Archbishop Rowan Williams
Posted on 12/01/2004 2:29:12 AM PST by JohnHuang2
The leader of the Anglican Church says Christians should stop openly criticizing homosexuals, out of concern for their lives.
In a letter targeting the world's Anglican churches, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said harsh language about homosexuals can lead to murder, according to a BBC report.
Although many traditional Anglican leaders oppose homosexuality, since it is unambiguously condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, Williams reportedly said in his letter: "Any words that could make it easier for someone to attack or abuse a homosexual person are words of which we must repent.
"Do not think repentance is always something others are called to, but acknowledge the failings we all share, sinful and struggling disciples as we are," he added.
In the three-and-a-half page letter, the BBC reported, Williams said homosexuals feel condemned because of their sexuality and that this inner conflict sometimes leads to suicide.
Williams made waves after taking office last year when he supported homosexual priest Dr. Jeffrey John as the bishop of Reading. Ultimately John withdrew in the face of widespread and intense opposition.
And this past June, Williams made more waves by praising a new version of the Bible that flatly contradicts traditional core Christian beliefs on sex and morality.
Titled "Good as New," the new Bible was translated by former Baptist minister John Henson for the "One" organization, to produce what the group calls a "new, fresh and adventurous" translation of the Christian scriptures.
Archbishop Rowan Williams |
Williams, the 104th archbishop of Canterbury, and leader of the Church of England, describes it is a book of "extraordinary power," but admitted many would be startled by its content.
The One organization that produced the new Bible translation is dedicated to "establish[ing] peace, justice, dignity and rights for all." It is also focused on "sustainable use of the earth's resources," challenging "oppression, injustice, exclusion and discrimination" as well as accepting "one another, valuing their diversity and experience."
According to Ekklesia, a London-based "theological think tank" that supports the "One" translation:
In keeping with the times, translator Henson deftly translates "demon possession" as "mental illness" and "Son of Man," the expression Jesus frequently used to describe himself, as "the Complete Person." In addition, parables are rendered as "riddles," baptize is to "dip" in water, salvation becomes "healing" or "completeness" and Heaven becomes "the world beyond time and space."
Here, according to the London Times, are a few sample passages:
Mark 1:4
Authorized version: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
New: "John, nicknamed 'The Dipper,' was 'The Voice.' He was in the desert, inviting people to be dipped, to show they were determined to change their ways and wanted to be forgiven."
Mark 1:10-11
Authorized version: "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from the heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
New: "As he was climbing up the bank again, the sun shone through a gap in the clouds. At the same time a pigeon flew down and perched on him. Jesus took this as a sign that God's spirit was with him. A voice from overhead was heard saying, 'That's my boy! You're doing fine!'"
Matthew 23:25
Authorized version: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"
New version: "Take a running jump, Holy Joes, humbugs!"
Matthew 26:69-70
Authorized version: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest."
New: "Meanwhile Rocky was still sitting in the courtyard. A woman came up to him and said: 'Haven't I seen you with Jesus, the hero from Galilee?" Rocky shook his head and said: 'I don't know what the hell you're talking about!'"
1 Corinthians 7:1-2
KJV: "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."
New: "Some of you think the best way to cope with sex is for men and women to keep right away from each other. That is more likely to lead to sexual offences. My advice is for everyone to have a regular partner."
1 Corinthians 7:8-7
KJV: "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."
New: "If you know you have strong needs, get yourself a partner. Better than being frustrated."
Describing the new Bible, Williams said: "Instead of being taken into a specialized religious frame of reference – as happens even with the most conscientious of formal modern translations – and being given a gospel addressed to specialized concerns … we have here a vehicle for thinking and worshipping that is fully earthed, recognizably about our humanity."
It is about two years past the time that this perverted Druid retired.
Ping
For your ping list.
The preverted Druid Arch Bishop is at it again.
Guess I'll have to practice saying, "Hello #$%@sucker."
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.
FReepmail me if you want on or off this list.
This is a moderately high-volume ping list (typically 3-7 pings/day).
Resource for Traditional Anglicans: http://trad-anglican.faithweb.com
"Last person to leave the Church of England, please shut off the lights."
Funny you should say that. We moved in July and I had to pay one last visit to my church to retrieve some belongings. I was the only one in the church as I had a key. I went room to room, said a few prayers, shed some tears, turned off the lights and left.
LOL
Good grief. All we need is another version of the Bible, especially one espoused by peace people. Arrgghhh. The Bish looks like your typical lefty peace studies professor.
Yep, none of us should be surprised, eh?
Another Anglican brief for buggery.
BTTT
And rip down the crosses and replace them with the upside-down crescent moon, eh?
The Book is the Book, I can see a justification for a hierarchy in the New Testament, but the early leaders of the Church were elected by their congregations.
According to Luther, as I read him, the principle that every man is a Priest meant that the leader led with the approval of the parish, a first among equals, no better no less.
The Imperial hierarchy is derived from Romish doctrine and is not supported by the Early Church fathers.
Awful, but it appears that's where they're headed. :-[Yep.
If by that you mean bishops, you are just plain wrong. Read Clement or any of the early fathers on the subject.
Just to be clear, I am not supporting Rowan the Fuzzy or certainly any of the ECUSA heretics. They are ravening wolves instead of shepherds and will have the care of their flocks taken away.
Soft words about homosexuality led to hundreds of thousands dead from AIDS.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
