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by thebradleys from Semi-demi rural WCFL

Last Post 199 days Ago


I believe... but which one is the right one?
May 30, 2008 | 3:47 PM
Category: Faith
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Well, this seems as good a place as any to find some answers to some long standing questions I have.

In the second grade I received a Bible as a birthday gift from a fellow student.   That Bible served me well through my school's sponsoring church and during my confirmation studies at our other church.  That same said Bible, by now highlighted, dogearred, and with notes scribbled in it, went with me to yet a new church when I was in college and taught Sunday School.

AND YET that same Bible was NOT acceptable at the church I last became a member of.  I needed to use "their" denomination-specific Bible.

Now, there are hundreds (?) of versions of the Bible.  One would THINK though that while the verbage may differ, the chapters and verses would numerically align; HOWEVER, some verses mysteriously disappear in some versions.

We all know the verbage changes; for example, King James did not appreciate female priests so had them changed to male priests... the list goes on.

So tell me, while the WORDS are inspired by God, did God ALSO inspire which books (written by whom) were to be included in the actual Bible?  Has not MAN influenced what it is we are reading?  And why?

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Member Comments Total Comments: 17
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PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 1, 2008 | 7:06 PM

Hey Bradley's, I'm curious, what Bible version are you using, that this new church your attending has a beef with. Also, if you can just tell me the denomination of church you are now attending I can probably answer your question better.
elkahna read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 6:39 AM

Same question as PastorD.

I would like to help

elkahna
thebradleys read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 6:42 AM

Lutheran - the original lapsed Catholics!

Our school-sponsoring church was Missouri Synod as well as one of our churches here.
My confirmation was in an ELCA denomination.
Where I taught Sunday School was LCMS.
Our other church down here, WELS.

Original Bible used, Revised Standard Version.

WELS use only New International Version.

Thank you PastorD - you are always such a reliable source. I hope you are doing well and staying somewhat cool in this heat! I look forward to your response - thank you.
thebradleys read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 6:42 AM

Thank you elkahna. :)
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 10:50 AM

The main difference between these two along with the CLC is: The difference in interpretation of "WHAT" the Bible says about "Church Fellowship". Pretty crazy, but thats what the big split was about.

a lot of churches today like to use the NIV because it is easier to read and understand. However the King James language style is really the closer translation. I had to take Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. The problem that Bible translators have/had is that some of these langauges "DON'T" really translate. There is NO english word to compare, so they would vote on a word to use.

In my opinion it's a lot of Hair-Splitting!
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 10:59 AM

I do have issues with some Bible versions personally. The Morman Bible and Seventh Day Adventism and Jehovah's Witnesses have distorted several scriptual teachings. Seventh Day for example have revered Ellen G. White and her writings to a dangerous extent. In practice, her interpretations are accepted as divinely authoritative. Adventist then distort to support Mrs. White's "vision"
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 11:09 AM

The Jehovah's Witnesses have produced their own translation of the Bible, known as The New World Translation. As with other literature of theirs, it is distributed around the world and it's producers are anonymous. hus, there is no way of knowing the credentials of its translators and whether the worked from the original languages or from interlinear editions and other translations. It often distorts passages in order to make them conform to the erroneous doctrines of the Jehovah's Witness. Here is a good expample- John 1:1 is rendered "the WORD was a god" in order to deny the diety of Jesus Christ, but this is in contrary to Greek grammer. There is no definate article in Greek corresponding to our - a and an.
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 11:14 AM

So when John writes, "The Word was God," there is no call for including an English indefinate article. The only reason for using English indefinate article would be if MORE than one true God were revealed anywhere in the Old or New Testament. But the Bible nowhere suggest the existence of more than one true God.
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 11:25 AM

I personally own 22 different Bibles with computer software for all kinds of Biblical research engines. IMHO, as long as it is a "VALID" TRANSLATION there should not be a problem.

Some churches do like their members to use the same translation to keep everyone on the same page during services (scripture readings together). The Childrens classes at my church use the NIV. Again, it is easier for the kids to understand.

Hopes this helps. Didn't mean to ramble, but lots of important information to consider. :+)
elkahna read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 3:36 PM

I'm partial to the KJV but like PastorD I own several, it helps with study and understanding some of the more colorful and flowing language. I use a parallel (hope I spelled that close to right) when something is not quite clear or not understood. The amplified Bible helps me a lot. Other than that, PastorD pretty much hit all the high spots

Enjoy the Lord and your study

elkahna
elkahna read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 3:42 PM

I missed the question asked about inspiration of all the books of the Bible. The Bible in any authorized translation, not a denominational specific, is ALL the GOD breathed and inspired Word. It is complete in its content and though all penned by the hand of a man it is completely inspired of the Triune God. It may sound to simple but this is something to which there is no middle ground you either believe it as His word or you don't. We cant pick and choose the parts we like and disgard the rest. I have a blog article titled "Lord of all or not at all" it would be a good read and inspire thought and study" Thanks for the opportunity to help, I hope I did

elkahna
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 6:38 PM

You can also google: Canonization of the Bible. Several web sites will give information on the whys/hows of inclusion. There were many requirements that writings had to meet in order for inclusion. Several Apocryphal works are in some Bibles and NOT in others. Apocryphal means "things that are hidden". It is the collection of 15 books. They are included in the official Latin Bible, the Vulgate. All except 1 & 2 Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh are considred canonical (in the Bible) and authorative by the Roman Catholic Church.
PastorD read my blog view my photos
Jun 2, 2008 | 6:49 PM

From the time of the Reformation, the apocryphal books have been omitted from the canon of Protestant churches. The Apocrypha represents various types of literature: historical, romance, wisdom, devotional and apocalyptic. There is still much debate about these books and I believe there always will be. I have a collection of all of them.

Yikes, I have written a book here. lol I think I'm going to start a class. There are many things that confuse people. I'm just glad people still have the desire to know HIM! :+)
thebradleys read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 7:24 PM

(I will never learn to type without typos - this is my third attempt to post this without a typo...had to delete myself twice!)

Thank you PastorD and elkahna for such thoughtful responses. I've done that rare thing and printed up the info so I can do my own "studying up."

It is SO nice to know we have a spot to get some quality answers.

My confirmation verse:

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 24:13-14

(Thought I would share...somehow, it seems appropriate.)
elkahna read my blog
Jun 2, 2008 | 9:44 PM

Hey the bradleys

These words came to me to share with you:

Proverbs Chap 8 VS 11,12,17,35

"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence and find out knowledge of witty inventions. I love them that love me (wisdom) and those that seek me early shall find me.For whoso finds me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord."

Be Blessed with knowledge of Him

elkahna
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thebradleys

We have watched Good Day Tampa Bay and Fox News 13 since it became Fox many, many years ago. I've lived on this coast since 1982 but hail from Horse Country, TN. In RL I not only run two websites, but am researching a compilation work for publication (I can disappear for days in my books!) I work with wildlife (naturally Cynthia Smoot is one of my fave journalists!) and I like to participate in the "wildlife" here on the Blogs - a little human interaction is a refreshing change on occasion. However, hiding behind a monitor does not give one license to be rude; personal attacks reveal their maker's own inadequacies and insecurities as a speaker. (Is that the best ya' got???) Thoughts and opinions may differ (thank God for choice as Americans!), but the more reasonable a differing opinion sounds, the more likely the listener is to consider it fairly. Be safe, be fair, be nice - and most importantly, don't run with scissors. They haven't invented downloadable bandaids yet.

Member Since: 2/14/2007


 

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