Posted on 03/13/2005 10:10:07 PM PST by Ronzo
For centuries scholars have argued over the most delicate nuances of biblical texts, passionately debating whether key words should be tweaked to reflect cultural changes.
But, despite the fervent exchange of such learned views, there has been no fretting about whether the Bible endorses dope-smoking. Until now.
A 15-strong panel of eminent theologians and linguists was so concerned that young people reading the Bible today are confusing the phrase 'stoned' not with Old Testament executions but with drugs, that it has suggested a radical clarification to a forthcoming edition of the sacred text.
In an attempt to clear up any confusion on the part of Britain's youth, Today's New International Version Bible, published by Hodder & Stoughton on Tuesday, updates the original edition, published 27 years ago, so that people are 'stoned to death', rather than 'stoned'.
'We wanted to keep it from being confused with drug addiction,' Professor Ronald Youngblood, who chaired the panel, told the Church Times newspaper.
The clarification is an effort by the panel to modernise its earlier edition of the Bible, which became the most popular English language version in the world.
Scholars may sense political correctness in the changes. Out goes terminology such as 'he', 'man' and 'men', replaced by 'person' or 'people'. In comes an attempt to dispel anti-Semitic interpretations of the New Testament. John 5:16 now reads 'Jewish leaders', rather than Jews, 'began to persecute Jesus'.
The panel said that the changes were being made to 'increase understanding' rather than make the Bible more contemporaneous.
'There is a need to reach today's generation with language they can understand and relate to,' the panel states on the TNIV website.
Overall, around seven per cent of the original New International Version Bible has been altered in a bid to bring clarity to a new generation of readers. Some of the changes appear trivial. For example, Matthew's use of the word 'tunic' becomes 'shirt' and his phrase 'with child' becomes 'pregnant'. However, some changes are more profound. Use of the word 'Christ', which was popular with Greek-speaking churches, has been replaced by the Hebrew title 'Messiah'.
Lol.....okay, at least I got a good chuckle before turning in.
Well, I would not feel so all alone...
You know, I can really see why some peoplpe are so adamant about the King James version being the best. No PC boloney in there.
There's nothing quite like affixing a warning label to the Bible. I mean, stupid people might get the wrong ideas.
Good grief!!!
These "eminent theologians and linguists" are idiots.
ROTFL! This is ridiculous, but not a surprise.
Oh good grief, is today's generation THAT dense?
Off the net:
Substitutes for rolling paper?
Bible paper.
Nuff said.
LoL....
Change "stoned" to "rocked"? Naaaah, same problem.
Which is why Scriptures must be reliable. Douay-Rheims. Or Jerome's Vulgate if you understand the Latin, that well. Accept no substitutes. And for interpretation, The Church. Otherwise, it's ALL 'good news' for what is really good news, corruption instead of truth, and a smirking contempt instead of humility before God.
"Dude! You mean if I screw up, I go straight to Dell!? WHOA!"
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