The Message Bible: Helpful or Heretical?

I’ve been told that The Message translation is pure heresy and the polar opposite to the NKJV is bible. (which is apparent the one that Jesus read) Maybe that is what makes it so intriguing to me. I visited Half Price Books yesterday. I made my way into the Religion section and began to search for The Message bible as inconspicuously as possible. I dared not let any of my friends discover me holding one. It would something akin to having the police find me in a bank vault wearing a black ski mask holding bags of money marked with dollar signs. When I picked it up I almost expected it to start to glow red and burn my hand. But to my surprise, it didn’t. After I paid for it I tucked the supposed book of damnation underneath my arm and gingerly made my way out to my car only after scoping out the parking lot for any possible fundamentalist christians. When the coast was clear I darted to my volkswagen. As I was driving home I glanced down at the book lying in my seat. When I came to a red light I picked it up. It was one of those books that just feels good to hold. That matters a lot to me. I’ve picked up books that looked interesting and put them back because they felt uncomfortable. Similarly I’ve purchased books that I didn’t have much interest in until I picked them up. (I can’t resist really flexible books with matte finishes) I have yet to see whether or not the message will defile my soul. Updates to come….