NIV/The Message Parallel Bible

had a lot of ink writing and highlighting in this Bible

I am absolutely loving this bible. It gives me the opportunity to use a translation that I grew up on (NIV), and a translation that makes me feel like I am sitting next to Jesus on a streetcorner talking things over with him (the message). This is a great bibile for just about anyone who is interested in God's word. It's like getting two bibles for the price (and a low price at that) of one. The only downside I see is that it doesn't have any study footnotes.

For the bad reviewers here - the purpose of the Message is to get people reading the Bible who normally would not. It is not intended to be a stand alone Bible, or a Bible for intense study - although The Message is a great companion translation to study with. I find that it makes me think about a passage in more depth instead of assuming I already know what it means. Also, for the reviewer who believes we should learn English better and use the KJV and RSV - who's English? That of King James in the 17th century or the English we actually speak today? If you want to seriously study the Bible you should learn Greek and Hebrew - the languages that the Bible was originally written in. That's what Eugene Peterson did, and anyone who takes issue with his translation should not simply compare The Message to other English translations, but compare the message with the Greek and Hebrew Bible. The Message is getting people into the Bible more than before - and that is good.

This is truly the best of both worlds!! If you want to get serious about your bible study-yet not spend all of your time trying to "decode" the interpretations of the language used in Biblical times--this is the way to do it! By having "The Message" interpretation alongside the NIV readings, it really helps you to understand immediately what the scripture is referring to. We are using this now in our,(Southern Baptist), Bible study class - with our Preacher's blessings- and everyone loves it!