[annalex]

In fact, I would insist that the Catholic translation reflects most accurately the meaning.

It is true, indeed, that “metanoiete” literally means “change your mind”. But so the “Spirit”, “Ruach” means “breath”, “Resurrection” means “stand up again”, etc. We translate meanings, not root components.

So what is the meaning of “metanoiete”? The immediate context in Luke leads up to the parable of the fruitless fig tree; the gardener pledges to apply work to it: dig around it and fertilize it. Next, the pharisees accuse Jesus of what? of working, on a Sabbath. So the immediate context points not to changing of the mind but of physical deeds.

Who said “metanoiete” first? St. John the Baptist. What example did he give? Ascetism: hair shirt, fasting, solitude, the classic forms of penance. Again, the meaning is that we should do something, not just think something.

Jesus Himself showed us not just thoughts but deeds: He fasted, went alone for forty days, climbed mountains to pray, and let His flesh be abused.

But one person, Judas, — he “repented”. Changed his mind.

So, no, Douay is the only translation to read if you read in English. Other translations have merits, especially Catholic ones, but accuracy is not one of them.

[aruanan]

Who said “metanoiete” first? St. John the Baptist. What example did he give? Ascetism: hair shirt, fasting, solitude, the classic forms of penance. Again, the meaning is that we should do something, not just think something.

You're getting the cart before the horse. When he told the Pharisees and Sadducees to produce fruit in keeping with repentance he was not telling them to suit up in camel's hair clothing and to pick up a super-repentance sized container of honey-covered locusts. The specific act mentioned was baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

[Sparticus]

By arguing for a translation that ignores the clear meaning of a word, you’re breaking several rules of interpretation. An honest hermeneutic does not put Dogma ahead of Definition. Dogma has no place in translation and this is the primary criticism of Douay-Rheims. Dogma must be supported by Scripture, and not the other way around, lest we lay our theology upon a foundation of circular error. Ultimately, this is one of the fundamental disagreements Protestants have with the Catholic church so it’s probably pointless to even bring this up as we’re not going to finish this argument in a life time.

In regards to the fig tree in Luke 12, the gardener is probably the Holy Spirit: the fig tree is most definitely not hoeing and fertilizing itself. The message of the parable is that God works in our lives, but ultimately we going to bear the responsibility for our spiritual condition.

As for your other argument, I will simply ask did John preach the Baptism of Repentance or the Baptism of Penance?