It has been two weeks since Faithlife launched Logos version 7, and I'm just now getting around to blogging about it! But given my love for the software, you can bet that you'll be hearing more in the days to come.
The truth is that I don't get quite as excited as I used to, because I subscribe to Logos Now – so all of the shiny new features of Logos 7 have been released to me in six week cycles over the past 2 years. But it is still exciting, and I'm excited to talk to you about some of the new features in Logos 7. It is chalk full of awesomeness. Why do I say that?
Increased Access to Rich Data
Logos has spent many years adding rich data to the biblical text, but up until recently it hasn't always been that easy to access. This really started to change in Logos 6, and the trend continues in Logos 7. Faithlife has created so many awesome in-house resources that are available to users (like the Parallel Passages in the Pauline Letters that I helped create!). This is typified in the new interactive resources that are plentiful in Logos. Below shows off the new Bible Browser, as well as the Miracles in the Bible and the Speaking to God interactive resources. This video, by the way, is one of a number of new videos being added to my Logos Video Course that trains students on how to make full use of Logos, and I'm proud to say that it is still the best AND most affordable Logos training available.
Logos as a Learning Lab
Logos has always been a great place to turn for learning more about the Bible, but Logos 7 has really brought this to a whole new level. Two areas in particular highlight how Logos has really become a learning lab for users, guiding them into new knowledge and insight. The first spot is the new Courses feature. Here users will find a library of both video based courses (like Mobile Ed. courses) as well as text-based courses, where the student is guided through readings on a topic. While I know that Logos is pushing the mobile ed courses, I love the idea of a "guided reading" course, and I hope that Logos will continue to add to this section in the future. The second area which is focused specifically on teaching are some of the new interactive resources. Logos 6 introduced interactive resources like Who Killed Goliath and Counting the Ten Commandments. Logos 7 brings some great new teaching interactives like An Empty Tomb, Exploring Biblical Manuscripts, and Ancient Inscriptions.
Love for the Pastor and Scholar
Logos continues to keep both the pastor and the scholar in mind. The focus on media rich resources for pastors, as well as continuing to equip the Guides (passage guide and exegetical guide) with new features is great to see. I'm also excited to see the new Sermon Builder, and intend to write my next sermon with it so I can give a full review. and new datasets like the NT Manuscript Explorer, LXX Manuscript Explorer, Hebrew Bible Manuscript Explorer, and the Dead Sea Scrolls Interlinear Bible are awesome resources for scholars.
Have you had a chance to explore Logos 7? What's got you excited? Let me know in the comments.