I Bought A New Bible Today

Be careful..

I have one, and read it, but I do realize it is one man's paraphrase.

But it is interesting.

 

Better than the originals? LOL, I don't think so.

Anyway, what little I have read from The Message is a little too informal for my taste, but there are lots of worse ways to spend your time. But I'd be careful about anything that you find there that you've never seen in the KJV, for example, because there may be good reasons for having not seen it in the KJV.

 

I do not own The Message . I page through it now and then at Christian bookstores . It is very far removed from the original . It is usually not even placed in the Bible section . Eugene Peterson likes the NRSV as his Bible of choice .

I'm a TNIV man myself . But if there were only two options ( laughable) : The Message and the KJV -- I'd go for the KJV .

 

As has been said the Message is a paraphrase and not a very good one at that. It really is not a Bible, but a commentary on the Bible. That doesn't make it evil but we need to read it for what it is. My preferred translation is the NKJV, but I love all the legitimate translations of God's Word. I just guessing here but this all may be moved to the versions forum.

Bro Tony

 

Which KJV is the best ever? Here is a quick check of the
three most easily available KJVs (Just in case you happen
to have a KJV that doesn't bother to tell about the other
KJVs)

Which King James Version do you use?
Here is a sample test:

1. Ruth III:15d (KJV1611 Edition):

... and he went into the citie.

2. Ruth 3:15 (KJV1769 Edition):

... and she went into the city.

3. Ruth 3:15 (KJV1873 Edition):

... and he went into the city.

 

The Message is not very reliable in some places. Peterson changes the meaning of some verses and sometimes adds things. If you're going to read it, read it parallel with a real translation, whether the King James, the NKJV, the NASB, or another translation. Keep in mind you are not reading the Bible, but Peterson's version of the Bible.

You might want to read this assessment of The Message:
http://www.equip.org/free/DB130.htm

 

I wonder how the 2006 version will read with our new acceptance of gay lifestyles?

 

Well, I figure that KJV will have a disclaimer of sorts saying, "buy only if you approve of the gay lifestyle".

And then Ruth 3:15 will probably read:

".....and heshe went into the city.":BangHead: :tonofbricks:

 

I moved this thread from the Baptist General Discussions Forum into the BYT Forum because it "fits" better here.

 

Should have saved your money and bought a Geneva Bible or something similar!

 

Here we go again, another slam on the KJV. I am sure it is glorifying to God. I presume your translation of choice is better then the KJV?

 

I also love the KJV, but I tend to stay away from The Message and other paraphrases.

 

Average American reads on a 7th grade reading level.

KJV written on a 12th grade reading level.

That could explain the reason it's popularity is waning, although not among some of us here.

My preferred Bible Study Bible is the NASB. I'm also looking into the HCSB. I've decided the TNIV, with the generalization of gender scattered throughout (i.e. instead of "brothers" or "brethren" you get "people" or "brothers and sisters") distracts me. I'm not a huge fan of the Message, but do use it occasionally.

 

Do I like and use the Message? Yes..but I think of it less like a Bible and more like a commentary. Thus, I carry my "grains of salt" with me when I read it.

 

"The Message" isn't as much of a Bible version as it is a commentary.

The KJV is "Good News for 17th Century man".

 

Good point, Joshua. The problem is not with the reading level of the KJV, but the educational system of America. If America cannot be at a 12th grade reading level, we have a huge problem. Why should the reading level of the Word of God be dumbed down to suit the willing and willful ignorance of a society?

 

Sometimes a salt shaker... but yes, I agree. Sometimes the quirky way it says something is stale. Sometimes it's a breath of fresh air.

 

I think "dumbed down" is a bit strong. More suitable to 21st Century people? I don't use thee, thou, wroth, or propitiation in daily language, do you?

 

Actually, I just told someone on the phone, "Thou shouldest not be wroth at the propitiation offered thee."

They hung up. What a jerk. :tongue3: