"The Message" bible

[PetersKeys]

What do you guys think of this bible. I downloaded an audio version of the bible and I must say Im really impressed, espesially with understanding the OT better. Its a paraphrase but I was impressed with it. I hear some people don't like and others love it. It seems like a good bible to start for younger people who have trouble understanding the more literal versions.

What is your review of "The Message"

 

[calluna]

What do you guys think of this bible. I downloaded an audio version of the bible and I must say Im really impressed, espesially with understanding the OT better. Its a paraphrase but I was impressed with it. I hear some people don't like and others love it. It seems like a good bible to start for younger people who have trouble understanding the more literal versions.

What is your review of "The Message"

Perhaps this thread can be for Catholics.

 

[ConqueredbyLove]

I dislike it very much....

 

[NorrinRadd]

Gordon Fee's basic assessment was that it can be very insightful and provide useful fresh perspectives, but that it is too idiosyncratic and "free" to be one's "main" translation. From the portions I've used, I'd agree with him.

 

[Simonline]

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[cyberlizard]

What do you guys think of this bible. I downloaded an audio version of the bible and I must say Im really impressed, espesially with understanding the OT better. Its a paraphrase but I was impressed with it. I hear some people don't like and others love it. It seems like a good bible to start for younger people who have trouble understanding the more literal versions.

What is your review of "The Message"

i think this is a difficult issue.... if the bible is given to new believers to make there lives easy and their church does not provide good solid teaching, they are doomed to learn some serious misunderstanding of scripture (but that is the nature of paraphrases).

I would recommend a good reasonably understandable 'formal' translation for 'study' and 'the message' or otherwise for everyday reading.

Personally I think it is awful and misconstrues a lot of passages, but then again I am a fan of the complete Jewish bible (some may level the same charge against that but then again you can get a decent commentary to accompany it which explains why it translates the way it does - i have yet to see one for most other bibles on the market.)



Steve

 

[cyberlizard]

But that's just it, The Message is not a translation, it's a paraphrase (and should be thought of as such).

that's the problem though, most churches do not teach things like the difference between translation and paraphrase, or even why the canon is the way it is. Maybe when they address these issues, other things will become less problematic.

Steve

 

[CreedIsChrist]

I myself love the Message, It really has helped me understand the bible alot better. Its definatly a great addition, just don't use it as a main bible. Espesially for someone who is new to the bible and has a hard time understanding or young children. I just finished the Book of Job in the Message and it definatly touched my spirit. So don't be too quick to judge it.

 

[ConqueredbyLove]

I edited my post into non-existence. Could not find a delete button, lol.

 

[Tissue]

I enjoy it and utilize it when reading for personal fulfillment and pleasure. For actual study, though, I use my good ol' NASB (or RSV, whichever's closer at hand).

Personally, I see no problem with it, as long as it's status and function is understood.

 

[ebia]

There's a recent thread on the Message here:
http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?t=7261021

 

[Simonline]

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[Simonline]

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[ebia]

Indeed, the paraphrase has its place. But people do need to be taught how to distinguish beween a paraphrase and a translation and to appreciate each for what they are.

Simonline.

Along with that they also need to recognise that these aren't black-and-white categories, all paraphrases (of the bible) involve translation, and all translations involve a degree of paraphrasing. And all translations of whatever flavour involve a degree of decision and interpretation by the translator(s). But there does come a point when the "person in the pew" only needs to get to grips with so much technicality - the bible itself is the means to an end, not the end in itself. The Message has brought countless people closer to God and, in the end, that's what its all about.