Looking back hundreds of years, it’s easy to romanticize Gutenberg and his first printing of the Bible. I know it would have been a struggle and a cultural revolution, but as I sit in my home with literally dozens of Bibles on my bookshelves, the struggles and reality of Johann Gutenberg tend to get lost. This is why I am so thankful for Danika Cooley and her new book What Was the Gutenberg Bible?
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Books in the Who, What, Why Series
Who is Danika Cooley?
Danika is…
- a wife
- a homeschool mom of four
- an award-winning children’s author
- a Bible curriculum developer
- University of Washington Grad
Why I LOVE This Book!
You know I think we learn best when we are playing and having fun. As with her last book, Danika Cooley delivers with the fun. These books, while teaching church history, are so cute and playful. They will definitely engage your kids and their imaginations.
My favorite thing about this book is her writing style. It feels as if I am listening in as she tells her kids stories. It really feels so sweet and endearing. You can feel a warm affection and silliness from her as the reader. I absolutely love it!
I also love how real and authentic Danika Cooley is about Johann Gutenberg. She paints a picture of the full man. Before reading this I didn’t know the whole story and it is easy to think of him as some sort of a Reformation hero without thinking of his flaws. Yet, Cooley writes in a way that reminds us God is the hero and he is the one who wanted his Word in the hands of the people. God is the one who put people and events in order for the printing press to come about. God is the one who funded the project. He is the hero, but, as often happens, God chose to use sinful, broken people to do his work.
Favorite Quotes
Our man named after a house is a bit mysterious, like many people in history.
p 13
Did Johann worry about printing papers promising salvation for the Church? It is possible he was simply pragmatic. That is a big word for someone who does whatever needs to be done to reach their goal.
The Bible tells us a lot about itself. The Bible says it is sacred, active, living, and encouraging. It is the bread of life and a lamp to our feet. God’s Word teaches, corrects, and trains us. It is always true, never wrong. Maybe Johann wanted to print the Bible so badly, he overlooked the Church trying to sell salvation.
p 39
Today, you and I can read the Bible in the language of our hearts because of men who risked their lives–and sometimes lost them–to translate God’s Word. The Bible has spread across the world because of the invention and hard work of a man named after his house who made metal letters instead of gold coins.
p 75
Why is Church History Important?
Cooley believes this is why:
- “God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church..
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.”
Keep the Learning Going!
Whether you are a homeschooling family or not these books are a fun resource. To keep the learning going after you and your kiddos read the series, Danika Cooley is offering a set of 3 lapbooks, one for each book in the series, to you for FREE! You can’t find a better price than that!
Individual Book and Series Reviews
Final Thoughts
I am not a homeschooling mom, but I do think it is my role, not any school or church’s role, to teach my kids about God, the Bible, the Church, and Church History. These books are an amazing resource for that.
This book has history, culture, theology, humor, and the gospel all in an easy-to-read, fun collection. I love Danika Cooley’s style of writing. It feels like I am listening to a mom playfully telling her kids stories from church history. The book is filled with grace and truth, as Cooley lovingly corrects the poor theology that caused the Reformation and points the reader to the gift of salvation through Christ alone.
The characters of the book, as well as the setting and culture, are brought to life in such intriguing and engaging ways. Your kids will use their imaginations, minds, and sense of humor as they see what God did through real-life events and people to bring His Word into the hands and heart languages of his people.
Such a great resource for Christian families!
