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 Review of the

American Heritage New Testament

 

By Ken Marks

Christian and Public School Educator and Bible Teacher

 

The American Heritage New Testament has proven to be this reader’s pleasant literary surprise of the year 2026. For starters, the Across Ministries team made a happy choice of the Bible version with which to anchor their project. Having read for personal edification the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) and consulted it for teaching purposes, I am a long-time advocate of this version of the Old and New Testaments. It is “based on the world’s most-read and trusted modern English translation, the New International Version”; and I believe the NIrV admirably fulfills its vision: “to ensure maximum comprehension while retaining Biblical accuracy.”

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In the process they have produced a Bible that gives wonderful access to God’s Word for a potentially large readership:

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  • “Children ages 6 and up

  • Those learning English as a second language

  • Adults who want simple English that is easy to read and understand

  • Readers with learning disabilities.”

 

Quotations in the previous paragraph are from the American Heritage New Testament (AHNT), page 432.

 

Yes, the NIrV is a joy to read. And the way it is laid out in the AHNT is easy on the eyes and keeps the text from being overwhelmed by all the (very good) stuff with which the Across Ministries people surrounded it. I’ve read a lot of study Bibles and special edition Bibles with sundry purposes and I can tell you, this edition is so much easier to use. 

 

I love the AHNT’s simple, clean font, from Matthew’s first genealogy (page7) to Revelation’s benediction (page 424). I even love the black-and-whiteness of it all (cover excepted). That was doubtless to save cost and fulfill Across Ministries’ goal of being able to find distributers and other people who will hand these New Testaments to thousands without ever charging the recipients a dime. I love that too, of course.

 

But back to the other stuff. The book is loaded with really good content. And I love most of it almost as much as I love the NIrV. I love the stuff about Americans and American history.

 

In the AHNT you will find over 60 well-written sketches of American men and women and organizations and events and movements—in the name of Christ or by the principles of God’s Word, each one stood for righteousness or changed the times or promoted justice or advanced science or inspired thousands, and more.

 

From the Mayflower Compact to deeds of heroism and faith on the battlefields of the 20th Century. Abigail Adams and George Whitfield to JFK and Charlie Kirk. The First Great Awakening to the Jesus Movement. You will also find words from our great documents, from powerful Presidential speeches, to old songs we still sing, and more—words from every generation of Americans acknowledging our reliance on Almighty God.

 

I doubt you’ve ever heard the last verse of our National Anthem sung at a ball game. Perhaps not even in a church. I couldn’t resist copying from AHNT’s inside back cover four lines of Francis Scott Key’s final verse:

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Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land,

Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto, In God is our trust...

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There’s more, much of it focusing on the teachings of the New Testament, including:

  • Helps for finding one’s way to Christ

  • ...and for growing in Christ

  • Interesting, inspiring, and provocative quotations

  • Information about the writing and contents of the New Testament books

  • Some favorite Psalms

  • The Ten Commandments

  • Other Old Testament verses

  • Various lists (“40 Biblical Vocations,” “18 Hardships Paul Faced” and what they all resulted in)

  • Charts, maps, diagrams, quizzes, trivia...

 

Finally, you’ll find the “fun stuff” scattered throughout: crossword and other types of puzzles, cartoon style drawings with humorous or serious messages, etc. Those have never appealed to me within a book or workbook, but here they are well-conceived, neatly drawn and placed appropriately within the flow of the New Testament text.

 

I’m sure they will provide valuable information to readers and help hold others’ interest as they read afresh the Good News of Jesus Christ, the teachings of the Apostles, and the true accounts of the land we love.

 

I trust the American Heritage New Testament will give you fresh insight into the love of God through the words of the NIrV—and deepened appreciation for what God has done for America and through Americans these 250 years.

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