The MESSAGE//REMIX is a contemporary translation of the Bible. It is meant to be an easily understood format. There are verse-numbered paragraphs to help study and think about the text.

This translation of the Bible is clearly a paraphrase, but as such, it is quite satisfying. I've looked up a few favorite verses to see how Eugene Peterson handles them, and this is what I found.

Hebrews 11:1. Peterson adds a lot of words ot Now faith is the substance of things hope for.... His translation is: "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see." I think he captured the essence of the Greek and realized that this verse, which is a kind of mediation piece, cannot be rendered succinctly. But he stays on tract, particularly with the words, firm foundation under.

Matthews5:2-9 (Beatitudes). Peterson starts them off with "You're blessed when", not the solemnity of "Blessed are" (maybe overly solemn in English), but stays away from the falsity of "Happy are". The translations here ar quirky, and you can take of leave them, and perhaps you shold go back to a standard text to see the words that roll around in most people's minds, but I still Peterson is worth a read here.

Psalm 95 (Venite). This a joyous reading version, I am not sure this is really singable. I grew up with the sung Venite, so I am in a mixed response here, rejoicing inwardly with some of his wording, but I am not sure I want to put them out with melody and meter.

John 1:1- Peterson's words are a little more out there, but he does capture uch of the parallel structure of the gospel writer, so he retains the message and the eeling that goes with the message.

Philippians 2. Peterson doesn't ty to catch the rhythm of the original, but t is still worth the reading of it.

I Thessalonians. I think Peterson captures the flow of Paul's pity summary of how Christians qhould act quite well. ( )

I don't like this version. I suppose I'm willing to go along with the idea that it's good for young people who haven't been exposed to much reading and who otherwise wouldn't try reading the Bible. The other side of that argument is all about low expectations. There's absolutely no reason why young people can't read and understand the New RSV, for example. It just strikes me as a further "dumbing down" and goes along with everything else that's going on in the churches today. I'm thinking particularly of the music and all the silent organs that might as well be dismantled for scrap.

I bought this book so that I would know for myself what the book is like. Now I know. I give it half a star only because I can't give it negative stars. ( )

I've been using this version of the Bible as a teaching aid with some teenagers this year. Its been wonderful. Its really helped to open them up to the idea of reading the bible and its helped for me to see the text in a new light. I highly recommend this book, especially when used in conjunction with a more traditional translation. ( )

I love the Message translation. It's such a wonderful, passionate interpretation of the Bible, and speaks to you in a way that makes its timeless words relevant NOW. Whenever I read it, it makes me want to go out and DO something about my faith! ( )