Testing The Faith - New (Inclusive) Bible Translation

© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
June 24, 2004

Note from Mary: I was excited when I heard about a new INCLUSIVE translation of the Bible. My exitement was quickly dashed. This article is from a very conservative, right-wing news organization, so it attempts to put as much of a negative slant on it as possible. I overlooked that when I read the article, but then followed up by going to the publisher's website. This is part of the review of this New Bible Translation called "As Good As New".

"In the form of a Hindu Sutra, this book shows how religion may bring happiness. It also shows that religious faith requires no belief in the supernatural, but is rooted in the quest for happiness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The author has travelled extensively over the past four decades, studying in depth all the major religions and philosophies of the world. Since 1982 he has led a church devoted to the religion of happiness without belief."

I personally am very disappointed that this new version would diminish belief in the Supernatural, for my faith is based on the Supernatural Creator, Almighty God. What is Christianity without the Supernatural! However, I have included the review here so that you will be aware that this new translation is now available. I do NOT plan to read it!

A brand-new translation of the Bible - praised by Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury, that nation's senior Christian voice - flatly contradicts traditional core Christian beliefs on sex and morality.

Titled "Good as New", the new Bible is 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, The 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams - leader of the Church of England - describes it is a book of "extraordinary power," but admitted many would be startled by its content.

"Instead of condemning fornicators, adulterers and 'abusers of themselves with mankind'," says Ruth Gledhill, the London Times religious affairs correspondent, "the new version of his first letter to Corinth has St. Paul advising Christians not to go without sex for too long in case they get 'frustrated.'"

"The new version, which Dr. Williams says he hopes will spread 'in epidemic profusion through religious and irreligious alike', turns St. Paul's strictures against fornication on their head," adds the Times.

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: The translation is pioneering in its accessibility, and changes the original Greek and Hebrew nomenclature into modern nicknames. St. Peter becomes "Rocky," Mary Magdalene becomes "Maggie," Aaron becomes "Ron," Andronicus becomes "Andy" and Barabbas becomes "Barry."

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's how Williams, the top Anglican Archbishop, describes the new Bible: "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."

In addition, notes Ekklesia, the Archbishop praises Henson's translation for eliminating "the stale, the technical, the unconsciously exclusive words and policies" in other translations.

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: "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."

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