Rating: 
Summary: Original bible written in language people actually spoke!
Review: If you own only one version of the bible, it should be the New Living Translation (NLT). If you own more than one version, you should still read the NLT. The bible was originally written in the language that people actually read and spoke, and it should be today. The NLT, read by Mike Kellog, is incredibly well done. I have listened to seven different audio new testaments, and for listening pleasure, the only one that comes close to this version is Alexamder Scourby's reading the KJV. I have NOT heard the NLT read by Stephen Johnston. 2000 years ago the bible was written in the language people actually spoke and read. The bible is meant to be understood. This is the only major translation that is written in the language we actually speak. The NIV is much less accessible than the NLT, and that is the second best version, in regards to accuracy and readability, that is presently available. I own all the major translations (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, NRSV, and NLT) and this is by far the best for finding out what the bible says. People who earn livings interpreting the bible and teaching doctrine (radio ministers, pastors, representatives of churches that teach false doctrine), have vested interests in maintaining mystery in the bible. The New Living Translation doesn't require a translator in order to understand the bible. If you attend a bible study other attendees will have KJV, NKJV, NASB, and/or NIV bibles. You will be able to add insight to the study because you will have the version that reads the best and clarifies the text the most accurately. What does the best job telling what the bible says, a radio talk show host, notes written by individuals (including study bible notes), or the bible itself? When an interpreter translates a speech from one language to another, he or she does it the same way as the NLT was translated, not the way the KJV, NKJV, NASB, or even NIV were translated, otherwise the audience won't understand the speech. More false doctrine has been produced by well meaning individuals who never fully understood what the bible says because they relied on archaic translations of the bible such as the KJV, Revised Standard Version, or American Standard Version. Many people, including pastors, refuse to let go of misconceptions they have had since they were children that they developed reading archaic versions of the bible. The NLT is beautifully written, and Mike Kellog does an incredible job reading it. This is THE WAY the bible is supposed to be understood and enjoyed. If you read along you get even more out of it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Only need one word to describe these CDs "Excellent". Now I only need the old testament on CD.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Only need one word to describe these CDs "Excellent". Now I only need the old testament on CD.
Rating:
Summary: Original bible written in language people actually spoke!
Review: The NLT is absolutely terrible. In its effort to make the scripture accessable, it trivializes the text; it's like a trailer park version of Shakespeare. And the music added to the voice (there is only one voice, who speaks every part, including God) is unspeakably annoying. It makes no sense whatsoever: there is no logic to the music, when there is music and when there is no music seems completely arbitrary, and the mood and tone of the music is completely disconnected to the tone and the mood of the text. The choice and placement seems to have been randomly assigned by a computer. As a seminary trained minister, I would say that listenting to this CD package is worse than not reading the text at all.
Rating: 
Summary: Dreadful translation, annoying dramatization
Review: The NLT is absolutely terrible. In its effort to make the scripture accessable, it trivializes the text; it's like a trailer park version of Shakespeare. And the music added to the voice (there is only one voice, who speaks every part, including God) is unspeakably annoying. It makes no sense whatsoever: there is no logic to the music, when there is music and when there is no music seems completely arbitrary, and the mood and tone of the music is completely disconnected to the tone and the mood of the text. The choice and placement seems to have been randomly assigned by a computer. As a seminary trained minister, I would say that listenting to this CD package is worse than not reading the text at all.
Rating:
Summary: High quality
Review: The voice acting and sporadic background music are high quality. I am delighted with this set and how it brings a new Bible experience. For example, the first time I listened to John's Gospel I was deeply touched, even though I have read it multiple times - audio seems to bring to it a new dimension. (By the way, I love the NLT and use it in my daily devotionals - it was a perfect choice for audio Bible use.) Listening to Paul's letters brings them to a new level - I can hear his heart being poured out to those Christians that were dear to him (and sometimes were frustrating him!) When I listened to Romans, I thought Paul was all the theologian I needed - It seems to bring it into crystal clarity for me to hear it this way. One issue: My set didn't include an index of any kind, and I had to make one up so I could find what I was looking for, since there are multiple books on some of the CD's and they don't start/end on CD boundaries. Each CD label give the first and last thing on the CD, so if you have the book order and number of chapters in each book down by memory, you won't need to make a cheat sheet like I did!
Rating:
Summary: Riveting
Review: This collection is excellent. I had listened to Alexander Scourby with the KJV on tapes for years and wasn't sure that I would like this translation. These CDs far surpass my expectation for clarity, ease in listening, and making the Word seem alive. The music is wonderful and enhances the reading to the point that you can almost see the expression on the writer's face. What I especially loved was hearing the faint sound of crickets chirping while Jesus was praying in the garden.
These tapes are a must for spiritual growth and enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting
Review: This collection is excellent. I had listened to Alexander Scourby with the KJV on tapes for years and wasn't sure that I would like this translation. These CDs far surpass my expectation for clarity, ease in listening, and making the Word seem alive. The music is wonderful and enhances the reading to the point that you can almost see the expression on the writer's face. What I especially loved was hearing the faint sound of crickets chirping while Jesus was praying in the garden.
These tapes are a must for spiritual growth and enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reading of the Scriptures
Review: This is a great translation to listen to on tape/cd. The music and actors bring another element to the reading of the New Testament. (NB: The Old Testament is available as well).
Rating:
Summary: The best yet!
Review: This is by far the best audio recording done with the New Testament that I have heard. Mike Kellogg's voice is just right not irritating or over bearing. The music is at just the right mix with the narration. The digital recording is super crisp and clear. I am an audio learner so this is a real treat for me. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to bring the New Testament alive. The only drawback is that it is not done for the Old Testament as well.
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