The Message Outreach Edition, Large Print (Softcover): The Bible in Contemporary Language

Modern language version of Christian Bible which is understandable for modern readers.

I give out a lot of these to church members and friends and am grateful for the reasonable price. Eugene Peterson has given the world such a gift with this paraphrase.Update: I ordered 15 more and Amazon's practice of using standardized boxes proved to be a disaster. The books came in a box about 2X the size needed with just a few strips of paper on top. As these are large paperback books, the inevitable happened. They were swung all around in the box and every single Bible has a bent cover (some very significantly),torn pages, etc. I am not returning them because I plan to give them out to anyone who is interested very soon and I only paid a very low cost per book. But, really, Amazon did a TERRIBLE job packing these for an order that totaled over $100. Be forewarned if you are ordering more than just a few.

I like this translation, BUT I read it with the NIV at hand to check the traditional phrasing. It's refreshing enough to get my attention and lets me see what the Biblical writers probably had in mind; most of us have become immune to the actual Meaning of the Bible that we just gloss over much of it and think, "I know that." without actually thinking WHAT it truly means! Some of the language is a bit jarring, but makes the point that the Biblical writer probably intended! I also like the low price; it makes it attractive to a buyer who is curious but doesn't want to invest in the usual more expensive quality of regular 'paper-back' books--which means it's more available to a potential buyer. The type is taunted as 'large'; it seems to me to be a typical, comfortable size; very readable. NOW, if this were just available in a chronological version..!

This bible is so easy to read and I love to cross reference it with other text versions. The bible is a fantastic price, so you really can't beat that and it is large so it's more comfortable on my eyes. I truly apprecaite the feel of the book, as it is sturdy and it is not withering as I am opening and closing it. I have already sent the link to several people so they could purchase it for themselves as I am truly impressed! Get you a good bible and you won't be disappointed in buying this version!

Easy read

The Message is a fantastic translation of the Bible in contemporary English. I had been using a copy I owned of the New Testament, but in reading the Bible through the year, I wanted both Old and New Testaments, so I decided to order the full Bible from Amazon. Eugene Peterson has translated the entire Bible with words and images and idioms that fit for our time. Sometimes a new translation helps to open me to new ideas. I appreciate The Message so much, I will be using it for next year too in my plans to read the Bible in a year. Anyone need a slightly used copy of the New Testament?

The Bible itself is good but the packaging is not. It came with some bends and it's not that large print, but it's a huge Bible. I like it.By the way, it is duly noted that this is more of an interpretation. It is not a translation to be read alone. It's mainly about ideas.I like it! I think it will get me to read the Bible more. Cool stuff.

Love this Message bible.Great for beginners.