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The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation
Seeking to be faithful to the original languages, Priests for Equality have sought new and non-sexist ways to express the same ancient truths. The Inclusive Bible is a fresh, dynamic translation into modern English, carefully crafted to let the power and poetry of the language shine forth.
799 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 12, 2016
Every Christian leader should have access to a copy of this. This resource is invaluable in worship planning.
January 28, 2025
This was one of the two Bible translations that I read through recently in order to engage with translations or paraphrases that are out of the mainstream and little bit more curated for a specific audience. In particular what prompted me to read this translation is that it is quickly becoming the translation of choice for my denomination as they seek to find a Bible translation that reflect their own theology and political persuasions. Seeing this trend start I wanted to make myself familiar with the source material and the translation team.
This translation was made by the Quixote Center a left-wing Catholic group that has been around since the 70's. How left wing? Well they supported the sandanistas and one of the main founders of the Center as well as one of the translators of this Bible was a Catholic priest who pushed for the ordination of women, recognition of gay Catholics, and big support for left-wing social issues which led to him being defrocked and expelled from the Jesuit Order, which is really quite a feat if you know how progressive Jesuits are. This background colors the translation really heavily and it was a stated goal in the introduction not to reproduce the text of the Bible faithfully, but rather to create a Bible version that was welcoming to the most amount of people.
Now one would have to be a fool if they believed that translations of any work, let alone the Bible, could be free of bias. The ESV is called the "Elect Standard Version" for a reason. However, I think there is a serious difference between translating a text with primary focus on accuracy of communicating the ideas of the text, rather than changing words. For example, the Inclusive Bible goes out of its way to avoid translating the phrase "Kingdom of God." If you have been to a mainline seminary, like I have, you know why this is. It connotes imperial and colonial power, which simply would not do for how God would describe himself. So, in order to avoid the reader misinterpreting what God wants they translate it as "reign of God" or something similar to that. Now you may not think that is a big deal, you may even agree that the language is better about communicating what you think about God. But I think a faithful Bible translation, and indeed a translation of any text, should care less about what the readers want to hear, and instead what the text is actually saying. This would be forgivable if it included footnotes that told the reader what the text actually says, much like many translations these days opt for "brothers and sisters," in Paul's letters but then have a footnote that says something like, "Greek: brothers." I think it's a more genuine way of being faithful to the text while also allowing the translators to help the reader interpret the fuller meaning.
If this was a "paraphrase" translation then I think it would be slightly more forgivable, though I still would take issue with the insertion of foreign theological ideas in to the text. However, because this is passing itself off as a translation of the text and it intentionally obfuscates parts of the Bible, whether for nefarious or good reasons, in order to line up with the political views of the translators I can't recommend this as a serious translation and anything quoted from it should be taken with a big grain of salt.
This translation was made by the Quixote Center a left-wing Catholic group that has been around since the 70's. How left wing? Well they supported the sandanistas and one of the main founders of the Center as well as one of the translators of this Bible was a Catholic priest who pushed for the ordination of women, recognition of gay Catholics, and big support for left-wing social issues which led to him being defrocked and expelled from the Jesuit Order, which is really quite a feat if you know how progressive Jesuits are. This background colors the translation really heavily and it was a stated goal in the introduction not to reproduce the text of the Bible faithfully, but rather to create a Bible version that was welcoming to the most amount of people.
Now one would have to be a fool if they believed that translations of any work, let alone the Bible, could be free of bias. The ESV is called the "Elect Standard Version" for a reason. However, I think there is a serious difference between translating a text with primary focus on accuracy of communicating the ideas of the text, rather than changing words. For example, the Inclusive Bible goes out of its way to avoid translating the phrase "Kingdom of God." If you have been to a mainline seminary, like I have, you know why this is. It connotes imperial and colonial power, which simply would not do for how God would describe himself. So, in order to avoid the reader misinterpreting what God wants they translate it as "reign of God" or something similar to that. Now you may not think that is a big deal, you may even agree that the language is better about communicating what you think about God. But I think a faithful Bible translation, and indeed a translation of any text, should care less about what the readers want to hear, and instead what the text is actually saying. This would be forgivable if it included footnotes that told the reader what the text actually says, much like many translations these days opt for "brothers and sisters," in Paul's letters but then have a footnote that says something like, "Greek: brothers." I think it's a more genuine way of being faithful to the text while also allowing the translators to help the reader interpret the fuller meaning.
If this was a "paraphrase" translation then I think it would be slightly more forgivable, though I still would take issue with the insertion of foreign theological ideas in to the text. However, because this is passing itself off as a translation of the text and it intentionally obfuscates parts of the Bible, whether for nefarious or good reasons, in order to line up with the political views of the translators I can't recommend this as a serious translation and anything quoted from it should be taken with a big grain of salt.
September 24, 2013
I have several translations and paraphrases of the Bible, but I have never before found one that was dedicated to inclusive language like this.
I took it off of the "currently-reading" shelf, you NEVER finish reading the Bible.
I took it off of the "currently-reading" shelf, you NEVER finish reading the Bible.
July 30, 2020
[Edited 07/30/2020 for typos - KAJ]
Overall, I love this translation. It's easy to read and understand, true to the meaning of the scriptures (as compared to other translations to which I compared several passages), and true to PFE's goal.
I found quite a few typos that additional editing might have caught, but that was a minor annoyance. The Old Testament use of the tetragrammaton certainly takes care of the problematic "Lord," but when reading aloud, I'm not quite sure what to say. "Yahweh" is the most common pronunciation, but I've heard that isn't necessarily correct. I choose to use "the One who is" which corresponds well with the divine name as revealed to Moses, "I am who am."
The only thing that really bothers me is the use of the word "kindom of God" as a non-sexist alternative to "kingdom of God." "Kingdom" (in the relational/familial sense) implies a sovereign, someone "in charge"; "kindom" evokes in my mind something more like a commune. Perhaps "family of God" is a more accurate--and less contrived--alternative.
Overall, I love this translation. It's easy to read and understand, true to the meaning of the scriptures (as compared to other translations to which I compared several passages), and true to PFE's goal.
I found quite a few typos that additional editing might have caught, but that was a minor annoyance. The Old Testament use of the tetragrammaton certainly takes care of the problematic "Lord," but when reading aloud, I'm not quite sure what to say. "Yahweh" is the most common pronunciation, but I've heard that isn't necessarily correct. I choose to use "the One who is" which corresponds well with the divine name as revealed to Moses, "I am who am."
The only thing that really bothers me is the use of the word "kindom of God" as a non-sexist alternative to "kingdom of God." "Kingdom" (in the relational/familial sense) implies a sovereign, someone "in charge"; "kindom" evokes in my mind something more like a commune. Perhaps "family of God" is a more accurate--and less contrived--alternative.
October 2, 2017
God's Word...Today
This translation reflects the context of ideals that are fundamental to our Christian faith without the burden of antiquated gender biases.
This translation reflects the context of ideals that are fundamental to our Christian faith without the burden of antiquated gender biases.
April 22, 2024
TOC p. 4
Bought for $22.25 on 10/4/2020 on recommendation of Gretchen and hearing her read from it in Journey with Scripture at ELPC over the last couple of years. It captures the literal meanings well, per my comparisons of it with the NRSV and NIV, and conforms to its mission as well as can be imagined. Most impressive to me is it’s ability into make the meaning *clear* without stooping to high school level diction. For instance “the earth became chaos and emptiness” instead of “without form, and void.”
In other words it’s excellent prose whose point of view is inclusiveness, readability, AND faithfulness to the original languages.
I also like that it uses the order of books in the Hebrew Bible - TANAKH - Torah (‘Teaching’), Nevi'im (’Prophets’), and Ketuvim (’Writings’), the way it sets off the poetry into lines, and the grouping of sections into natural pericopes. One serious failing is the lack of immediate access to a given chapter. Each book should have a hyperlinked list of chapters.
Bought for $22.25 on 10/4/2020 on recommendation of Gretchen and hearing her read from it in Journey with Scripture at ELPC over the last couple of years. It captures the literal meanings well, per my comparisons of it with the NRSV and NIV, and conforms to its mission as well as can be imagined. Most impressive to me is it’s ability into make the meaning *clear* without stooping to high school level diction. For instance “the earth became chaos and emptiness” instead of “without form, and void.”
In other words it’s excellent prose whose point of view is inclusiveness, readability, AND faithfulness to the original languages.
I also like that it uses the order of books in the Hebrew Bible - TANAKH - Torah (‘Teaching’), Nevi'im (’Prophets’), and Ketuvim (’Writings’), the way it sets off the poetry into lines, and the grouping of sections into natural pericopes. One serious failing is the lack of immediate access to a given chapter. Each book should have a hyperlinked list of chapters.
August 9, 2022
This would be considered a more politically correct version of the bible where male pronouns are rendered neutral where possible and any sign of the 'male patriarchy' has been suppressed. Not surprisingly it will certainly read differently than all other translations out there and I would even say that it is not a translation at all but an interpretation of the bible designed to cause the least offence to any person or type of person referenced therein. All in all, the political correctness of this publication would not be so scandalous were it not for the exclusion of the whole of chapter 18 of the book of Leviticus. There is no explanation as to why this has been removed and would lead one to question the real motive for printing a bible where large parts of it have been purposely left out stripping it of all authority and power. This publication should not be called the Bible but perhaps rather a postmodern perspective on it. Save your money and buy something authentic....
June 26, 2011
This is a very good Bible and I find it easy to read and understand well worth getting a copy
March 7, 2025
0 Stars. This book is heresy and blasphemy from Genesis 1. Do not leverage this book as scripture. Get a real translation that is based on the original text, not what people have tried to make it say.
Literal Translation: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:3-5 NASB1995
Thought for Thought Translation: “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT
Literal Translation: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:3-5 NASB1995
Thought for Thought Translation: “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
This is an absolute abomination. It isn't even a translation. In order to translate something you have to start with actual research. It rejects all scholarly research. It is a lie from start to end.
It literally changes the Bible from Genesis chapter 1. This isn't about equality, it is about activism.
No Christian, or even someone who calls themselves a seeker of truth, should ever read this rubbish.
It literally changes the Bible from Genesis chapter 1. This isn't about equality, it is about activism.
No Christian, or even someone who calls themselves a seeker of truth, should ever read this rubbish.
November 9, 2024
We chose this version for its inclusive approach. It was recommended to us by our pastor. My son and I have now read the Old Testament and can refer to this book anytime a quote is referenced that we are not familiar with.
I don't think we will ever "finish" reading it, so...
I don't think we will ever "finish" reading it, so...
October 13, 2025
Excellent inclusive language translation of the old and new testaments
January 1, 2019
I was introduced to this translation of the Scriptures at a previous church. The translation is produced by Priests for Equality an organization of well known Biblical Scholars. Its attempts at providing clearer translation including gender neutral terminology, and overall soundness to original texts is impressive.
I have found it a valuable source for personal reading as well as sermon prep and overall theology work.
I have found it a valuable source for personal reading as well as sermon prep and overall theology work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2010
Poetic, filled with the awe of God and such respect and beauty
Read
February 23, 2018Excellent resource and well translated.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews