Digital edition of complete Common English Bible now available
Some two months before its print editions will be released at bookstores, the complete Common English Bible can be downloaded online.
The new CEB is available in 20 digital platforms, namely iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Olivetree, Logos, Sony, Nook, BibleWorks, Kobo, ChristianBook, Accordance Software, YouVersion, Lightning Source, Copia, Blio and OverDrive.
Also available online is a search widget that can be downloaded by users to their websites and blogs. It can also be accessed through Bible Study Tools and Bible Gateway.
The digital version of the complete CEB is available at a special introductory price of $5.95 until September 1, when the price will be raised to $9.95.
This is the first time that a complete version, including the Old Testament, New Testament and Apocrypha will be available in the CEB, which released a New Testament in August last year.
“The Common English Bible is a brand-new, bold translation designed to meet the needs of people in all stages of their spiritual journey and study,” Paul Franklyn, associate publisher, said, adding, “We’re excited to make this translation available as soon as possible through the Internet and other digital resources.”
21st century English
The CEB is distinctive because it uses the daily language of 21st century readers, making it relevant without compromising authenticity. Some examples are the use of “reconcile,” or “reconciliation” in place of “atonement,” “chest containing the covenant” in place of “ark of the covenant,” and “temple equipment” in place of “vessels of the temple,” according to its website.
Over 120 scholars from 22 faith traditions worked on the CEB, including men and women from American, Asian, African, Latino and European communities. They hailed from leading academic institutions including Yale University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, Bethel Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, Seattle Pacific University, Denver Seminary and Wheaton College, among others.
The CEB was also previewed by some 500 readers, who listened as the translation was read aloud, and pointed out passages that were potentially confusing. Their input was considered in its final reworking.
The CEB was approved last May by the Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA for scholarly use. (See http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2011/05/fuller-theological-seminary-adopts-gender-friendly-more-readable-common-english-bible-15895/).
“The Common English Bible is the result of collaboration between opposites: men working with women; scholars working with average readers; conservatives working with liberals, many denominations and many ethnicities coming together around the common goal of creating a translation that unites rather than divides, with the ultimate goal of mutually accomplishing God’s overall work in the world,” Franklyn said.
It has special relevance amid the digital revolution which has hastened daily language changes, making the bible more understandable and compelling whether privately used by individuals or for church worship.