Thread: The Message Bible

Originally Posted by Quest

I am not surprised...when The Message first cam out I researched questionable 'interpretations' and there were several I viewed as deal breakers and rarely, if ever use it to cross reference...

I actually like the translation in a lot of places. I would never use it for study obviously, but it is good to quote where what he says agrees with what I believe and he puts it in a way that really amplifies what is being said in modern English.

As one example, I have always loved Psalm 63 and have probably prayed/confessed/worshipped through it hundreds of times over the years. This is the KJV for verse 5:

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

And The Message Bible says:

I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises!

I just love that 'interpretation' of that verse. It really gets down to the spirit of what is being said in a contemporary way in my opinion. Anyway, different strokes for different folks. :)

Originally Posted by GodismyJudge

Saw this today...

Should We Use Eugene Peterson’s The Message?

I recognize The Message for what it is, with all its strengths and weaknesses. This week's controversy has not changed that.

By Michael Brown Published on July 14, 2017
https://stream.org/use-eugene-petersons-message/

In the aftermath of Eugene Peterson’s controversial remarks about homosexuality, followed by his retraction, many have asked me if they should still use The Message. My answer remains the same today as it has always been: The Message is not a translation and should not be used as your primary Bible. However, as a very free paraphrase, it is sometimes powerful and brilliant while at other times it is seriously off target....





...But, to repeat: It should never be used as your primary Bible, since it is not a translation of the Bible but rather a free paraphrase of the Bible. And whenever I see people carrying The Message into church services, I groan, since I assume that, for those people, it is their Bible.

Use it, then, in a supplemental way and, where it really nails things or clarifies things, learn from it. But use it with caution: It is, by design, a very free paraphrase.

In sum, my view today of The Message is the same as it has been for years, unchanged by the controversial events of this week. I appreciate the years of effort that were put into it, and I recognize it for what it is, with all its great strengths and great weaknesses.

For a fair assessment of Dr. Peterson’s comments and retraction this week, see Bill Muehlenberg’s article here.(URL link)

I hadn't read that by Dr. Brown, but exactly what I was saying about it.

Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
"Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Compare fuego's approved version:


The Message:


"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!

Nikos.

Fuego didn't approve of the Message as a Bible translation.

I actually like the translation......he puts it in a way that really amplifies what is being said in modern English.

What!!

Originally Posted by Nikos

What!!

You snipped parts of the quote to produce that. That's trolling.

Originally Posted by Nikos

I have problems with this approach with those liberals who meddle and tweak the Holy Word of God! To encourage quoting it and picking out that which agrees with their theology is misleading.

Balogny! The Message is the product of a liberal minded scholar.

There are a lot of demonic rappers who say good things but I want no part of it. We have some good translations out there, why not support them.?

I see how you manipulated what I said by what you highlighted. What you didn't highlight clarifies your dishonest evaluation of my post.

Originally Posted by fuego

I actually like the translation in a lot of places. I would never use it for study obviously, but it is good to quote where what he says agrees with what I believe and he puts it in a way that really amplifies what is being said in modern English.