Cheesy promo video for an otherwise decent Bible
I’ve been working through the New Testament in the new Common English Bible translation and while I can see that it is sometimes a bit over-interpretive and lacks enough footnotes to let the reader know when it’s playing a little loose with the passage, it’s actually a pretty good, readable translation. I wouldn’t have a huge problem recommending it as I would the NIV–with both one just needs to be mindful that the translators are seeking to be middle-of-the-road translations between the two poles of “word for word” and “thought for thought” translations, and when they have to choose, they opt for the latter. The translators are a who’s-who of excellent scholars, a number of whom are solidly evangelical.
Then I watched the promo video for it on the translation’s homepage and I have to say that not only is it somewhat misleading (the promo keeps asking “where can I find a Bible that speaks to me in plain language??”, seemingly unaware of the NLT, GNT, CEB or Message!), but it’s also incredibly cheesy. It’s shot as if the “interviews” are candid (moving camera, visible boom mic, etc.) but the people in it are acting…painfully…like in an after-school special!
Am I being too harsh? You decide:
Common English Bible from Common English Bible on Vimeo.
I’m going to keep reading the CEB and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they do with the OT (you can download a free PDF of Genesis, Matthe and Luke, as well as listen to audio clips of various NT passages on their site to get somewhat of an idea of how they handle the text), but for now by far my biggest criticism seems to be with their marketing. 🙂
JM
Categories: Biblical Scholarship, Blog, Book Reviews, New Testament, Random/Funny