Buying Inspired By . . . The Bible Experienceâ„¢: The Complete Bible: A Dramatic Audio Bible Performed by 400 of Today's Biggest Stars

I hesistated on this purchase for probably a year before I decided to purchase the whole set. A multi-voice drammatic reading of the entire Bible is a large and complex project, so they are not free. I already had three recordings of the New Testament, fully drammatized to single voice. And I had one for the Hebrew Bible. Did I really need another? I purchased Genesis through Deuteronomy as single books as I taught through the Pentatech this autumn. It was good enough to convice me to take the plunge. Here's what I got for my money.

Overall, this is an excellent recording. The technical quality is high, recordings are clear, the direct-to-your-mp3-player file format is much more convenient than the cassette tapes and audio CDs I've had in the past (no ripping required!). The TNIV translation is fresh and clear, yet dignified and accurate. It should be: it boasts impressive scholarship behind its rendering of the biblical texts (e.g. Gordon D. Fee for the New Testament).

The one small criticism I might make is that oral interpretation is somewhat uneven. Most of it ranges from good to, well, the word "magisterial" comes to mind. Yes, some of it really is that good. Occasionally, however, a voice seems to leave a drammatic moment flat. Yet for the price--and Amazon's price couldn't be beat--these recordings are probably the deal of the decade. It certainly is one of the best drammatic renderings of the Bible I've ever heard. For many books, it IS the best drammatic reading I've ever heard.

In summary, I need not have hesitated. Buying this set was a very good decision. For those who've never LISTENED to the Bible before, be ready to have your ears opened! From ancient times, this is the way it was intended to be encountered: orally and with flair. I haven't listened to any other Bible recording since this one arrived. Very enjoyable, highly recommended. Get more detail about Inspired By . . . The Bible Experienceâ„¢: The Complete Bible: A Dramatic Audio Bible Performed by 400 of Today's Biggest Stars.