David Bookman

One of the most important decisions that a Christian can make is which translation of the Holy Scriptures to use for their primary one. For my part, I have chosen the New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition (NRSVue), because I think that it is the most beautiful and accurate modern translation; because it includes the Apocrypha; because it reflects the world class biblical scholarship of the editors; and because it is available in high-quality editions by Cambridge University Press.

The NRSVue is not perfect, of course; no translation is. Sometimes it uses inclusive language too liberally; sometimes it translates Greek words about homosexuality incorrectly, perhaps to be politically correct; sometimes it is a little too prosaic where it ought to be majestic; but overall, these flaws are far outweighed by its positive qualities.

It is little wonder that the NRSV, and now the NRSVue, is the preferred translation of the Holy Scriptures in mainline seminaries as well as secular academia. It is natural, then, that I, a one-time stellar college student who takes all education very seriously, have likewise chosen it for my primary translation. In fact, I am so impressed with it that, if I could have only one bible translation, it would be the NRSVue.