| |
Ian Barton
|
08/13/2010 09:22 |
Hi all - interesting comments. I listened to the passages from the Message with an open mind, and I have to admit that it works well (in parts). Some of the 'flowery' bits are a little over the top, but it was more effective than I expected, even for the readings from Romans. I'm not going to rush out and buy one, but I can see that it serves a purpose.
|
| |
Tom B
|
08/13/2010 09:53 |
For me, I often use the Message as my "reading Bible," but not for study. The language grips me as an effective modern transliteration. But I really love reading in different versions on a regular basis too.
|
| |
rustcp
|
08/13/2010 18:26 |
My two cents. I have dreaded The Message as well.
I was VERY surprised that I enjoyed and appreciated what it did with the very complex passages in Romans, however. I had a clarity about what was being read that I don't normally get in other versions. So.... perhaps there is a time and place for all versions. And then there is the Holy spirit sort of guiding you to the points that need your attention, too....
|
| |
Chris
|
08/13/2010 23:16 |
I feel the same way about the message. Whenever it comes around I go into my DAB archives and find the reading for the same day from a different translation.
To me, the reason I dislike it is because it comes across kinda cheesey. Trying to use certain words and phrases to sound cool but coming across more like an old person trying to use slang to sound like he's still "with it". That would still be okay, but I also don't think it conveys what the scriptures actually teach in alot of cases. If I listen to it I tell myself, "You are listening to a sermon of Eugene Peterson's take on this particular scripture."
|
| |
Kelley
|
08/16/2010 17:33 |
I see it as a man who has given years of his life to finish something God laid on his heart, and it has had a profound affect on many many people I have known. I know a brand new believer who came to Christ, turned himself in for some criminal activity he had been engaged in, and who spent his time in jail reading and then rereading the Message from cover to cover when he'd never been able to read the Bible before. His time in jail became something beautiful between him and God. I know many ways it has encountered people in their need. I don't think we all need to read it if it doesn't suit our tastes, but I DO think we need to honor what God has given another. What if you personally KNEW Eugene Peterson. Knew of the work he put in. The study and prayer. Knew of the faces he saw in his mind when he began his task. I don't know. I just think this thread is harsh and misses the hearts of a LOT of people.
|
| |
Leslie
|
08/16/2010 21:11 |
I love it too. I "get" that it isn't a study bible. I have the NASB that I study from along with other versions. My kids have memorized scripture from the KJ and I love that too. But the message has become a Bible in our house that is, like Kelley said, we relate to, see things in different ways. I have laughed out loud when God speaks through the Message to me and saying "right on!". I usually end up looking into my NASB too, but the message can really be refreshing. I am with Kelley,I would be sad too, if it wasn't in the line up. :(
|
| |
Ken Richards
|
08/17/2010 00:09 |
This thread has taken on a life of it's own. But if I was fortunate enough to know Mr.? or is it Dr.? Peterson, I'd still tell him honestly what I thought of his work. I'm sure as a published academic he's developed some thick skin over the years. Beating around the bush just to spare his feelings would be akin to lying to him I think.
|
| |
Kelley
|
08/17/2010 00:53 |
All anyone can do is what God gives them. Do you think Dr. Peterson should have told God no? Left his vision? spent his time in other ways? the lives he touched unwind as time moves backward to a way that suits you? DAB going out on cyber-space... should be all aimed at one kind of person? Not the new or the needy or the lost or those who have a hard time understanding? I don't think Dr. Peterson's work is aimed at you. But I'm glad he was faithful. And I'm glad we get to hear it, and be delighted by the unexpected turn of a phrase that brings something home in a new way. I just don't understand why Christian's have to eat each other. Why do we have to have thick skins to survive doing what God has asked us to do, even among our own? and especially if love is our one requirement? And I do it too. I am convicted right now of a way I have done this very thing and had this same attitude over something that didn't suit my tastes and I need to repent. :( Don't think I'm picking on you Ed. You say some really interesting stuff and I usually enjoy your posts. This one just makes me think.
|
| |
themaninthemoon
|
08/17/2010 16:27 |
Well... Bible translations are a very personal thing and everyone has a favorite which they love as well as those we don't like so much. We are told to love our neighbour, but not necessarily that we should LIKE them :-) ... I guess this should hold true also for bible translations (also read paraphrases). Personally, I am NOT a Message kind of a fellow. Whilst I don't like it, I do love the fact that it speaks to millions. As it happens, I am a NRSV kind of a chap. What is more?, an Anglicized NSV chap! (spot the CofE contingent) Maybe there is room on Brian's bookshelf for more translations than are currently heard???
Keep up the fabulous work Mr H!.
|
| |
Jenna in Austin
|
08/18/2010 22:32 |
Good post man in the moon! :o)
|
Print