The Message Remix (Bible in Contemporary Language)

The message can be very enjoyable as it puts the Scriptures into comtemporary spoken language. Sometimes it speaks the Word of God in a way that is much easier to understand. Sometimes it departs from the original intention.
I would recommend to never consider it a Study Bible. Read it second as a way to look for clarification.
A good thought for thought translation which is easy to understand and more faithful to the original language is the New Century Version.

I believe that the Bible can be very intimidating for a young person and that plain language Bibles are a great way to get acquainted with it. If you tend towards literalism then don't bother.

The Message puts a todays spin on the Bible. The Message is a good verion for Teenagers and those young at heart.

Wonderful interpretation of scriptures. Brought new insights to things I had read many times before. So glad to have it. The everyday language is great. Would suggest it for adults & kids.The Message Remix (Bible in Contemporary Language)

I never could really pick up the Bible (King James version) and read it without becoming very confused and bored. I picked up this book several months ago and could not put it down. I could easily understand what was being said and what was going on and I kept wanting to read more. It affected me in a way that any other version just couldn't cut it. It's great for teens and the younger generation who just can't wrap themselves around the scriptures the way they are written in other versions.

What's also good is that when you are actually being able to read through the Bible smoothly and without trying to sit and understand what exactly this or that sentence means, you want to pick up that KJV or NIV version and compare it to what this one says.

People are concerned that "The Message" takes away from the Bible's originality. Well, I disagree. The Bible has been written and re-written many, many times. It has been translated many times. There is nothing wrong with reading it in a "contemporary language" versus any other version that is out there. People should feel NO shame in reading the Bible in a way that they are comfortable with, in a way that speaks to them personally. People have different opinions and people understand things differently. Not everyone can say that they believe everything in the same way, 100%. I think that the older generations are so used to the way that they grew up with Christianity that it is just shameful if the younger generation does it any differently.

"The Message" helped me with my faith and really grasping Christianity and understanding what all of it means. If it wasn't for this book I would have never picked up the Bible, I would have stayed uninterested in learning anything about Christianity. I am sure that others can say the same thing. I highly recommend it! :)