The Word of Promise Next Generation: New Testament: Dramatic Audio Bible

Good with flaws...

While this rendition is done with extreme respect for both the Bible's New Testament text and its teachings, one thing sticks in my craw so to speak. Why is it that current renditions of Jesus' teaching of The Lord's Prayer is changed? While I understand the need for explanation for teens and younger children, Jesus was very specific when He taught that prayer. I have used two older Bibles, The Gideon Bible from 1978 and the St. Joseph Catholic Bible of the 1990s and both literally print The Lord's Prayer verbatim rather than trying to simplify the meaning. Why don't the newer renditions keep that original prayer? What is wrong with using Jesus' words verbatim? Why is there this persistent need to 'rewrite' Jesus Christ's original prayer? I mean, He knew what He was saying and doing, and personally I don't think there is any need for any type of change in it.
This is irritating to me since this MP3 CD audio version goes to great lengths to keep moral lessons like the "Lilies of the field" parable nearly word for word and yet don't give the perfect version of The Lord's Prayer given by Jesus Christ Himself! I think the Son of God should know how to pray to Him.
Okay, on to the positive things. I love Sean Astin's narration which sounds sweet with reverence. Jody Linley also shows reverence as Jesus, making the words sincere and loving. I also loved Marshall Allman's vocal depiction of Paul in his epistles on the later CD's.
Overall I really liked this but also take issue with the statement that "Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary until Jesus was born." If a woman is holy enough to conceive via the Holy Spirit and experience a virgin birth, why don't people think she would be above any future sexual relations? If you believe in the first concept then why can't you believe in the second?
I rate this 3.5 stars for performance with several items I consider flaws in translation.

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Great for those reluctant young bible readers.

Reviewing a dramatic audio version of the bible is a bit outside my usual book review range, but I received this from the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program. At the time I requested it they were not offering any other book that I was interested in reading. As I do not have much experience with audio books, I have foregone rating this product.

This is a dramatic audio version of the New Testament on three MP3 CD's. Also included is a behind the scenes DVD. The cast consists of over 100 actors, including Sean Austin as the narrator, Max and Jenna Lucado, Corbin Bleu and many well known others. The text comes from the complete International Children's Bible and takes up over twenty three hours, and though I personally prefer the King James version, this text was very clear and accessible. The acting was very well done, some of the actors better than others, I especially enjoyed Sean Austin as the narrator. Though I have to say that I was not entirely pleased with the voice of Jesus, but I guess that is a difficult role to live up to. Along with voice acting, are sound affects and pleasant music which are very understated and tastefully done. I would recommend this for young adults and children, it was very easy to understand and follow, and the draw of the popular actors may help those reluctant listeners. This could also be a good product for those who may be looking for a gentle introduction to the New Testament.

Bringing the New Testament to Life for children

This is a brilliant production that will capture your children's attention and make the New Testament much more accessible to youth. Coming in at only 24 hours of audio, this would make ideal listening any time of day.

There are two versions of this set. The first set is 20 CD's which will play on your home or car CD player. The other set is 3 mp3 CD's, which can be played on a computer or uploaded to any MP3 player. Some newer car and home CD players will also play mp3's, just check for the mp3 logo.

Unlike the Inspired By series (which I love) my daughter prefers listening to this as she goes to bed each night. The ambient sounds, special effects, and musical compositions give this set the feel of a high quality audio book. I love the fact that she goes to sleep hearing the word of God.

The one and only complaint that I have is that this version uses the International Children's Bible which I am not very familiar with. Some of the translation sounds a bit odd, but I do understand the publisher is trying to target this set to the 6-14 year old age group. That being said, this is an absolutely wonderful, affordable gift for children. Children can listen while doing chores, homework, going to bed, or just riding in the car. It makes the New Testament so accessible that I wouldn't be surprised if my children begin to memorize their favorite parts.

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