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Bible Message Version

What is the best high-level (non-literal) translation of the Bible?

I.e non-literal, where modern idioms are used for easier understanding, sentences are constructed in modern English sentence style, i.e thought-by-thought translations.

I think that, without a doubt, the best translation is the New Jerusalem Bible.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNew-Jerusalem-Bible-Henry-Wansbrough%2Fdp%2F0385142641%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1197743029%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

However, for ease of reading, I recommend these

Fuller canon:
............CEV (Contemporary English Version) - complete version http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible-with-Deuterocanonicals-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F158516173X%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1196142796%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 , also available as an e-book on CD http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible%2Fdp%2F1585160059%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1187556881%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 . Second choice: NAB (New American Bible) - not as easy to read but still easy, translation accuracy may be slanted slightly by Roman Catholic bias. Includes over-zealous use of gender-inclusive language (and had to be revised by order of the Roman Catholic hierarchy for use during church service. This improved revision is *not* available to the public.)

Narrow canon:
............NIV (New International Version) - one of the easiest-to-read modern translations with higher marks for accuracy than most easy-to-read bibles

Although all "simplified" bibles *tend* to suffer from imprecision directly because of that simplification, many of those you mention suffer particularly from either a single translator or *over*-simplification. This site
http://www.bible-researcher.com/versions.html
has revealing evaluations in these matters.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

	The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language List Price: $18.99 Average Rating:
	Now more versatile than ever, The Message//REMIX 2.0 Bible comes loaded with additional features, including expanded intros, maps, topical index of student issues, and more. The Remix 2.0 measures 5 3/16 x 7 1/8 and is now even more versatile.

	NIV | The Message Parallel Study Bible, Personal Size: Updated Numbered Edition List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $34.96 Used From: $33.79 Average Rating:
	The NIV / The Message Parallel Study Bible combines three powerful study resources into one bound book. First, there's the complete text of the New International Version, the most read, most trusted translation of the Bible in the English language today...

	NIV | The Message Parallel Study Bible: Updated Numbered Edition List Price: $44.99 Sale Price: $29.66 Used From: $25.39 Average Rating:
	The NIV / The Message Parallel Study Bible combines three powerful study resources into one bound book. First, there's the complete text of the New International Version, the most read, most trusted translation of the Bible in the English language today...

	PC Study Bible Version 5 Professional Reference Library List Price: $899.95 Sale Price: $499.95
	The Professional Reference LibraryTM features the most trusted, Bible-based reference works for every aspect of Bible study. Each reference work communicates the central truth of God's Word in a biblically accurate way while also achieving the highest standards of scholarship...

	Concise PDA Bible Study Collection 2 with NIV, KJV, The Message, devotionals, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Bible dictionaries, Bible Atlas, and more (for Palm OS and Pocket PC) Sale Price: $39.95 Average Rating:
	With this useful Bible study package, you can explore the Bible in three translations, ranging from classical and contemporary standards to a modern language paraphrase. Included also are two rich devotionals, an insightful commentary, two Bible dictionaries, cross references, and maps...

Ignatius Bible - New Testament on CD $58.95 Read by Mark Taheny Revised Standard Version"Regarded by many Bible scholars as the most beautiful, accurate and clearest modern translation of the Bible in English.

Catholic Study Bible $9.95 The 12th volume in this very popular study Bible series based on the Ignatius Bible, the Revised Standard Version edition. Each volume in the series contains numerous Bible study helps and tools that include insights from the Church Fathers, topical essays, word studies and charts, maps, study questions and a cross-reference section.'

You Can Understand the Bible $16.95 Many people are often understandably intimidated or overwhelmed by the sheer size and complexity of the Bible. But now popular author and Boston University professor Peter Kreeft has written a clear road map of the Bible, focusing his keen insight and engaging wit on the core message of each book. It won't take long for you to understand why his guide to scripture has become a best-seller! Sparkling with intelligence and Kreeft's trademark humor, You Can Understand the Bible will transform dry study into spiritually satisfying adventures in God's Word. Regardless of how you approached- or didn't approach- the Bible before, you'll come away with a new appreciation of its depth and meaning. ' Kreeft also provides practical guidance for praying the scriptures every day, allowing the reader to delve into the messages of scripture in a manner that will surprise, delight, and reward.

A Child's Treasury of Bible Stories $16.95 ' Introducing a new, full color edition of a children's Bible that contains many of the Holy Bible's most important stories. Beautiful, vivid illustrations by award-winning artist Andro Van Gool on high quality enamel paper capture the attention of young readers. The clear, easy-to-read text provides a concise version of each story. Together, these features make A Child's Treasury of Bible Stories a fabulous first Bible stories book, perfect for children ages 6-12.' A Child's Treasury of Bible Stories includes 42 Bible episodes from the Old and New Testaments"from the Creation of the world to the Ascension of Jesus. This delightful collection of stories demonstrates the relationship between God and His people throughout time. In addition, each page gives life to the customs, style of dress, and way of life during Biblical times. Here is the perfect book to help parents teach religious truths and values to their children. Special Highlights: ''"A vibrant full color edition of the most important Bible stories for young readers' '"42 best-loved Biblical espisodes from the Old and New Testaments '"Actual Biblical references appear in each chapter '"Beautifully designed with color illustrations on every page '"An excellent introduction to the Bible and to the teachings of Jesus '

Catholic Family Bible - Ivory $79.95 Revised Standard Version The Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition (the Ignatius Bible ), the text used in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is now available for the first time as a deluxe Family Bible. This beautiful translation known for its accuracy, readability, and fidelity to tradition, is now printed in large, easy-to-read type, with over 180 full-color illustrations, and many special features including a 16 page Family record on laminated paper; Old Master illustrations of Old Testament heroes and prophets; a ???pilgrimage in pictures??? to important Shrines and the Holy Land; Full color sections with art and meditations on the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross; 48 inspiring pages on the Life of Christ as painted by the Old Masters; Study aids"including a 256 page Biblical Dictionary and Concordance; Deluxe side-sewn binding and beautifully gold-gilded page edges, and much, much more! This extra-large size, glorious Bible with a cushioned, gold-stamped cover will last for generations! Now with the RSV-CE text and this superb quality you'll have a Bible that is sure to speak for generations"clearly and elegantly.

	NIV/The Message Parallel Bible (New International Version) List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $29.72 Used From: $13.70 Average Rating:
	The NIV--today's most read, most trusted translation- paired with today's most popular paraphrase, The Message.

	New Age Bible Versions: An Exhaustive Documentation of the Message, Men & Manuscripts Moving Mankind to the Antichrist's One World Religion List Price: $16.95 Sale Price: $12.94 Used From: $4.68 Average Rating:
	Author reveals research behind the new Bible translations. Expose of editors, manuscripts and more.