Better Bibles, Better People?

I just watched a couple of the promotional videos for the recently released ESV Study Bible. Everyone is raving about the book, and it looks to me like a lot of work has gone into this project. There are extensive notes, cross-references, maps, and other resources on almost every page. It is truly and impressive work of literature. I wonder if now, finally, Christians will understand the Bible enough to put what it says into practice? Will there be diagrams and maps to explain complicated and oft neglected sayings like:

• "Love your neighbor"


• "Pray for those who persecute you"


• "Sell all your possessions and give to the poor"


• "Whoever wants to become great among must become a servant"

These are the really hard parts of the Bible that Christians have struggled to apply to their lives for centuries. Hopefully the maps, cross-references, and other features will finally help us be better people. And all we have to do is buy another Bible! ;)