Rating: 
Summary: Interesting reading
Review: First of all, I personally enjoy the Message. I find joy in reading Eugene Peterson's take on the Bible. Mr. Peterson has great skill as a writer. However, I do not put this on the level with the inspired word of God. The Message is inconsistent in its use of Modern and Ancient terms. Jesus reads a scroll while Paul reads books. The Message is a paraphrase of the Bible. The problem is that the untrained reader does not know where the text ends and the commentary begins. While the Message at points does clarify certain points within the text, it is often overly self-conscious in its literary idiosyncrasies. The Message adds significantly to the text. Many passages go beyond what is stated in scripture. "You are the salt of the earth" becomes "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth" The Message also tends to obscure certain theological issues by generalizing them. In spite of all this, I do recommend the Message-with two reservations. The first reservation is that this must not be bought as a Bible. The second is that the buyer should read it and compare it with a suitably reliable translation (NIV, NASB, NKJV, etc.) The Message is fun. It is not the Word of God.
Rating: 
Summary: A good tool to read along with other translations.
Review: When I first read it I was sort of put off by some of the idioms. I didn't read it again until I was studying Psalms. I read each chapter in New American Standard, then the Jewish translation, Tanakh, then this one, and finally,in the New Living Translation. By the time I do all that I really know what it says. I had found some of my best understanding is from reading The Message. As a result of that experience, I am now reading it just by itself from start to finish and find it not only illuminating but a lot of fun.
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Summary: Response to Souix City reader
Review: A couple of reviews back a reader from Souix City asked some questions about the translation of this book. I felt it might be appropriate for me to respond.I worked for NavPress when this project was proposed and saw it come to fruition. At the time I had access to some of the initial drafts, and also had the opportunity to interact with the editor on a daily basis. During the planning stages of The Message NavPress was very sensitive to the accuracy of the translation largely because their parent organization (The Navigators) is relatively influential within the evangelical community. Also, while I can't comment on Eugene Peterson's qualifications as a translator (I am unaware of his credentials), I do know that he reads the Bible in its original languages. An interesting note: when the drafts were circulated around the office many of us were blown away. We simply couldn't put them down. Unfortunately many of the original passages were considered too inflamatory, so they were toned down prior to publication. Personally speaking, The Message has helped me through some very tough times. Were it not for the voice that spoke to me from its pages, I would have in all likelyhood walked away from the Christian faith bitter and hateful. Take up and read!
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Summary: Print too small, binding too big, BUT ...
Review: My middle-aged eyes have trouble with this edition, and the binding is frustrating centimeters too large to fit in a pocket, but there is great spiritual meat in Peterson's translation. You might want to buy the bigger version instead.
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Summary: A living paraphrase that works!
Review: I've been looking for a paraphrase to read in worship services that would grab the imagination of both the mature believer and the unchurched - THE MESSAGE is it! It's the only version of scripture that my parrishoners have asked me to name so they could go out and buy it!
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Summary: I was inspired as I read
Review: I just recently started reading The Message. It is totallyamazing. Not only are the words contempory, but they genuinely catchthe spirit of Jesus. Not since my first reading of the Bible after conversion 30 years ago during the "Jesus Movement" have I been so touched by the truth of Gods love presented so real. I wish to agree with the Lord's Prayer, as translated in the Message Bible. "Your ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes."
Rating:
Summary: Very good tool for Christians to understand the Bible better
Review: In a world where many do not understand the original wording of the Bible (King James version and other editions), this book helps to better understand and is a good secondary tool. I buy this book to share with new believers and explain that no book should completely replace their Bible, but they can truly get into this book.
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Summary: The best version of the new testement i've ever read!
Review: I am only 14 years old and I find this version understandable, fresh, and exciting. The Bible is so much different when read this way. It is all just one big understandable story!
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Summary: The Message is brings God's Word alive for His New Awakening
Review: When I first read The Message, I was astounded when the words became even more alive than the translations I have read previously. I am patiently waiting for the complete Message to be completed. The words are clear to speak to us today as we teach and preach the Message of Hope to those who have no hope. Just as the paraphrase from the 1960's contributed to the Jesus People awakening, The Message will be used by God for the 1990's and beyond for the long awaited Spiritual Awakening many have been fasting and praying for. May God continue to use The Message to reach people who would not be reached by other translations and paraphrases. Thank you Dr. Peterson. Waitng patiently for the completion.
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Summary: This book is awesome!
Review: I had heard passages from this book at a Rebecca St. James concert. I finally got a copy for myself yesterday and I can't put it down. This book speaks to me in a language I can definitely understand.
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