THE MESSAGE The New Testament

It seems odd to list an author for a translation of the Bible, but it's appropriate here. In addition to translating the Bible, Eugene Peterson includes an extensive explanation of how this translation differs from previous ones. He provides overviews of the individual books of the New Testament, which place them in historical context. At times, Peterson goes too far, including jarring anachronisms, but, for the most part, the translation is interesting and refreshing. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the narration. Both readers have clear voices but present far too narrow an emotional range and often strike inappropriate tones, sounding, for example, angry or petulant when the verse is about love. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]