I got the message
I purchased a copy of Eugene Peterson’s The Message: Remix tonight. An alternate title could be The Laid Back Bible. I do not recommend this bible for actual study - that’s not it’s purpose. But, if you’re wanting to just get the point of what’s being said without having to use a lot of brain power, this is your translation.
A lot of people (traditionalists, extremists, etc.) are against this translation. I’ll say it again - it’s not for study purposes. It’s just a very laid back way to read the bible that’s put into modern language. The introduction says, “A lot of people think that the Bible originally came out sounding like something from the Middle Ages, but in reality it was originally written in the language of the streets. It was the language of fishermen, shopkeepers, and other regular people. Eugene wanted to get the Bible back to that kind of everyday, common language that all of us use when we’re not trying to be religious.”
I don’t really agree with that statement. First, some people do have a difficult time with the English language in everyday use, let alone when they have to read God’s word through the old King James. I will say that I have used this bible for study and it is great alone, or when used with another version. I would rather see someone study with The Message (Remix or not), than not at all. I say it is still God’s word whether it is in modern english or old english. Love ya, man!
Cari
Anonymous
9 Jul 05 at 10:43 am
I’m enjoying reading it. However, I did come across a verse today that is very loosely translated in the Message. I was comparing it to the NIV and NLT. The Message verse had a completely different meaning than the other two. For a newbie Christian, or young person, I’d say it’s a great Bible to start with to get the point and history of Christianity. I’ll just continue to use the NIV and NLT for studying though.
Andrew
9 Jul 05 at 2:55 pm