The Message Catholic/Ecumenical Edition (Softcover, Green): The Bible in Contemporary Language

Love it.

Depending on the person you ask, some will either say they love The Message while others will say it isn't worth the paper it is printed on. I, for one, am one of those who really enjoys it. The main reason is that it is so different compared to the standard formal equivalence translations available, like the NAB, RSV, or NRSV. While there are certainly differences between the main formal equivalence Catholic translations, they ultimately tend to have a similar feel and often translate passages in a similar way. This is no way the case with The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition. That is what makes this bible so uniqe and a helpful tool for reading the bible dynamically with fresh eyes, as well as making it a good translation to introduce your friends and family members who have perhaps shied away from reading the bible in the past. William Griffin translated the Deuterocanonical portions straight from the Nova Vulgata, which might makes it one of the only English translations from that Latin text. Of course, Eugene Peterson's translation is what is found, unchanged, for the remainder of the books. Each book comes with an introduction, with the Deutrocanonical ones done by Griffin.In regards to the product itself, as with almost all editions of The Message that I have seen in the past, this text is arranged in a single-column format. For a more idiomatic Bible like this, it really has to be. Each page is very readable and the verse numbering, arranged by paragraph, are placed on the margins of the text. The text looks and feels like The Message, which is a good thing. Each biblical book is preceded by a short introduction, including the Deuterocanonical books. The Deuterocanonical books are placed in their proper Catholic order, as oppose to having them all bundled together between the Old and New Testaments. This volume also begins with new introductions from the translators Eugene Peterson and William Griffin. Peterson concludes his introduction by saying: "I am immensely grateful to my Catholic friends and colleagues for their encouragement to 'complete' The Message. I hope that it will lead to increased ecumenical use and dialogue."In regards to size of the book, itself, it isn't meant to be portable. The size of the book comes in at 9.1 x 6.1 x 2.3 inches. So, it is a bit bulky, but not in the same way as found in the rather large New Jerusalem Bible standard edition. In the future, I would really like to see this Bible available in a more portable edition, much like the Remix editions which are currently available in the Protestant canon and are very popular.I am truly excited that this edition is now available for Catholics. The people at ACTA have maintained throughout that this is not meant to replace your favorite Catholic translation, but rather to be an aid to understanding and discovery. I think it succeeds in this quite well. The content and format of this edition is conducive to reading the Bible in large chunks. The Message remains popular in Protestant circles, and I know of a number of Catholics who take great comfort in reading from it. So, I am glad that there is finally a complete Catholic edition available for them and for all who are interested in seeing a rendering of the Bible in a fresh, unique way. As of now, you can purchase The Message in hard or soft cover editions, as well as in an E-book edition for your Kindle or Nook. Also, ACTA has keyed The Message into their handy This Transforming Word resource which provides a commentary on the readings for Sundays and Feast Days written by Alice Camille. Editions for all three liturgical years are currently available for purchase."A final comparison. One can drink wine as it is and swallow hard or one can drink it mixed with water and enjoy it; hence, a book is good when it's written, but better when it's read. And so it is with mine." -2 Maccabees 15:39 (The Message)

I am an Episcopalian and a priest in said church. Being notorious fence sitters from Reformation times to the present, we decided to invent our own middle way with regards to those books called "Apocrypha" by Protestants and "Deuterocanonical" by Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox and yes, we Episcopalians/Anglicans who actually use them. We do not use them establish any point of doctrine or deal with any theological controversy but we do read them for instruction in faith and morals. Readings from the Deuterocanonical books occur in our Eucharistic Lectionary, in our Daily Office Lectionary and as options in both our Marriage and Burial services. For that reason, I prefer a Bible that has these books available. This edition of The Message fills the bill exactly.Some consider The Message too periphrastic in style for use in readings for public worship. However, I enjoy its vigorous presentation of scripture in contemporary language for personal reading and meditation. I also find it useful for reading scripture with my youth group kids. If the person reading this review is from any of the traditions that make regular use of the Deuterocanonical books, and you desire a vigorous modern version for personal devotional reading, or for use with folks for whom the Bible is unfamiliar territory, then I highly commend this edition. What about those Protestants who don't put much stock in the "Apocrypha?" This is a wonderful version in which to be introduced to those books for the first time. There is much history here and much wisdom to be gained. I would commend this version to any who are curious about the historical and theological background to the life of Jesus and his apostles. These books represent some of the theological ferment going on amongst Jews in the years leading up to the birth of Jesus.

The book was in excellent condition - better than one would think from the description. Thank you.

This Very modern street smartversion helps me... a 66 yr old person...feel more zeal for Everything Father Son and Holy Spirit..and increases my understanding of the text...the only criticism would be that some words used are not an accurate interpretation of the what the author meant I believe

Please purchase and go through the DOUAY-RHEIMS version of the Bible (with Bishop Challoner's revisions and notes) before you read this one. This edition makes the same mistake as many modern Catholic versions, and tries to present the Book of Judith for instance as "fiction" or strictly allegorical, whereas the Douay-Rheims version offers us a way to interpret all of Scripture in a HISTORICAL manner as well.This is definitely one of the superior modern translations, without a doubt, and I would recommend it to all Catholics and Christians, PROVIDED they read the Douay-Rheims edition first. :)

I am enjoying reading this bible. I am also comparing it with my regular bible. I would have given it five stars except for the fact that the print, while large enough, is VERY LIGHT GRAY. I am 76 and my eyes respond much better to dark printing. Also, it is a very large book, it is a bit over 2" thick, 6x9" overall. I purchased the paper edition - and the one good thing about that, it opens very wide. As I said, it just may be my eyes, but I found the print dim. Another neat thing is that when the Scripture tells a story (i.e. John in the Desert), following will be the Old Testament prophecy. That is really a great addition to this edition - you don't have to 'look it up'. Yes, I do recommend this book. The author is also well qualified. It is a great prayer resource.

This is now my main bible! I love it! Contains dutercanonical books. If you're after an easy to read bible this is the one.

Not a faithful rendering of the inspired Word of God. If you are a faithful Catholic I would not recommend purchasing this. The author shies away from faithfully translating passages which would offend some modern readers and instead reinterprets them to make them more palatable.

Well writen i.know you can read more litrall vertions but this vertion suffivices for me

Excellent, book. Fine translation, perfect for today's people. Very well bound. Very useful to work with youngsters in every place.

Love it...thanks