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Is Tabernacle for a Shadow a "Coffee Table" Book?For two years my order form had the words Inspirational "Coffee Table" Devotional. I wondered why my friend Elsie was so opposed to Tabernacle for a Shadow being called a coffee table book. One day I asked her. Then I looked up the term. Now I know why she didn’t like it being labeled that. I just thought it meant it was a book to display on a coffee table. It IS that, but it really doesn’t fit all the criteria as defined in Wikipedia. See the comparison below!
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Wikipedia online encyclopedia :
A coffee table book is a hardcover book that is intended to sit on a coffee table or similar surface in an area where guests sit and are entertained, thus inspiring conversation or alleviating boredom. |
Tabernacle for a Shadow :
A hardcover book that is intended to sit on a coffee table where guests sit and are entertained, thus inspiring conversation about God. It might alleviate depression or sadness, bringing joy and comfort. |
They tend to be oversized and of heavy construction, since there is no pressing need for portability.
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The perfect size and of good construction, since there is a pressing need for portability. It is packaged in it's own box, ready to be sent as a gift or to travel in rough places where Bibles may not be able to go. It is a traveling missionary glorifying God and proclaiming His Word in the universal language of pictures. But it cannot travel unless someone sends or takes it to others.
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Pages consist mainly of photographs and illustrations, accompanied by captions and small blocks of text, as opposed to long prose.
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Pages consist equally of photographs accompanied by captions, and small blocks of relevant biblical verses.
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Subject matter is generally confined to non-fiction and is usually visually oriented.
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Subject matter is non-fiction biblical verses and is visually oriented
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Since they are aimed at anyone who might pick the book up for a light read, the analysis inside is often more basic and with less jargon than other books on the subject
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Since it is aimed at anyone who might pick up the book for a powerful visual journey, the analysis is God’s basic truth as inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is meant for everyone who wants to know more of God’s love.
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Because of this, the term "coffee table book" can be used pejoratively (negatively) to indicate a superficial approach to the subject.
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Far from being a “superficial” approach to the Bible, it is a tool for teaching, evangelizing, comforting and enjoying. Tabernacle for a Shadow gives a “taste” of God’s love and beauty.
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