I was recently given the recommendation to read the introductions to each of the books of the Bible that Peterson writes for The Message. I was reluctant to do so because every time that I read his contemporary translations of Scripture, I find myself feeling like I am not able to see the Scripture as I ought. I did, however, take the advice. Peterson has written some powerful summaries of each f the books of the Bible. His ability as a good writer is at its best here. I find sentences hanging around in my mind for days.
So, I cannot rate The Message high, but I can rate the book summaries high. I guess that the rating falls somewhere in the middle.