Customer Reviews

The Message: The Bible (Navy Bonded Leather)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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This is the first version of the Bible I've read that ALLOWS me to truly be hungry to read it. The real language makes it an easy read so that the real message shines through. Not a paraphrase as many would claim, the author takes the original Hebrew and Greek and takes the feeling of the original and puts in into modern, American English. I get bored with Christians who argue that one version is better than another -- and the folks who insist that the King James version is the only true version need to get a life. To quote a beloved Evangelist (B.G.) - "A Bible that is read is the best version."

I had never read the Bible completely and was looking for a way to ease into it. This was the answer - no footnotes, verse numbers, or theological jargon - the author does do a brief intro to each book though. This version eliminates most, if not all, the anachronistic wordings still lingering in the New International Version (of which I've read selected parts).

I finished reading the Old Testament using the 'Walk Through the Old Testament' guide that takes you through the books Chronologically and then finished the N.T. in Dec. 2005.

I'd recommend this for anyone who is familiar with the Bible chronology and structure (i.e., O.T. vs. N.T., Gospel vs. Letter, etc.). If you insist on going in cold, with no background in any Christian church, this would certainly be the easier way, but some kind of companion guide might be useful.

A few 'realities': There are no maps, timelines, footnoted explanations, or much that would lend this book to be an academic/reference type of book. It's for those of us 'not in the [theological] trade' who want to understand the context of some of those exerpts being read from "the pulpit". Reading The Message a) was more motivating as I felt I could actually get through it with the purpose of getting an overview of the major themes, storylines, concepts and b) actually allowed me to make great strides in putting those exerpts into the larger context of where a particular reading occurs, to whom it is written, who wrote it, and how it fits into the theme of the N.T. or O.T., e.g.

The drawback is, as I alluded, sometimes you want just a litte more. Maybe an occasional map; or a little more historical context. The author does setup most of the books well; others, he 'waxes philosophic' and 'talks the [theological] trade' whereas I just want to know what's going on at that time that might trigger the need for such prophetic discourse; or how the author fit into society and why he was recognized as "the man!".

You want to better understand what's going on in church and need a better reason to not put off reading the Bible? I'm not in any regularly on-going Bible study, so this was the answer for me.

this version is great for an easier reading option. it gives a modern perspective on issues relevant stil today. it is nice, however, i wouldn't classify it as a study bible rather a reading friendly bible. i love it though, and the leather version i bought is so nice and rich. it is a great purchase.

I find that using The Message is helpful for me in understanding the Bible. I use it in conjuncetion with the New King James version for a deeper understanding. It came as a surprise to me when I found that the verses were not numbered within the chapters. No longer is that a hindrance for me. The Message uses common everyday comparisons.

As always, very fast and efficient service at great prices.