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A translation of biblical proportions

By Amy Lohmann
August 29, 2011

Professor of Religion Maggie Odell was one of 120 scholars who helped translate the recently completed Common English Bible.

Nearly four years in the making, the new Common English Bible aims to combine scholarly accuracy with vivid language. A diverse group of biblical scholars from 24 denominations worked on the project, and more than 500 readers in 77 groups field-tested the translation in order to make the text universally comprehensible.

"Drafting the translation of Ezekiel for the Common English Bible was one of the most theologically satisfying projects I've ever contributed to," Odell says.

The Common English Bible debuted online and on 20 digital platforms in June and in paperback in mid-July. It's now in its third printing.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.