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Posted By Aaron Marcelli on March 11, 2010

I received a copy of The Voice New Testament from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review.  I’m always open to new translations and was excited to get a copy of this devotional Bible.  The Voice is a compilation translation with many modern scholars coming together to provide the Bible text translation and than many major voices for Christianity contributing to the devotional and commentary writing that is inserted in boxes among the text.

As soon as the paper back NT arrived I reviewed the preface and introduction.  I think doing this was crucial as it tells the heart and story behind Chris Seay’s motivation for finally making this project happen.  Those who are critical of new Bible versions and look for traditional, exact translation should read those opening sections to understand what The Voice claims to be and what it does not claim to be.  These sections discuss how previous translators have “flattened out” the personalities of the 40 original Bible authors and how in not doing that they brought together a group of diverse scholars so some of the controversial passages would not be bent toward a single doctrinal view.

I then chose to read through the book of Romans.  I found this translation to be thought provoking and easy to read though, to me, it did not have the power or richness of my favorite Bible translation, The Message. If you are looking for a new take on things and are fans of Brian McLaren and Chris Seay (both contributing writers) I think The Voice would be worth checking out.

Category: Bible Study, Book Reviews
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