The Voice: New Testament

I've been a fan of The Voice series since they started to produce collaborations on individual books of the Bible, so needless to say I jumped at the chance to review their latest release, the entire New Testament. Contributing writers include Chris Seay, Lauren Winner, Brian McLaren, Greg Garrett, David B. Capes, and others.

Four key characteristics describe The Voice project:

1. Holistic: Considers heart, soul and mind
2. Beautiful: Achieves literary and artistic excellence
3. Sensitive: Respects cultural shifts and the need for accuracy
4. Balanced: Includes theologically diverse scholars and writers

No, this isn't your Grandma's King James Version, and that fact alone is bound to alarm some folks. But this collaboration between Thomas Nelson and the Ecclesia Bible Society has managed to produce "a fresh expression of the timeless narrative known as the Bible", and I love it. An impressive list of scholars are utilized to ensure the accuracy of the translation, but it is the addition of writers, musicians and other artists to the team that really sets The Voice apart and renders it a truly unique rendering of Scripture. The Voice uses a clear format to indicate translation and elaboration, and a screenplay structure makes the experience of reading dialogue very real and exciting. While this will not replace the need for other translations of Scripture, The Voice is a fantastic tool to further your appreciation of and experience in studying and living our God's Story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a freebie from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. As part of that program I commit to a review, positive, negative or indifferent. This one is decidedly positive!