Comments on: Friday, October 21

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 16:31:00 +0000

Mike –
It was great to read about Awake 3:18. I hope you will keep us posted on their progress. I think you hit the nail on the head with your description of what their goal is – to be a group “who have no interest in the version of Christianity that is obsessed with fine-tuning obscure doctrinal matters or nailing the perfect worship service. Instead, they are opening their hearts to the mission of Christ in this world.”

That should be the focus of all of us and I think that the use of the word “Awake” in their name is a good little reminder to those of us who sometimes get bogged down with the doctrinal minutae rather than opening our eyes to see what really matters to the Lord; the seniment that is perfectly captured not only John 3:18 but also in Galatains 5:6b, “The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love.” Funny — I don’t hear any mention of theological debate in either of those passages. I think these kids may be onto something…

My prayers will be with this group, their work, and others like them. Thank you for bringing them to our attenion.

By: Melanie Knox

Melanie Knox — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 05:18:00 +0000

Any “The Message” or Eugene Peterson fans out there?
–Melanie, slightly prejudiced employee of NavPress

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 13:12:00 +0000

I agree with WDS re NLT. I’ve enjoyed this translation for several years now and is the one I usually read at church and small group bible studies. But like all translations, it too contains its own problems and shortcomings. At home for personal study, I usually refer to several translations of the same text to assist my understanding.

As to the TNIV, I’ve not given it an indepth look as yet, either. Thanks to the one that posted the url. At first glance, the gender neutrality seems okay in general. However, I’m not sure that it doesn’t change some of the basic theological beliefs in some of the passages, but that might be just my reception and perception.

For the time being, I’ll stick with my loved NLT.

By: WDS

WDS — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 04:18:00 +0000

Translation beauty is definitely in the eyes of the beholder. The New Living Bible is every bit as readable and true to modern English and gender issues as the TNIV. But personal translation philosophy and other factors direct us to buy or tout what is attractive to us. TNIV is a good choice among several good choices that present the message that draws people to God.

By: Heather A

Heather A — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 02:45:00 +0000

I wish I’d known you were speaking in chapel…I was in Spanish chapel last Wednesday, although if I’d caught one of my friends at the right time, I would have been one of those wearing the orange shirts…But anyway, I really posted a comment to tell you that I’m praying for Chris and the safety of all the middle schoolers on the trip this weekend. I’m also praying for you and Diane. May God fill you with his peace and comfort as you trust him in this big way. I love you!

By: Wiley

Wiley — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 02:43:00 +0000

I have been using the TNIV for quite a while, 1st in the NT pdf and then in the entire Bible pdf almost as soon as it became available. I was fortunate to be able to obtain a free printed copy paperback a few months back which I now carry instead of my NIV.

While I think it still has some of the same translation problems that plague the NIV and most other translations regarding gender, the translators have really taken some big steps toward accuracy with the improved gender inclusive language.

It is head and shoulders above the rest in readablilty, ease of understanding, and in use of the common modern English.

Wiley Clarkson
Walnut Springs, TX

personal web site: http://www.clarksons.org

For information on Gender Equality and churches of Christ:
http://www.clarksons.org/spirit_leads.htm

By: Joel Maners

Joel Maners — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 20:15:00 +0000

One bit of news that went almost un-noticed by the MSM last week was the announcement by Apple that television programming would be available for online purchase for their new video iPod. This is revolutionary in that for the first time, consumers can completely circumvent the cable/broadcast model of receiving content and get exactly what entertainment they want, when they want it. Remember the days of “appointment TV”? The local affiliates, cable companies, and advertisers are very afraid of where this new model will lead. If you can simply buy Desperate Housewives, why would you want to watch it on broadcast television? Also, if you subscribe to cable television, why would you want to buy a package of channels that they sell which includes programming that you will never watch. You can conceivably just buy the content you want commercial free.

I’m not saying that the broadcast model is dead, just that it’s days may be numbered.

The question then is, if all content (or at least most) is purchased, then wouldn’t that free up the production companies to put in whatever content that they wanted? Sure they would have to rate it much like a movie, but couldn’t a production company make R rated material that the public could simply purchase? We are already seeing this with Satellite radio and HBO programs like The Sopranos.

With the demise of broadcast television, what can groups like the AFA say about content that is privately purchased? I don’t think the AFA or any other group will have a strong a voice against such material. After all it won’t be free, you’ll have to purchase it in order to see it. Up until now, the broadcast model has served as a leash on the mores of television producers. As that leash is diminished, I’m afraid that the moral content of entertainment will continue to erode at a faster and faster pace and shows try to out shock each other with racier and racier content. I hope I’m wrong about this.

By: Joyce

Joyce — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 18:37:00 +0000

Ditto the positive comments for the TNIV. Been using the TNIV NT ever since it came out and got the whole bible TNIV earlier this year. (I was surprised to see you say that it’s “now out” Mike. Admittedly I bought my copy in the UK, but I was sure I’d seen it here in the states a couple of months ago.)

By: Amy Boone

Amy Boone — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 17:27:00 +0000

I guess if you’re like the Boones and only watch baseball in the evenings, prime time ratings really don’t matter. It’s amazing that my desire to watch TV at all is virtually nonexistent. I’d rather hang out with my kids who have been at school all day! As for the TNIV… I have it, I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is a TNIV Study Bible available or in the works.

By: Matt Elliott

Matt Elliott — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:55:00 +0000

Thanks, Mike, Brian and little Steve! I look forward to checking it out.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:11:00 +0000

Check out Joe’s Wednesday blog at brooklynchurchplant.blogspot.com. Hurrah, Ira!!

By: Steve Jr.

Steve Jr. — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:11:00 +0000

download a free, searchable version of TNIV here.

I’ve found it very, very helpful.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:01:00 +0000

I don’t think The Parents Television Council is *telling* anyone what to watch. They are just giving information and warnings.

I can’t understand why someone who is interested in honoring God and living a life of holiness would want to watch shows like “The Family Guy.” I’ve watched it, and it made me laugh, but it was vulgar, obscene in places, and dishonoring to God. It is my opinion that such shows only contribute negatively to our culture — making it increasingly vulgar, offensive and rude.

On another note — I love the TNIV. I’m using it more and more. I hope to make it my everyday Bible soon.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 14:37:00 +0000

Matt - TNIV is a much-needed updating of the NIV that was first put in my hands in the 70s. What has received a lot of press is their movement toward gender inclusive language in references to humans — a movement which more accurately translates the original.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 14:36:00 +0000

I’ve been using the TNIV for a couple of months, and LOVE it! I first discovered it while reading “How to read the Bible for all its worth”, and they highly recommended it there. It’s probably the “smoothest” literal translation I’ve ever read.

You won’t notice a great deal of difference between the NIV and TNIV, but there are some key differences in gender (which I’m sure you’ve probably read about.)

The TNIV attempts to be “gender-accurate” (Ex: http://www.tniv.info/bible/sample_resultsingle.php?rowid=47)

Like anything, some people don’t like that, but I find that the change does NOT take away from the text in the least.

Here’s the Translation Commitee’s explaination for going that route:

http://www.tniv.info/qanda.php#GENDER_N