That it can prove the Bible is something that can be applied to today's world? The Bible's message is what we need and the examples within are not just part of history but can be associated with modern concerns?
2006-07-09 16:49:00 · 8 answers · asked by Kim N 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Everyone has a good point. Perhaps the question was phrased the wrong way as I sometimes also believe interpretation can be misleading. I've often thought people stray from the teachings of the Bible because it can sometimes be a "tedious tome to read", but if read in easier terms to understand, it might make the begats and the wars better to comprehend. Ultimately, I'd like people to understand that the Bible isn't a complete book of history, but an example of people who've, through the ages, have had dealings with obeying God and how that had worked out for those particular people. The Message spells it out in easier terms so that hopefully people can apply those lessons to their every day lives.
2006-07-09 18:15:52 · update #1
That's a nice thought, and I have a copy of The Message on my e-Sword software that you can get for Free from the Free Stuff page @ http://web.express56.com/~bromar/
But to answer your question, I would have to say that in most instances that wouldn't work because someone who already has a preconceived notion about the Bible isn't going to change their mind by looking at a modern paraphrase. What's more likely is that it will add another piece of ammunition to their arsenal of reasons why the Bible can't be trusted since if it is the eternal Word of God, then how can someone make a change to it and it still be true, and isn't that what's been going on over all of the centuries in the first place.
Now if someone is seeking the truth about God with an open mind, then The Message can help that person come to faith because it's easier to understand than say the KJV of the Bible. But in order to convert an unbeliever to the truth, in addition to the Holy Spirit moving in their heart, it takes a gifted teacher like my Pastor Paul Sheppard to lay out how you can apply things written thousands of years ago to your life today in a meaningful way.
2006-07-09 16:58:20 · answer #1 · answered by Martin S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A new paraphrase really has nothing to do with the Bibles ability to apply to modern times. The message within applies to all times. The Message is a good thing but it's purpose is just to clarify language. The story hasn't changed.
2006-07-09 23:55:36 · answer #2 · answered by pax_rock2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a KJV-Only type, but neither do I think we ought to change God's Word to such a degree as this version has done.
However the whole question is only a symptom of a bigger overall picture. There is a gulf between two ways of thinking- One way says that we need to make the Bible "relevant", and we need to be "seeker-sensitive", and use "purpose-driven" methods to "win the lost". The other way of thinking is that we need to preach the Word, and lift up Jesus. The Gospel is not pretty, it is not easy, it is not "relevant" to today's society. Hell is ugly and real and few preach it nowadays, but they need to.
2006-07-09 23:56:22 · answer #3 · answered by Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible can be applied to todays situation. The Message is a poor translation. Try the NIV.
2006-07-09 23:54:00 · answer #4 · answered by Geoff C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible isn't antiquated. It is one of the greatest sourcebooks for all storytelling, even contemporary. Its themes are timeless.
The bible however, does not provide a clear description of how to live ethically, which is what most bible thumpers use it for. Most religions select a few token passages which they repeat ad-nauseum and other passages which they never reference at all.
The bible is powerful, meaningful, and completely contradictory. perhaps that contradiction is what proves its modernity.
2006-07-09 23:55:50 · answer #5 · answered by meep 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i personally dont think that the message can change someone's perspective of that. because its still technically the bible (sort of a different translation). if someone doesnt believe in the word and its application to daily life then i doubt reading a different version of it would change their ideas. but its always worth a shot because different things affect people in different ways.
2006-07-09 23:54:58 · answer #6 · answered by fearmymagicbubbles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The message is the greatest abominatin that has been perpitrated on gullable seekers in reacent history... Trash any copy you find....
For my pov on the Bible of the Christian Faith and the "modern" works, you may read at:
http://pages.zdnet.com/mikevanauken/mikesinternetoutreach/id4.html
All honest seekers welcome
2006-07-09 23:58:17 · answer #7 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because it is all Sci Fi no matter what version.
2006-07-09 23:54:14 · answer #8 · answered by Arnold Ziffel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋