Bible Study for The Message

[Called2Grace]

Hi,

I bought The Message the other day and am interested in any suggestions for studies or if you know of any bible studies that are designed for The Message.

Thanks

 

[5stringJeff]

Hi Susansmum,

I wouldn't recommend doing a Bible study based on the Message alone. It is a paraphrase, and a loose one at that, so any studying of words and/or phrases are not a good study on what was really said. I would recommend using a translation (as opposed to a paraphrase) for a Bible study. If you're looking for an easy-to-read translation, try the NLT.

Jeff

 

[AngCath]

can't think of any studies designed for the Message... but i can't think of any that are designed for any one translation.

What kind of study are you interested in?

 

[Rebirth In Flames]

There's a reason why nobody at accredited bible colleges use the Message for study.

 

[AngCath]

There's a reason why nobody at accredited bible colleges use the Message for study.

Yup, at colleges it is usually NIV or RSV/NRSV from what I've seen.

 

[Rebirth In Flames]

And NASB

 

[daveleau]

The Message is a good Bible for light reading. It can help big-picture understanding, so I would suggest just reading a book you are interested in.

Most studies try not to pigeon-hole themselves to one translation to avoid not being passed up by people that don't own that particular translation.

There are a lot of good studies out there. Try finding a Precepts or a Bible Study Fellowship class. Both of these are in most cities. And both are superb detailed studies on books of the Bible.

Don't be discouraged by disparaging things said about the Message here. There are many that dislike it (some steer people away from it at all costs) because it is a paraphrase. There is a place for paraphrased versions in study, so don't be discouraged.

Yours in Christ,
Dave

 

[5stringJeff]

Don't be discouraged by disparaging things said about the Message here. There are many that dislike it (some steer people away from it at all costs) because it is a paraphrase. There is a place for paraphrased versions in study, so don't be discouraged.

Yours in Christ,
Dave

Dave, I agree that there is a place for paraphrases in Bible study. However, a paraphrase should not take the place of an actual translation. If someone is adamant about using the Message, I would highly recommend that he/she use a translation alongside it, such as those listed above (NIV, NRSV, NASB, etc.).

Jeff

 

[daveleau]

The Message is a good Bible for light reading. It can help big-picture understanding,

Dave, I agree that there is a place for paraphrases in Bible study. However, a paraphrase should not take the place of an actual translation. If someone is adamant about using the Message, I would highly recommend that he/she use a translation alongside it, such as those listed above (NIV, NRSV, NASB, etc.).

Jeff

I totally agree.

 

[johnnymapson]

I would personally recommend using the Message (only if you have to) along side a reliable translation of the bible. Or read it as a book and think of it as commentary. It is VERY loosely translated, don't get me wrong I think Eugene Peterson had a great idea when he did what he did. I just feel some more time and research would have made a bigger impact on the Message. Regardless of the version / translation Jesus is what it's all about! Thank you for encouraging me, seeing the desire to study the bible by other Christians is inspiring!