, doing something worth taking a picture of.
TUAW: How to create ringtones with Garageband
Tabaks: I think we place too much emphasis on our cell phones. They're cute toys, but why not have face to face conversations?
TUAW: Writeroom Helps Me Stay Focused
Tabaks: Why bother writing for a blog? You should really host a radio show instead. Writing for blogs is a waste of time.
Jansperus said 12:57PM on 9-23-2009
Burke: Because it validates them.
puhsitch said 7:40PM on 9-23-2009
It can be rather awkward to say these types of things in public, so it's important for people to be able to vent their self-importance within the safe, padded shelter of the Internet.
In fact, you may notice that I'm doing exactly that right now. Ahhh...satisfyin'!
Jay said 9:10AM on 9-25-2009
When we go into a store and purchase something, it always has a brand name on it from a designer. Often times, we've never seen this designer in person. We only heard of him/her, and have been marketed to in order that we believe they are the designer of this product via television, the internet, and so on. The funny thing about this is, we absolutely unequivically believe of this person based upon their creative evidence? Correct? We never say to ourselves, is such and such really the designer of these shoes I'm wearing? Is this person even real? Absolutely not. We buy their merchandise, flaunt it to impress those we don't even like (most of the time), and it could all be a lie. But! Look at creation in all of its glorious beauty, the solar system, our planet, the precision of all living creatures including scientists. You wanna know what, just look and yourself. Are you an accident from evolution? Did the disorder of rocks colliding create order? We see, feel, and hear very intelligent design everyday. So you don't question these things without anyone witnessing to you of GOD? Is there no DESIGNER of these things??? If not, then the only fair life to live is to believe nothing no matter what, now see how far that gets you... Don't believen in love, anger, happiness, sadness, joy or anyother feeling that "scients" can not explain. If we humans are the inventors of everything, then why haven't figured so many things pertaining only to to creation?
puhsitch said 9:17AM on 9-25-2009
Jay: I think you just accidentally argued that the most we can assume about God is that He is a very well-executed marketing ploy.
Blufire said 12:44PM on 9-23-2009
Thanks for the tip! :)
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KosherSalt said 12:58PM on 9-23-2009
Great software - I use it myself. Accordance definitely has that mac feel and the usability / functionality that PC counterparts didn't spend time developing.
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zipplockbag said 12:58PM on 9-23-2009
I prefer paper based Bibles. At least you can burn those for warmth, and you can get them mostly for free, delivered right to your door.
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