I had been practically forced to read the Bible when I was younger, probably at about age 10 or 11. I read the New King James Version and hardly understood a word of it. This drew me away from the Christian faith very quickly. I could not understand scripture, thus leaving me to look for an easier way out. That easier way out turned out to be science, materialism and later atheism. I became very adamant and stubborn, believing that the Bible was for ‘old people’ that just were not caught up with the times yet.

This past year I began dating a girl that was a Christian. While having frequent philosophical discussions, she convinced me to try going to Church with her. This eventually led me to reading the Bible. I read the New Living Translation and was fairly satisfied. It was more understandable and did not have old English words throughout it. From that time I have continued to read scripture and indulge in other Christian readings.

However, I still wanted something new. I still wanted to understand the Bible more and I did not want it to take me 5 minutes to read 1 page. Usually I would read a line and look to an interpretation or re-read the line to try to better understand it. This was a struggle because I would quickly become disinterested in what I was reading. It was not because I did not want to learn, but instead it was because the hardship of reading was overwhelming.

The Message completely solved this problem for me. Eugene H. Peterson has written a contemporary translation of the Bible. He does not change the meaning of the bible. The word “Message” in my opinion, was intended by Peterson to say that this Bible is a new, modern form of communicating God’s word to us, without requiring or relying on a teacher, dictionary, or explanation.

In other words, The Message makes it easier for you to read and comprehend, but does not alter or damage the original meaning drastically. If you read the verses of this Bible side-by-side with NKJV, KJV, NLT or NIV, the way that you understand it is still the same. However the time it takes you to understand what you are reading is drastically different.

I have even read verses to my non-Christian friends and some have been amazed. Their doubts in Christianity, I believe, have come from their difficulties while reading the Bible. One of my friends even purchased The Message shortly after we talked about it.

Many people are afraid and intimidated by the Bible. After reading The Message, you will be astonished at how much more you will learn and remember.

The meaning is not distorted, yet The Message is considerably easier to read. I would recommend The Message mostly to those that are new to the faith, struggling with their faith, having difficulties understanding the Bible, or those who just want to read a different version.

Here is an example of the difference:

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31 KJV

"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired,  they walk and don't lag behind."- Isaiah 40:31 The Message

Recommended: Yes