Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Book Review: The Voice


Book Description

The Voice™ is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of more than 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists, The Voice recaptures the passion, grit, humor, and beauty that is often lost in the translation process. The result is a retelling of the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works, yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts.
Features include:
*
Italicized information added to help contemporary readers understand what the original readers would have known intuitively
* In-text commentary notes include cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts *
Screenplay format, ideal for public readings and group studies *
Book introductions
Part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles

Book Review


I'm just going to be honest.  I don't see The Voice taking over my NIV or ESV as the Bible I'm taking to church with me on Sunday morning.  I do, however, see myself using this a great deal when doing "Reading the Bible in 90 Days" or even when I'm doing a Beth Moore study.  I see this more as a resource than an everyday bible.  I do like the easy level of reading that is used and even the commentary that is scattered throughout.  I would be likely to give this bible to someone who I know has a hard time reading the bible or even to the bible reader who I know likes to read different versions.  I think some people will get hung up on differences, such as them not using Jesus Christ but Jesus the Appointed One.  After reading some other reviews I do have some concerns such as...
2 Timothy 3:16:
(NIV)  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
(ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
(The Voice) All of scripture is God-breathed: in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction and training for a life that is right,
I don't like how they seem to have added to this scripture.  Is the same idea evoked?  
I also do not recommend the digital version of this book.  I had a horrible time navigating through.  There is not enough bookmarks to allow looking up scripture easily!  
Overall I give this a 3 out of 5 rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”