The Message Brown/Alligator Tan Bonded Lthr: The Bible in Contemporary Language

You know...there are always going to be people that don't like somthing...ESPECIALLY when that something is a translation of God's Word. (I'm glad there's such a debate!!) Keep the big picture in mind though. The Message has a lot of "one man's view" in it because it was translated by one man. The reader (especially a new or immature believer) NEEDS to be aware of that and always mindful that there may be more to the story then what they're getting in The Message. Still, though, The Message has it's place. Read on!

Is The Message a literal/word-for-word English translation of the ancient texts like, say, KJV, NKJV, NASB, or ESV along with some others? No. It's a paraphrase. It stays pretty true to the "accepted" translations in most places just changing the language to a more readable format. Some places, however, are all Mr. Peterson and his interpretation. I don't always agree with his interpretation, but I don't always disagree either. Some verses don't "sound" anything like the NKJV (my preferred "study" translation) at all which annoys me in some ways and enlightens me in others. Take the good with the bad. Mature believers should throw out any language or interpretation that clashes with what they believe the Holy Spirit speaks to them about a particular verse or passage. If in another verse or passage they are edified or enlightened by a "fresh look" at something they've read a gazillion times in a more "accepted" translation then that's great! Take it and use it how the Lord leads.

I believe every Christian has a unique blend of interpretations and view points when it comes to their perception of God and His Word. As long as we ALL believe the critical truths [1. Jesus is THE Son of God and IS God and 2. ONLY through Him are you saved if you receive Him into your HEART, by faith, as your LORD and SAVIOR] then the other stuff is "technique" in a way. I know I'll have a lot of folks that disagree and say I'm way over-simplifying, but essentially I'm speaking the truth.

The Message really "speaks" to some people. GREAT!! Read it!! Devour it!! I would also add that as you grow in the faith then start bringing some other translations into your life and let them "speak" to you also.

I said all that to say this: If The Message is the only "translation" you can understand and are willing to read then, FOR NOW, read it. As you mature in the faith [and we ALL MUST CONTINUALLY GROW] you really need to bring other translations into the picture. (The New Living Translation would be an awesome next step.) As you start to read other more literal translations, truly let the Holy Spirit do your interpreting. What He speaks is NEVER wrong.

For you who say that The Message is "harmful" and "shameful," OK...I hear you. I do. But if The Message helps usher new believers into a deeper knowledge of and thirst for God then I think that's awesome. As for me, I think The Message is cool. It's a paraphrase that I like to look at from time to time. It makes for very easy reading and gets me to dig deeper into God's word in a number of translations. I don't consider it the "infallible" Word of God like I do my literal translations as there's too much Eugene Peterson in it, but I do like to reference it from time.

I am reading more now than with other conventional Bibles. The words make it so I can visualize what's going on. I only wish I had gotten large print, but did not see it offered on Amazon.com.

I was very happy to know that this company, is true to their word on the conditions of the bible and also the time frame in which it was delivered to me

p.s keep up the good work!

I am pleasantly surprised and pleased with this purchase. The Bible is beautifully made, and very high quality, but the best part is that it is written in contemporary language, and is actually readable and understandable. I enjoy sitting down and reading and really knowing the history of our life and world. This edition also has numbered chapters, so there is no more not knowing exactly where to look for a specific verse.

Beautiful aligator skin cover, I love the Message translation of the Bible. Very easy to understand. I wish there were more notes in it but perhaps I am need to look for a study Bible. I bought this for my husband, who is a new Christian, and he loves it except the pages are so thin, he is afraid he might tear them. Overall we love it.

I think this is great when reading/teaching the younger generation. Also great for bringing to life to what we've read over and over in the past. No Dictionary (however, it's less needed in this version that most, but still needed) No Concordance Either. Maps and Time lines are great.