why the message bible is dangerous

Your article caught my eye because The Message has never sat well with me, precisely because, as you point out, it is a paraphrase and not a formal translation. When studying the Word of God, one needs an authentic representation of the original autographs (the original manuscript of each of the 66 books of the Bible) while avoiding sources that would distort the original message from God. I had never heard of this Message until a couple of weeks ago when the leader at the church I attend put up verses on the front screen with the abbreviation after the scripture. I was appalled and immediately went home and read A LOT . Although most of these translations are not in wide use today, some are commonly used and unfortunately many fail to accurately and faithfully preserve the Word of God. Ken is currently working on a Bible app (Wave Parallel Bible) with a team of scholars which links words and phrases from nine major Bible translations, including The Message. 12 And forgive us our debts, The Bible Is Dangerous, Inaccurate, And Written By Man The Bible is the most accurate historical book on planet earth. 2. Biblical scholars can do real spiritual harm by casually dismissing the texts that students hold dear. The Message Bible is an English-language translation of the Christian scriptures compiled by Eugene Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. He is asking them who directed them to flee from the wrath that is coming. Danger #2 "False guilt". Required fields are marked *. 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. Yes. from. 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). Simmons has actually released four installments of his new translation: Psalms: Poetry on Fire. Yes. .". Look for Part 2 of this article, where we will review the top 5 Bible translations to use. Dont let your guard down or forget that at any moment you can be deceived. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible was presented to the public as a completed . I still get what The Holy Spirit is teaching me and have benefited Spiritually by it.. In his book on Bible reading, Eat This Book, Eugene Peterson writes about his motivations in writing The Message. One such critic is biblical scholar and translator, Andrew G. Shead, who said in his article, Burning Scripture with Passion: A Review of The Psalms (The Passion Translation), that Simmons abandons all interest in textual accuracy, playing fast and loose with the original languages, and inserting so much new material into the text that it is at least 50% longer than the original. This should be emphasized whenever a preacher or teacher quotes from it, I believe. 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. About ten people in total complained about me that week. Gossip always contributes to a problem and never to a solution. I will fear no evil, According to NavPress, publisher of Eugene Peterson's The Message The Bible in Contemporary Language, there have been over 10,000,000 readers of The Message. Its always better to refer to Scripture than to quote any pastor, preacher, biblical scholar, theological professor, etc., no matter where they are in their walk with Christ. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Gossip always distorts and exaggerates, and is never a reliable source of truth. 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. . 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 has sold over 10 million copies and has continually ranked among the top five best-selling Bibles. Jesus Embodied God's Grace. The Message (MSG): Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Sexually confused, they abused and defiled one another, women with women, men with men all lust, no love. Schedule II: Drugs with some medically acceptable uses, but with high potential for abuse and/or addiction. I Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. His interpretation provides us with a deeper understanding of Jesus message, and can be applied to our lives today. Is it still available? What The Message did to The Lords Prayer as you outlined here is startling all the revolutionary meaning has been sliced and diced away. One of the most dangerous Bible revisions on the market today is "THE MESSAGE." This horrible PERversion which butchers the Word of God was published in 2002. . I know the author of it got parts of the Bible so right it blows your mind, but there are entire sections where he is dead wrong and injects false doctrine into it. Power . It is written in a conversational style with contemporary language, making it easier for readers to relate to on a personal level. Just want to point out that Matthew 6 commonly includes a footnote now where it used to continue the prayer. 26 Comments Samaritans only recognized the first 5 books of the Bible, rejecting the remaining books of the Hebrew Bible. For instance, the English Standard Version, a word for word literal translation puts the Lord's Prayer, from Matthew 6 as: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. The same applies to Tarot reading. It's called " The Passion Translation, " written by Brian Simmons of Stairway Ministries. The shepherds and leaders are deceived. There are sections where the message really brings an idea into easy-to-understand language, but for me there is far too much dumbing down and softening of scripture. "The Message offers vibrant language that awakens my heart to the wonders of God's Word again and again. The leader does not state the source of the paraphrased writings so I believe that many are deceived not knowing the Word of God, especially new believers. To be fair, a more accurate comparison might be to the Jehovas English Standard Version (ESV): And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Clean Up Your Email. Gossip often thrives upon secrecy. On the two occasions when I have since heard it used, the speakers havent disclosed the name of the book they are reading from. Apparently, she told the minister that she couldnt see why it mattered that Eugene Peterson changed Gods words. Solomon's example can teach us a lesson about how dangerous compromise with God's law can be. as we also have forgiven our debtors. through the darkest valley, I read your article, with interest. The answer to why people spend so much time studying the Bible is simple: it is the Word of God! One implies that the one being delivered is actually out there engaging the enemy (the devil), while the other gives more of a picture of holing up away from other people and not bothering to engage. When people began to put emphasis on things that are not important, it alienate people from the things that are. I showed him the many websites that spring up connecting this phrase to Satanism and other forms of the occult. 11 Give us our food again today, as usual, 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. Witnesses, who also changed the Bible around to fit what they wanted to say, they created the NWT Bible. Does this post violate any norms, rules, or others that you aware of? People at my church had seemingly fallen in love with The Message and I was chucking a big rock in their pool. Updated Jan 9, 2023. Bible translations are usually broken down into three major categories: Word-for-word or Formal Equivalence, Thought-for-Thought or Dynamic Equivalence, and Paraphrase. No one can argue that if Mary was 1 day pregnant with JESUS, they would be hollering womens rights. None of those individuals ever identified themselves to me and to this day I dont know who they were. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. I saw new believers using The Message as their actual Bible during a study, and felt like The Message was robbing them of some choice meat when they read passages from it that were flowery but so watered-down. Share your favorite bible verse with your friends. your will be done, Matthew 5:11-12 Even the publisher of The Message realizes this paraphrase cannot replace a faithful Bible translation, and I would argue further that it has the potential to ultimately mislead. So notice: The Bible is not meant to be placed on a shelf, but to be in your hands, to read oftenevery day, both on your own and together with others.". You have bedded me down in lush meadows, 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The latter error seems to me to be the more common danger in the church. In this article, we will discuss why it may be dangerous for ones understanding of the Christian faith and message. 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 them, the Bible is the world's most dangerous book. The Message Bible is a paraphrase version of the Bible. Answer Ignorance is the lack of knowledge or understanding. There were phone calls and emails to the minister, as well as people appearing at the church office to complain about me to him in person. 41,316 Views. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. I reached the conclusion that it was very bad and going to deceive a lot more people. HE speaks of things to steer clear of because they will more likely than not lead you to sin. Tyndale was killed by the Catholic Church because the Catholic Church did not want the common person to have a Bible. I continued my protest. 1. Did the Bible copy other religious myths, legends, and traditions? (Eph. Thats why the bible says were should study to show ourselves approved. 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. 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. He translated from the original languages. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of Gods attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that Yes. Therefore, readers put a great deal more faith in the translators, as they are trusting their interpretation. Hostility to it is hostility to the. Remember, Noah built the Ark, scholars built the Titanic. 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! Gmail's spam filters can pick up on grammar and spelling mistakes. Looking back to past success can be very dangerous to our progress, and might hinder us from living out a life that grows more abundant with each coming day. The Message translation adds an extra layer of meaning by suggesting that having a generous eye is a way of showing respect for Gods truth. Seventh day Adventists is wrong. It could also refer to sincerity; if ones eyes are windows into their soul, then having a sincere heart will be reflected in ones actions and words. But whatever it is, it STILL shouldnt be twisting scripture. Rooted in his "translation" philosophy, Peterson has produced a "Message" which is nothing more than a commentary published as a translation. Eugene Peterson made his translation when there were already 20 Bible versions out there. I believe that Gods people searchin n praying to Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding. This is the main message of the entire Bible, Old and New Testament, that those who have repented and trusted in Christ "have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord. You can do anything you want! You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Later, when I started dating a woman (now my wife) at the church, she was warned that I was at the centre of controversy. First, the Bible is dangerous to ignore. Did you know there are over 450 translations of the Bible in the English language alone? They are convicted because they own a Bible. If you desire the truth then and only then will it be reveiled. Also Amen means something different in every denomination. That type of persuasion keeps them in the dark. Jesus referred to sinners as a brood of vipers to remind people that sin can be deceptive and hard to recognize, and that they should strive for righteousness if they want to avoid Gods punishment. People come to God on their own terms, and if the Message helps them get to him, then its done its job. The Message communicates their lack of sincerity, but it loses the message of God's coming wrath. I read through your points and paused when I came to your 2nd point bottom of the 2nd paragraph you say that Eugene Peterson did not speak about Gods attributes when saying there is nothing in there speaking about any of Gods attributes at the end to the prayer. If you look up NIV Matt. Keep us alive with three square meals. Your trusty shepherds crook We are going to keep the old Bible for several compelling reasons. Favorites and Bookmarks for your favorite bible verses. When bestows glory on anything, its beautiful. This is not new; it's normal. God's cautions are for our good, and ignoring His guidance and commands opens us up to being misled. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. In his book the Bible he expressly commands us not to change his words (Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:19). They read a passage of The Message that theyve written down or read it from an app on their cell phone. on earth as it is in heaven. Faith 1 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! The last words in the MESSage are enough to convince me this book is not for me. We run to God to understand who he is n to lead us n trust in his word It's dangerous to build an opinion of the Bible through the lens of someone else's beliefs. Joe, this is an incredible story that you shared. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it emptied of God and love, godless and loveless wretches. why is x2 closed at magic mountain; ul858 household electric ranges standard for safety; barron trump height problem; dr sebi daughter; growth mindset activities for high school pdf why the message bible is dangerous. "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. In Luke 9:61-62, we read of Jesus' conversation with a person who wanted to follow Him, but was denied due to this reason. Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Are you relying on the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding? Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. Galatians 1:8 condemns in the most severe terms the one who changes the gospel message of salvation. A church that uses the Message, is a church that has let culture invade the Kingdom. 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. He was speaking about HIS physical attributes. Queen Elizabeth II: A Role Model For Humanity, The Dangers of the Pan-sexual Agenda Part 1: What is Pan-sexuality. Contemporary English Version (CEV): It is true that anyone who desires to be a church official wants to be something worthwhile. The gospel addresses all of life, both this life and the one to come. A confused sheep relies more readily on the institution for support. It's a book of faith, written over four centuries by people with very different viewpoints and agendas. 4:29) The Mess routinely speaks "corrupt communication" with some curse words in its pages.This is just one example.. I began to show up where The Message had taken from, added to, and twisted scriptures in the particular passage that had been recited during the church service also explaining why those changes fitted a New Age and politically correct agenda. English Standard Version (ESV): The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. It is specifically targeted toward U.S. English speakers with its use of American contemporary slang. 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. Read full chapter. Taylors bias also leads to omitting text in key passages that do not fit his Arminian worldview, such as his deceptive repackaging of Acts 4:27-28, Acts 13:48, and Romans 8:28-29. The New International Or even that the sacrificed child is evil. The most dangerous verses in the Bible will have no bearing on us when we are saved and sure; not placing our faith in the work that we have done, but rather in Christ and His finished work. Taylor also inserts his own ideas into the passage, adding that Jesus will come to you meekly which is certainly not part of the original Greek manuscript. 12 and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. Petersons lax handling of the Word of God results in stifled messages that are far less impactful than the original God-breathed directive. 10 We ask that your kingdom will come now. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. God says, in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now and let us reason together." With alcohol use we temporarily and permanently stupefy our reasoning powers. The Sabbath day is Saturday. The translators of the CEV prove their exegetical incompetence with confusing and illogical translations of verses, such as their handling of Acts 9:22. I ended up hearing The Message defined as all kinds of things to try to dismiss the problem that it tampered with scripture a practice which the Bible itself condemns. Do you believe that the KJV did not paraphrase. Be as shrewd as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. The New Testament instructs believers to seek guidance from God and his Spirit only. 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. The Message Bible has become a field manual for false teachers. However, the Holy Spirit has still moved newcomers to the congregation to hear the necessary elements of the Sword of Truth in their message, that leads them to surrender to His Divine Will. The Samaritans, however, believed that their temple, on Mount Gerizim, was where true worship . (For the record, Paul was not saying here that homosexual couples are incapable of love or that all homosexuals are sex fiends. 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.). He didn't. Teaching the New Testament can be a dangerous thing. Difficulty Finding a Modern Interpretation of the Bible. 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. Garbage - Life's Little Slices. However, he has noticed that some portions of The Message cannot be linked to anything in the Greek text, indicating that additional meaning was added. Amen. This is clearly what Eugene Peterson is looking at, since otherwise the prayer should end after deliver us from evil, or as the paraphrase puts it (I hesitate to call it a paraphrase, since a true paraphrase keeps the original thought intact), keep us safe from ourselves and the devil. I would point out that theres a huge difference between deliverance and keeping safe. [2] It is a highly idiomatic translation, using contemporary slang from the US rather than a more neutral International English, and it falls on the extreme dynamic end of the dynamic and formal equivalence spectrum. Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Daily Christian Prayers reference. Speaking of deception, the Sabbath day is the 7th day. At one point, I emailed as many people in the church whose email addresses I could find, showing the problems with the book. hallowed be your name, 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). . He commanded them to remember his grace in Deuteronomy. 2) The Passion Translation (TPT) - This is another paraphrase translation like The Message. It depends, largely, on how you read it with what prejudices and with what intellectual background. In this case, divination is completely neutral. The purpose of those are the same as the Message, which is to make it more understandable to the reader. Perhaps you can give me a link to read it? We were breathing in polluted unbelief and exhaling disobedience. Instead, they must be kind and gentle and not love money. Copies of it appeared on the bookshelf as people chucked it in. I also like Watchman Nees Normal Christian Life also. Former Pastor: If there is a God, does he even make a difference? I got the phrase As above, so below which appears in The Message and googled it alongside the word Satanism in the presence of the minister. Learn why this "gospel lite" illusion is such a seductive, powerful delusion for Christians and how you can avoid it in your walk of faith. Bibles are banned and those found in possession of one face imprisonment, torture and even death - as do up to three generations of their family. Solomon had clear instruction from the Lord not to marry foreign wives, but he chose . The following translations listed below should be avoided altogether, as utilizing them can lead to grave theological errors, the teaching of a radically different gospel, and a counterfeit Jesus. 'Our Father in heaven, We are in a dark time. But nowhere in Scripture is sound thinking discouraged. The scene in Oslo after Christian terrorist, Anders Breivik, struck. It wasnt too long ago that we were stuck in this stagnant life of sin, but thankfully, God has given us a new life through Jesus Christ. Abortion isnt a sin if you cant hear a heartbeat or if the BABY was conceived via rape or incest. And notice also the reference in The Messageto those who "use and abuse the earth and everything in it." This eventually led to the Reformation led by Martin Luther. 2. John Clark: Ise, thank you for sharing and for your openness. The Passion is the work of sole translator, Brian Simmons, whose work has been heavily critiqued by the scholarly world. The Old Testament teaches that believers are defiled by their attempts at communicating with the dead, a practice that is detestable to God. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language ( MSG) is a paraphrase of the Bible in contemporary English. Those who promote use of the Message tend to deny the sinful nature of man and the exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone for salvation. In Matthew 3:7, Jesus speaks to the people and calls them a brood of vipers. Even the most liberal seminary would fail a student who turned in an essay full of Message quotes (at least I hope they would). It is written in a conversational style with contemporary language, making it easier for readers to relate to on a personal level. Eugene Peterson might be the William Tyndale of the 21st century or just an individual who wants to distort the bible or some who sincerely want to make the bible easy to read but making some mistakes. You set out at the beginning of the year to read the Bible every day. Its the first day. 4 Even when the way goes through Song of Solomon: Most Amazing . This, again, is a great weakness of The Message: It sometimes produces beautifully phrased lines at the expense of the truth of Scripture. Jesus saying about having a generous eye probably refers to Gods blessing on those who are generous with their resources and time. Only the Bible is authoritative and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, as made clear in 2 Timothy 3:16. Also, check to make sure your email is well written. Millions of evangelicals and other Christian fundamentalists believe that the Bible was essentially dictated by God to men who acted as human channelers.