The Voice is a project by the Ecclesia Bible Society, directed by Chris Seay, to assist readers “rediscover the story of the Bible.” The uniqueness of this translation is the pairing of biblical scholars for translation with artists, writers, and musicians for commentary. It uses everyday language in a very natural manner, and specifically places conversation in screenwriting style, making the reading flow much better than being chopped up verse by verse as traditional translations.The introductions to the books give the reader an excellent overview of the known or historically-assumed author, as well as the context and audience for which the author was writing.

This is the best Bible I have ever used, and I am very much looking forward to reading the Old Testament translations and commentary, especially the Psalms. I appreciated that the commentary was reachable and related, and the fact many of the authors are not scholars enhances this. The gospels read smoothly and I felt I could read the Bible as a novel, sometimes not wanting to put it down, rather than as a source of instantaneous inspiration. I think this is exactly what the original writings wanted, and therefore it seems the Ecclesia Society is successful in its mission.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”