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Most Helpful Favorable Review
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
The Message Bible is an excellent resource for this age
I believe The Message bible is an extrodinary tool for the lifelong convert to the new follower of our Lord Jesus. Our modern American English language contains multiple idioms and terminologies related to our current timeline and culture, as well as euphemisms that w...Read More
I believe The Message bible is an extrodinary tool for the lifelong convert to the new follower of our Lord Jesus. Our modern American English language contains multiple idioms and terminologies related to our current timeline and culture, as well as euphemisms that would not be understood if translated word for word, phrase for phrase to another time period and culture. There would need to be an equivelent phrase for that culture. The same is true for the first century. The first century language used in the New Testament, as well as the Old Testament Hebrew enact the use of idioms which are rich, with exponentional added meaning behind each word in comparison to our modern language English. The language barrier coupled with idioms and cultural understanding can make the Word have less than intended meaning for the reader. The Message, I have found is an excellent translation, capturing the deep meaning behind the rich literature of the bible. I use NKJV/KVJ most of the time, but I find that when I read The Message, I read it as if it were a novel, flowing and comprehensive. A gripping read, that is more fluent in understanding than of other iterations. I recommend this translation, but with strong caution to have NIV/NKJV/KJV handy for clarification.Show Less
posted by Anonymous on August 12, 2005
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1 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Dangerous to Christianity
Just when you thought the Bible couldn't get dumbed down any further from the NIV along comes The Message. I am deeply troubled by the use of the Message in the church and even in the home. The language is deceptive and stears far clear of the true meanings of the Bi...Read More
Just when you thought the Bible couldn't get dumbed down any further from the NIV along comes The Message. I am deeply troubled by the use of the Message in the church and even in the home. The language is deceptive and stears far clear of the true meanings of the Bible and when people exclusively use this translation there is a vast disconnect between them and other Christians. In order to be united as Christians it is essential that we stay close to what God intended for us to read and not keep coming up with poorer translations to justify our laziness. In fact I think the message is the first book that comes right out and says, 'If you're too stupid to understand the simple NIV check out the Message the first translation able to be read with your eyes closed.' My point is that God intends us as Christians to be intellectuals and dumbing down the Bible more and more only simplifies the concepts and makes lazy Christians more justified in remaining as infants in Christ.Show Less
posted by Anonymous on September 27, 2005
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Anonymous
Posted August 12, 2005
The Message Bible is an excellent resource for this age
I believe The Message bible is an extrodinary tool for the lifelong convert to the new follower of our Lord Jesus. Our modern American English language contains multiple idioms and terminologies related to our current timeline and culture, as well as euphemisms that would not be understood if translated word for word, phrase for phrase to another time period and culture. There would need to be an equivelent phrase for that culture. The same is true for the first century. The first century language used in the New Testament, as well as the Old Testament Hebrew enact the use of idioms which are rich, with exponentional added meaning behind each word in comparison to our modern language English. The language barrier coupled with idioms and cultural understanding can make the Word have less than intended meaning for the reader. The Message, I have found is an excellent translation, capturing the deep meaning behind the rich literature of the bible. I use NKJV/KVJ most of the time, but I find that when I read The Message, I read it as if it were a novel, flowing and comprehensive. A gripping read, that is more fluent in understanding than of other iterations. I recommend this translation, but with strong caution to have NIV/NKJV/KJV handy for clarification.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 11, 2005
Oh ye of little faith....
I'm not an expert, just a Mom whose been saved for 8+ years and would have no problem with my young children reading this translation. That's just the point here...this is a translation just like all the rest that we're going to find today. We also have to remember that the original Bible was highly edited, there are Gospels (of Peter and Thomas firmly rejected) letters (of Barnabas) and Acts (of Andrew and John also firmly rejected) for example that have not been accepted. The earlier translations we have do an ok job, but really don't explain what verses mean and leave a lot up to each individual's interpretation and if you don't have someone who has been highly educated that you trust to take you through the Bible, that can be pretty intimidating and a bit scary. Many Pastors today (from what I've been told) have stopped indepth teaching of the Bible, I'm not certain if they offer Bible studies or not, but those who used to learn what the Bible means in Church services are no longer receicving that education on Sunday. Also, don't forget about the young believers, and I'm not just talking about age although that is a huge point as well. Many new believers in Christ will get bogged down in language and it doesn't have to be that hard, The Message Bible is a wonderful learning tool for new believers and young readers. I would rather my children read The Message than watch T.V.. Rick Warren (and my Pastor as well) use this translation as well as several others simply because certain translations say it better than another. It's Ok for you to have a favorite translation of the Bible, that doesn't mean it will be everyone else's. Also, if someone were truly worried about reading The Message without having an older translation, they have this revolutionary thing called a Paralllel Bible - It has The Message on one side and the NIV translation on the other...problem solved. I would highly recommend having more than one translation to refer to anyway, the differences are often interesting. It's all about the language...if you were one of the people who wrote a condemning review on this Bible or are thinking of doing so, ask yourself this question...would Jesus get that uptight about his message of love and how to live a good life for His glory being translated into words a child could identify with? If you still are considering writing a bad review please read Matthew 18:1-9 in any translation that pleases you :-D And remember what dear old Mom likes to say, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. God Bless, and keep talking to our Lord...He will respond if you only take the time to hear Him!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 1, 2005
Not the Bible, but a good start
My husband was having a difficult time reading the bible. I recommended 'The Message Bible' to him b/c he can get the idea of what God was saying. This book is NOT intended to replace the Bible, it is a beginning point for those who need it. I'm happy to say my husband loves this easy to understand translation and I do not anticipate problems with him moving to the real Bible later. This is an excellent starter bible. Some people need milk before meat, why is that so hard for people to understand. God Bless all who are reading anything about the love, life, and words of Jesus Christ are Savior.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 13, 2005
It's all about Jesus!
If this bible leads any person to a personal relationship with Jesus.....then I don't understand why people who call themselves Christians can insist that it is a misleading translation. There is not a single translation into the English language that is going to be 100% perfect....the only perfection you can find is by learning the language and reading it in the original text (to the reviewer who is using quotes from revelation to back up the claims I hope you realize that you would have to use the same claim for every english translation because none of them are perfect.....also re-wording for comprehension is not adding or taking away). This translation is a great starting point for anyone who is searching or wants to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. God created us to worship every minute of every day, and every day we divide ourselves over things like a translation that could lead one of us to a new life in Christ. How sorry I feel for those of us who choose to divide the Church of Christ rather then to unite and stand firm in the absolute truth. If you are searching.....then I hope with all my heart that which ever translation you choose, you find God....because he's waiting for you. God Bless You!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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love2camp
Posted April 23, 2010
Great for todays modern reader
So glad I purchased this Bible for my husband - he just loves it! Perfect easy read for someone who finds reading the King James Version too intimidating. Will now purchase one for my 14 year old son who has been wanting another Bible. We know that not everything is 'perfectly' translated in this Bible - but it is great to use alongside another Bible when doing a study and you need different versions to help you understand a passage. Also a perfect way to explain something in todays terms to someone who is not so versed in the Bible and could be intimidated by some of the older texts. When going over a passage you don't feel like you are over someones head - just using common everyday talk.
The cover itself is just beautiful - very soft and comfortable to hold.
I know my husband will get many years enjoyment out of this Bible.1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 21, 2010
I Also Recommend:
..
This is not the bible... this "author" got some of the bible and made an entirely new book!
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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MarlaMae
Posted March 11, 2010
Makes Understanding Much Easier...
Studying the bible has always been a personal desire. The Message Bible has made that task so much easier. The clear 'message' in today's language affords a much smoother read and creates an environment of understanding I only hoped to achieve. This Bible is highly recommended as a stand-alone, or for use in conjunction with the NIV or other versions.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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jcraig23
Posted December 25, 2009
Gives new life to God's Word
I'm slightly amused by those reviewers who find The Message "dangerous" or "dumbed down" (also a reference to the NIV). I'm sure many Roman Catholics were saying the same thing when Martin Luther first translated The Bible into German at the beginning of the Reformation, followed soon after by King James. What people fail to realize is that the Old English of the KJV is NOT some holy Biblical English, but rather it was the contemporary language of the day, much like the current translations of the NIV and The Message. One of the main tenants of The Reformation was that God's Word be translated into the language of the common people so that it can be read and easily understood by all. If you want to call that "dumbing it down" then so be it, but The Word should not be a mystery or a mass of confusing obsolete language. "The Message" is meant to be read, and it's a wonderful read. It is NOT meant to replace a conventional Bible, but rather be a compliment to it. In that sense, it's a winner, and should help even the most accomplished Bible scholar find new meaning in these passages.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 17, 2009
A must have book!
This book is one for your home libraries. It's got large enough print so that you don't have to squint. It it very unstandable reading. Very much like we might talk today. Use The Message along with your other Bibles.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 12, 2008
Message is New Age
I am disappointed in all the positive hype regarding this Bible translation..there is New Age language througout, as well as omissions from the KJV. God's Word cautions us that in the last days to be on guard of deceptions that will come in various forms. This is one of them...God's Word also says to keep from silly profane language...well you don't want to read some of the language in this translation. This translation of the Bible will not be in my house.
1 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted September 27, 2005
Dangerous to Christianity
Just when you thought the Bible couldn't get dumbed down any further from the NIV along comes The Message. I am deeply troubled by the use of the Message in the church and even in the home. The language is deceptive and stears far clear of the true meanings of the Bible and when people exclusively use this translation there is a vast disconnect between them and other Christians. In order to be united as Christians it is essential that we stay close to what God intended for us to read and not keep coming up with poorer translations to justify our laziness. In fact I think the message is the first book that comes right out and says, 'If you're too stupid to understand the simple NIV check out the Message the first translation able to be read with your eyes closed.' My point is that God intends us as Christians to be intellectuals and dumbing down the Bible more and more only simplifies the concepts and makes lazy Christians more justified in remaining as infants in Christ.
1 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 30, 2005
Not a Bible. A deceptive paraphrase.
This translation uses a phrase in the Lords prayer 'as above so below.' This is a new age power word. Do a Google search on the phrase and see the 1000's of new age web sites that have this phrase as a motto. When Rick Warren and other pastors use this translation they mislead many new Christians. Thus over 90% of the new Christians are falling away only a year latter. If you need more evidence read MATTHEW 5:1-8-- AKJV then read MATTHEW 5:1-8--TM. It is shocking how much is added and taken away. Keep in mind what is said in the last few chapters of the Bible: Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted October 28, 2004
This shouldn't be called a bible
This bible is a mistranslation luring christians into new age thinking and preparing them for a world religion. It mistranslates the lords prayer. It even uses new age terminology. Don't read this bible, if you own it throw it out. I urge you to please take me seriously. I'm only 15 and realize the deception in this book. If you compare the verses in this bible to other translations you will see it too. The only message this bible is teaching is the new age message.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted September 29, 2004
Excellent readability, good enough translation
This translation of the Bible is eminently readable. I am surprised by a couple of comments here. First, one of the great treasures of the translation is how nice the cadence is for much of the wisdom literature. It comes closer to capturing the poetic rhythm of many of those books than any other translation that I can think of. The Psalms just pour over you as you read them. Second, this translation has been worked over with Peterson by some top-notch scholars. While I'm sure that there are places where the translation could better capture nuance and detail, there are NO egregious errors in the translation, i.e., where the text has just plain been mistranslated. (Caveat: there are passages in the Bible about which there is general controversy on how to translate them. But such a worry would apply to *all* translations, not just The Message.) It is truly disappointing when so-called experts claim that they have found errors, but never provide any citations or examples, or provide their credentials to suggest why we should believe them over, e.g. Tremper Longman, John Walton, Darrell Bock, Donald Hagner, Moises Silva, and the many other first-rate Bible scholars who served as consultants.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 14, 2004
Easy yes, correct no
This version of the Bible is easy to read and understand but I have found that many parts of this book are incorrect translations.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted August 6, 2003
This bible is a MUST have!!
I have quite a few bibles in my house, but, this is brilliant. It breaks downs the thus, thee and thou's into 2003 language. Its a must for anyone wanting to study the word of God, but got lost in the many other versions. Be blessed!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted April 7, 2003
WOW!
I was at Barnes & Noble a few days ago and spotted this Bible. Although I did not buy it at the time, I glanced through it and liked what I saw. I flipped over to a passage that was hard for me to comprehend, and after reading the passage in 'The Message Bible', I understand the selection clearly! I am planning to buy this product as soon as I possibly can!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted April 3, 2003
Clarity for Today's Mind
Having just recently come back to Christianity, I tried reading an OLD family Bible that my Mother sent me. It just didn't help me. So, off to Barnes and Noble and a search in the Bible section, which brought me to The Message Bible. After buying it, I went to have my car fixed, and brought the book with me to the waiting room. While sitting in a GARAGE waiting room, I became enlightened!!! I started taking notes. Starting in the New Testament, with Matthew, I began reading, learning and, most importantly, understanding God's word! I recommend this Bible to any person who wants to perceive God's word as if it were written today. Beautiful, calming and enlightening.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 17, 2003
OUTSTANDING MESSAGE
Today was the first time I had ever heard anyone read from this Message Bible. When the man of God read from the Message Bible it made the meaning so much clearer to understand in today's language. Now I cannot wait to buy the Message Bible to help me understand God's word so I can live more closely to Him. I plan to go to the Barnes & Noble Book Store in the morning to purchase one. What a masterpiece of divine inspiration!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 14, 2003
A BLESSING TO SHARE
MY "MESSAGE' is simple. What a joy to use this sweet bible along with my New American Standard. I have always used every translation I can and now this one. Today I found James1:21b and just wept with the picture it painted. I believe Pastor Peterson is an artist with words. If there was a version to paint word pictures, this is it. GOD bless Pastor Peterson.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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