The Message Bible paraphrase

[thethinkingrebel]

I have made a blog post about The Message. One of the most controversial bible translations/paraphrases in recent history:

http://aplacetospoutmyanger.blogspot...t-message.html

Basically I wanted to see what other "religious nuts" here think about it. I find the various bible translation debates fascinating, so if this discussion extends beyond simply the MSG so be it.

I spent a good year completely opposed to this version, but I'm now reading it, its not perfect but it most certainly isnt as bad as I thought.


What do you guys think? No holds barred..lets discuss bible translation!

[extremecheese]

Living in Asia, where the English ministries are preaching to audiences where English is a 2nd language, I run into the Message Bible a lot.
Personally I see a lot of things wrong with it ("as above so below" in the lords prayer, and Jesus' use of the term 'Helter Skelter' probably being the major examples), but often times it's a useful tool to convey the Gospel to an audience that cannot grasp the olde English found in the King James. However saying that, I'd still go for the NIV over the message where possible.

[thethinkingrebel]

Originally Posted by extremecheese

Living in Asia, where the English ministries are preaching to audiences where English is a 2nd language, I run into the Message Bible a lot.
Personally I see a lot of things wrong with it ("as above so below" in the lords prayer, and Jesus' use of the term 'Helter Skelter' probably being the major examples), but often times it's a useful tool to convey the Gospel to an audience that cannot grasp the olde English found in the King James. However saying that, I'd still go for the NIV over the message where possible.

Haha I did not know the term helter skelter was used (something to do with Charles Manson?). I am halfway through Exodus now, this is so easy to read. Its only subtle variations that just make it more readable than say the NIV (shudders) or the ESV. But these will always win out because they ARE translations and not a singular interpretation.

I doubt that Peterson is a witch or anything like that, I would say he used certain terms because at the time they seemed quick and appropriate. It does beg the question how such an obvious occult term made it in. But! it is few and far between so It makes little difference for me.

I know this ISNT the bible, its an interpretation of it..so this lowers my expectations. But I continue to be impressed, Ive continually checked portions against actual translations and the Message is holding its own, I think this is because I am at the early stages and there is little to interpret. I found one niggle, which was referring to the egyptian firstborn as "firstborn child", when the majority of firstborn are the eldest and thus less likely to be children, and all ages would have been affected, We are all either firstborn, secondborn etc. However the implication made here in the message is that the majority is children which is not the case in reality. I have highlighted the word for future reference however. Hopefully if I come across it in the future this will jog my memory.

I have to raise an eyebrow at this being used in the far reaches of the world, surely a far more accurate paraphrase could be made. For all its awesomeness the message is not as good as then real thing, easiness to read or not, I hope some effort is being made to ensure that correct doctrine is taught.

But it is better than nothing. It just needs work and a dash of rewording in places. I will continue to read it, secondary to the much superior Holy Bible ESV, NKJV, KJV, HCSB, WEB, actual translations

[knightofthegrail]

In a word? Awful!

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

[quietgirl]

I've not read much of The Message bible, but I must admit that the bits I've read (or occasionally heard read aloud in church) made me think "ugh"! I think its version of the Lord's Prayer is terrible. However, I guess I'd have to read it through properly to make a final judgement, though.

I like the KJV (for beauty of language) and the NIV (for readability). Having said that, I think there's definitely a place for an easy-to-read modern translation. I remember reading a "paraphrase" Bible especially written for children when I was a little girl and I loved it.

Mandy

[alf hearted]

Have any of you tried this one?

[thethinkingrebel]

Originally Posted by knightofthegrail

In a word? Awful!

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

Indeed this is truly awful. But for all its flaws, try reading genesis, its good. I'm somewhat iffy about the NT, but thats easy to read in any version. It took me 9/10 months to read the OT in various translations (I basically read one chapter in one translation then a bit more in another, day by day) it took me five days to read the whole NT. I'm flying through it with the Message, what I will do when I hit Matthew, I may suck it up and carry on reading, I think its premature yet.

[thethinkingrebel]

Originally Posted by quietgirl

I've not read much of The Message bible, but I must admit that the bits I've read (or occasionally heard read aloud in church) made me think "ugh"! I think its version of the Lord's Prayer is terrible. However, I guess I'd have to read it through properly to make a final judgement, though.

I like the KJV (for beauty of language) and the NIV (for readability). Having said that, I think there's definitely a place for an easy-to-read modern translation. I remember reading a "paraphrase" Bible especially written for children when I was a little girl and I loved it.

Mandy

This is the larger problem, people keep treating it like its the bible when it isnt. I couldnt imagine anyone thinking that Romans, read aloud sounds anything like Romans in the NIV or KJV. Peterson doesnt even try to say it is, he admits that it is HIS interpretation!

If one thinks about it, paraphrasing IS a good thing, whilst never replacing something like the ESV for accuracy, it allows wording that the greek and hebrew just could not entertain.

I would suggest if you ever do decide to move into the easy read arena in the future, get a copy of The Message///Remix (thats the one with verse numbers) Just remember to use your other bible as a security measure.

[thethinkingrebel]

Originally Posted by alf hearted

Have any of you tried this one?

I have it on my Kindle, but when one has half a dozen study bibles, literal translations and of course the internet, s'not really worth the cost.

I just wanted an easy to read bible. *sniff*