"Eugene H. Peterson, 85, Scholar Turned Homespun Pastor, Dies". Millions of evangelicals and other Christian fundamentalists believe that the Bible was essentially dictated by God to men who acted as human channelers. A man who has strong convictions, who speaks out boldly for God's truth, if he's not careful can become harsh or unkind. This mistreatment of Scripture can be seen in his misuse of passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Do you believe that the KJV did not paraphrase. For a fair assessment of Dr. Peterson's comments and retraction this week, see Bill Muehlenberg's article here. Your email address will not be published. Many young people who want to serve on a short-term basis with us in the the Scottish housing schemes are on fire for the poor and passionate about being "missional" and "breaking down barriers.". My answer to the question remains the same today as it has always been: The Message is not a translation and should not be used as your primary Bible. Message Bible is completely an offline bible without requiring internet connection to study the scriptures. your will be done, English Standard Version (ESV): Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! Cults therefore suppress personal opinion, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. You are really understanding mans word, not Gods by using this commentary/paraphrase. Authored by Eugene H. Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002, [2] the MSG falls on the extreme dynamic end of the dynamic and formal equivalence spectrum. ", The Message reads: "Worse followed. Isaiah 5:13. 7. So, The Messagedoes speak about those who "use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex," but what in the world does that mean? One of those churches is the enormously popular Bethel Church (for a deeper look at Bethels unorthodox heretical practices and their use of The Passion Translation, see my article, Bethel's False Gospel). They attempt to validate their erroneous theological claims by editing the Bible as they see fit. However, as a very free paraphrase, it is sometimes powerful and brilliant while at other times it is seriously off target. 12 And forgive us our debts, It's dangerous to build an opinion of the Bible through the lens of someone else's beliefs. He is emphasizing how these same-sex acts are flatly contrary to God's design and also explaining how, historically, the human race was given over to idolatry and sin.). We can now live with hope and joy as we strive to do what is right in Gods eyes. However, with a number of passages warning of the erosion of faith in the last days, theres a rather strong motive to contend for the faith by insisting on an accurate Bible (Jude 3). For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. In some places, The Message actually alters the gospel. Difficulty Finding a Modern Interpretation of the Bible. The only significant addition Peterson added was changing what the Bible actually said. In my opinion, The Message is a bit like the ring in Lord of the Rings: theres always someone who thinks it will be all right to use it and who doesnt want to let go of it. 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: 4 Even though I walk I always have my NKJV Bible with me and when I saw what was on the screen it did appear correct from what I read in the NKJV. I also like Watchman Nees Normal Christian Life also. HIS thoughts are above our thoughts, HE himself did not TRANSLATE because they all spoke the same language, but HE did PARAPHRASE to speak to everyone on every level. Robert D. McFadden. In the aftermath of Eugene Peterson's controversial remarksabout homosexuality, followed by his retraction, many have asked me if they should still use The Message. Good people are going to perish. And not a great church to go to if salvation is paramount. Did you know there are over 450 translations of the Bible in the English language alone? Almost all of Christianity is deceived and doesnt know the truth. It would be smart to not confuse the Message with the actual word of God, it is a commentary and should be treated as such, meaning it is not divinely inspired and is full of errors. 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Here's what to do if your recipients are seeing "This Message Seems Dangerous" in emails you send: 1. The purpose of those are the same as the Message, which is to make it more understandable to the reader. One academic I read said it this way, Peterson has confused the mission of a Bible translator with the mission of the Holy Spirit., Absolutely my spirit not going well with it n yes. You cannot say that just because divination is used in human sacrifice, it is evil. This is a useful place to start, given the controversy currently surrounding this popular, 84-year-old, Christian author. Teaching the New Testament can be a dangerous thing. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. The scene in Oslo after Christian terrorist, Anders Breivik, struck. Worship turns out to be the dangerous act of waking up to God and to the purposes of God in the world, and then living lives that actually show it. The King James Version 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Biblical scholars can do real spiritual harm by casually dismissing the texts that students hold dear. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. First this: God created the Heavens and Earthall you see, all you don't see. A couple of church leaders also began to express concerns about the content. None of those individuals ever identified themselves to me and to this day I dont know who they were. I reached the conclusion that it was very bad and going to deceive a lot more people. 3) The Living Bible (TLB) - First published in 1971, The Living Bible is another paraphrase translation by sole translator, Kenneth Taylor. They still didnt admit that it was a dubious practice to incorporate this book into a church service, but instead gave the reason that it was causing offence in the church. How do we know which book - The Bible, the Apocrypha, the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, etc. Its the first day. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. About ten people in total complained about me that week. They concluded that Eugene Peterson had indeed made a decision to insert occultic words into the book but they still chose to read from it! You are right-on! 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Of course, here in America, the Bible has, until recently, been a . I think we judge too harshly. 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Lets all be careful and remember William Tyndale who first translated the bible to English but encountered fierce opposition and was killed(burnt at stake) but his work has a very large impact on the King James Version (the most accepted version of the bible) Or even that the sacrificed child is evil. He didn't. Queen Elizabeth II: A Role Model For Humanity, The Dangers of the Pan-sexual Agenda Part 1: What is Pan-sexuality. Heather, theres more to it than that. In his book on Bible reading, Eat This Book, Eugene Peterson writes about his motivations in writing The Message. Apparently, she told the minister that she couldnt see why it mattered that Eugene Peterson changed Gods words. I remember complaining that if the church hall was hired for a function, as it often was, a member of the local community could come in, pick up the copy of The Message from the bookshelf and read a false gospel in it. Clean Up Your Email. The biblical position on controversial social and cultural issues is not immoral, it's not harmful, and it's not unloving. Yes. Your trusty shepherds crook How do we know the Bible is not just a fairy tale? This phrase is used to describe someone who is wicked and deceitful, as snakes are often seen as symbols of evil in the Bible. Those who gossip & slander are not in right fellowship with God (Rom. Its because you have the spiritual gift of discernment! Amen.. I got some belated support and encouragement. However, despite this attractive feature, it is not a translation that should be used for the seriousness of Bible study, as the simplistic use of English in the Good News Translation has come at a price. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. HE did say murder is a sin, which is ending the life of another human. Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Here are a few really good reasons to be a little bit less confident in your ability to see the clear, intended meaning when you read the Bible: 1. His interpretation provides us with a deeper understanding of Jesus message, and can be applied to our lives today. Of course, I could cite hundreds of brilliant renderings in The Message, and sometimes, when preaching, I'll cite one of them, since it powerfully drills home the point. It is written in a conversational style with contemporary language, making it easier for readers to relate to on a personal level. The purpose of the Bible What is it? 2) The Passion Translation (TPT) - This is another paraphrase translation like The Message. The men who spied out Canaan had returned to Israel's camp and reported that the Promised Land had giants. I reminded the church that Jesus said if we love him, we will obey his commands (John 14:23). I 2) When pastors preach from it, it encourages people to use it, this is dangerous because the Message is full of errors, false doctrine, and occult philosophy. your rod and your staff, Okay to get to the point, desire for the truth even if it means finding out everything you ever thought to be true was not, and you will, then asking Yahweh (God) to unblind you and guide you to the truth as you search for it and for protection from satanic deception so you wont be deceived. The simplicity of the English used in this translation has made it a popular choice for evangelists; it was even used at Billy Graham crusades. Paul wrote, "And do not grumble, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel" ( 1 Corinthians 10:10 ). on earth as it is in heaven. 5) Contemporary English Version (CEV) - This translation is another work by the American Bible Society, commonly referred to as the Bible for Today's Family. (To get more detail on The Living Bible, see Michael Marlowes detailed review here on bible-researcher.com). One lady, a former church leader, reportedly lay awake all night wrestling with the issue. 1)It is often presented as being a Bible translation in modern language. My answer to the question remains the same today as it has always been: The Messageis not a translation and should not be used as your primary Bible. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, 4) Good News Translation (GNT) - Also known as the Good News Bible (GNB), the GNT was created by the American Bible Society as a translation that would be simple enough for anyone to easily pick up and understand, including individuals learning the English language and children. This is not new; it's normal. Peterson's Approach Yields a Commentary. I found it helpful to cobble together a resource from various websites showing examples of how The Message has tampered with Bible verses, misrepresented the gospel, and added occult and New Age words. Trust God to reveal truth to in Love, You should seek understanding through the Holy Spirit, not through the eyes of man. Thank you for your comments on The Message, although not very well versed in the bible something in my gut told me that it was wrong. The following is a list of Bible translations that should be avoided for any real and faithful personal Bible study (in a separate article we will look at a list of Bible translations that are encouraged for use). Youre in charge! Ephesians 2:2 reminds us of a time when we were walking according to the way of this world. This premise, however, is dangerous and has been the cause of much bigotry, intolerance, injustice and pain.The truth is that there is no proof that this collection of books is the Word of God. His name in Hebrew (Yeshayahu) means "Yah [weh] is salvation.". I was very surprised to find significant meanings. The Passion Translation (TPT): proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Cant find your booklet. The Message is generally avoided but there is no hard and fast rule. Jesus saying about having a generous eye probably refers to Gods blessing on those who are generous with their resources and time. Did the Bible copy other religious myths, legends, and traditions? Dear Jonathan, I would question whether Peterson feels the same way. I read your article, with interest. He is asking them who directed them to flee from the wrath that is coming. We can get a glimpse of the strengths and weaknesses of The Messageby looking at how Dr. Peterson treated a number of key verses dealing with homosexual practice. Modern language Bibles are the ESV, NIV, NASB, NKJV The Message is one mans ideas on what he thinks the scriptures say and not the actual word of God. The pdf file can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/exz3t6bm and printed out. There was no malice in eating and therefore not offensive. same sex, homosexuality, trey pearson, everyday sunday, christian rock, love is love, back to school, anxiety, fear, college, worry, peace, Burning Scripture with Passion: A Review of The Psalms (The Passion Translation). People come to God on their own terms, and if the Message helps them get to him, then its done its job. Taking away and adding to ie Going to the casino is a sin. Human pride and boasting are utterly foolish and a great danger before this righteous God (2:11-17; 10:33; 13:11; 16:6; 23:9; 28:1-4). To help us keep our feet on the path that leads to life, below are 10 biblical warnings Christ's followers should take more seriously. The prosperity gospel is a false gospel that substitutes a vision of present earthly happiness for a vision of the final restoration of heaven and earth that the Bible anticipates. Blessings my brothers n sisters stay in prayer n God Bless you all. HE never said that. Gmail's spam filters can pick up on grammar and spelling mistakes. I was appalled and immediately went home and read A LOT . Some new Bibles are dangerous because of the theological bias of their translators. One need only look at how the cultural mindset of those who use the Message tends towards a theologically liberal or completely postmodern way of looking at things. He gives me new strength. This eventually led to the Reformation led by Martin Luther. Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Eugene Petersons translation of The Message removes this idea of worrying about paying for clothing and instead warns against vanity and attention to fancy clothing. The Message Bible is an English-language translation of the Christian scriptures compiled by Eugene Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. 7 Signs of True Salvation He instead uses the 1901 American Standard Version as his foundation.