From the time of Jerome, Wycliffe, Tyndale, and the King James Version translators have tried to present the Bible in the common language of the day. The New Testament and Psalms follows in this fine tradition, presenting a new version of Scripture that speaks more directly than ever before to today's social concerns, especially the move towards universal inclusivity. This new version brings out the underlying meaning of the text: its truths do not exclude anyone, the comfort and strength gained from it should be accessible to everyone--a truly universal social view. The eminent scholars who prepared this translation have addressed issues including language referring to persons with physical disibilities, dark and light imagery, human language, references to Judaism and Jews at the time of New Testament events and people, God language, and references to those held in slavery or servitude.