For many... the Bible translation they use will strongly influence their view of God, the world, Jesus Christ, sin and salvation. Therefore, those who translate the sacred text MUST be held to the highest of standards. A Bible "commentary" has a certain degree of latitude. However, a translation should reflect the writing of the original author - in toto.
I realize, there must always be a degree of 'interpretation' that will be exercised to - as accurately as possible - present the words and (more carefully) the thoughts of the author. However, a translator has NO right - what-so-ever - to interpret according to those standards that may seem a little more 'palatable' to the world. A watered-down gospel will always result. A word here, a 'catch-phrase' there, and the Gospel message is lost to the ever evasive scrutiny of modern-day critics. And we, in no way, should adjust the text to somehow, 'prick-the-curiosity' of the unbeliever, whether atheist, agnostic or skeptic. The Bible warns about adding or taking away from the writings of the revelation prophecy (Revelation 22:18-20). In other words - let the text speak for itself. Should this warning not be added to those parts that speak of God's great plan, and even greater gift - His only begotten Son, Jesus the Savior - which covers the whole of the biblical text?
[ Link ]
"This is not making scripture understandable to people today. It's reworking scripture to support a particular political or social agenda," said Timothy Paul Jones, a professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY who calls himself a "theological conservative."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Article - ELCA Leader Suggests Bible Not the Final Authority
In a recent townhall meeting the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) showed why that denomination is drifting theologically. Without a solid foundation - the Bible - anything goes!
[ Link ]
[ Link ]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
My Take on Things - Manhattan Declaration - The Church Awakens (but has it revived?)
[ Updated: 12/04/09 ]
Following literally decades of empty threats of common action, and endless rants against the worldliness of the society in which we live, the Church has at last been moved to action. And the catalyst - persecution. For years I have said, this would be the motivating element for unified action, and I am sorry to say... I was correct! Nevertheless, we have finally come together - to a greater or lesser degree - over some of the more critical moral issues of our day - the protection of human life (abortion, euthanasia, etc.), the protection of natural (aka traditional) marriage between one man and one woman, and the freedom to express ones Christian faith without fear of castigation, rebuke or reprisal. This document - the Manhattan Declaration - is that common-ground upon which we can now stand, united. And this is a good thing!
However, the question now is - what next?
Our declared stand will be tested. Of this there can be no doubt. So, will we stand fast? How united is our stance - how strong our resolve in the face of concentrated (and in many ways, ensconced), opposition? Well brothers and sisters, the answer lies within the heart and soul of each of those who have affixed their name to this document. It is not simply the drafters and original signers who can move this forward, but those who have declared their support by putting their names to this document out of honest, heart-felt conviction. But, will it prevail? Can it prevail? As Christians, our desire is to live in peace. Our Foundation Stone is the Author - the Prince - of peace, and promises peace to all who will trust Him, obey His commands and follow His example. It is part of our spiritual heritage as children of God. But, as Ecclesiastes so wisely announces, there is a time for peace, but also a time for war. And, though this is by no means a call to 'arms' (at least in the physical sense), it IS a call to battle stations. Thus, the question remains - are we both willing and able to support this document? Are we willing to give up a degree of our earthly peace (comfort) to achieve a commonly recognized degree of righteousness within our nation? We CAN afford it - but, are we willing to pay the price? The test will come all too quickly. Our antagonists are still recovering from the shock of this declaration. But, be fully aware... the battle has not been won simply because we have signed a document. As Jesus warned His disciples on the day of their greatest testing, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: [for] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." So, the question remains to be answered. The Church has indeed awakened from its coma! But... will it fully recover? My prayer is for a recovery that returns the Church to its New Testament vigor!!! [ to be continued ] ~ BlackRobe
THE DOCUMENT: "We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences to affirm our right—and, more importantly, to embrace our obligation—to speak and act in defense of these truths. We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in its fullness, both in season and out of season. May God help us not to fail in that duty...
Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's."
~ The preceding are excerpts from the Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience, Released November 20, 2009
The following links have been added to provide information sources concerning both sides of the discussion on this historic document. Since the declaration was issued by Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Evangelical Christians, these 'parties to the document' will be given preeminence in any and all subsequent discussions:
Manhattan Declaration
WorldView Times
VIDEOS: The Manhattan Declaration continues to gain momentum (over 390,000 signatures since its release), and the media is taking notice [see: Fox News]. The following dialogues between Mike Huckabee and Chuck Colson, as well as the exchange between Bill O'Reilly and Ann Coulter offer a hint of the conversations that will undoubtedly follow.
Following literally decades of empty threats of common action, and endless rants against the worldliness of the society in which we live, the Church has at last been moved to action. And the catalyst - persecution. For years I have said, this would be the motivating element for unified action, and I am sorry to say... I was correct! Nevertheless, we have finally come together - to a greater or lesser degree - over some of the more critical moral issues of our day - the protection of human life (abortion, euthanasia, etc.), the protection of natural (aka traditional) marriage between one man and one woman, and the freedom to express ones Christian faith without fear of castigation, rebuke or reprisal. This document - the Manhattan Declaration - is that common-ground upon which we can now stand, united. And this is a good thing!
However, the question now is - what next?
Our declared stand will be tested. Of this there can be no doubt. So, will we stand fast? How united is our stance - how strong our resolve in the face of concentrated (and in many ways, ensconced), opposition? Well brothers and sisters, the answer lies within the heart and soul of each of those who have affixed their name to this document. It is not simply the drafters and original signers who can move this forward, but those who have declared their support by putting their names to this document out of honest, heart-felt conviction. But, will it prevail? Can it prevail? As Christians, our desire is to live in peace. Our Foundation Stone is the Author - the Prince - of peace, and promises peace to all who will trust Him, obey His commands and follow His example. It is part of our spiritual heritage as children of God. But, as Ecclesiastes so wisely announces, there is a time for peace, but also a time for war. And, though this is by no means a call to 'arms' (at least in the physical sense), it IS a call to battle stations. Thus, the question remains - are we both willing and able to support this document? Are we willing to give up a degree of our earthly peace (comfort) to achieve a commonly recognized degree of righteousness within our nation? We CAN afford it - but, are we willing to pay the price? The test will come all too quickly. Our antagonists are still recovering from the shock of this declaration. But, be fully aware... the battle has not been won simply because we have signed a document. As Jesus warned His disciples on the day of their greatest testing, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: [for] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." So, the question remains to be answered. The Church has indeed awakened from its coma! But... will it fully recover? My prayer is for a recovery that returns the Church to its New Testament vigor!!! [ to be continued ] ~ BlackRobe
THE DOCUMENT: "We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences to affirm our right—and, more importantly, to embrace our obligation—to speak and act in defense of these truths. We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in its fullness, both in season and out of season. May God help us not to fail in that duty...
Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's."
~ The preceding are excerpts from the Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience, Released November 20, 2009
The following links have been added to provide information sources concerning both sides of the discussion on this historic document. Since the declaration was issued by Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Evangelical Christians, these 'parties to the document' will be given preeminence in any and all subsequent discussions:
Manhattan Declaration
WorldView Times
VIDEOS: The Manhattan Declaration continues to gain momentum (over 390,000 signatures since its release), and the media is taking notice [see: Fox News]. The following dialogues between Mike Huckabee and Chuck Colson, as well as the exchange between Bill O'Reilly and Ann Coulter offer a hint of the conversations that will undoubtedly follow.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
My Take on Things - Religious Humanism (Part 1)
Since the late 1970's and early 80's, when I first became aware of the radical changes that were taking place within our nation, I have harbored an increasingly urgent desire to warn my Christian American brothers and sisters about the freedoms that were slipping through our fingers - those basic freedoms that generations of Americans had fought and died to preserve - those fundamental freedoms for which our founding fathers pledged, "with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence", their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, to grant both to us and to future generations - if we could keep them. Few honest historians would argue the fact that our nation was founded upon a Judeo-Christian (i.e., a biblical) worldview. Yet, we find hostility and antagonism at most every political turn. What has happened? Well... while the journey to where we find ourselves today has been convoluted and somewhat halting, we must realize - the true antagonist has remained steady, methodical and focused in their quest - Religious Humanism.
Today called 'secular' Humanism (for fear the truth may be discovered), the founding doctrines of this movement - it's religious 'declaration of independence' - is consolidated within the 1933 document that defines the movement at its inception - a true religious atheism that desires to suppress, re-work, or better yet eradicate and replace all vestiges of the Christian faith, including that held by our founding fathers and other great patriots. The document called "Humanist Manifesto I" will bring light to the human force we battle. Understand - there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that, "...we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) However, we cannot deny the fact that these principalities use men as their minions, and this is their founding document - the canon of their faith. When we understand this document and those who embrace its tenets, the 'specifics' of the battle in which we are engaged, become crystal-clear. For, in far too many cases we view ourselves as battling individuals, groups, political parties or movements. But, the truth is - those who embrace this document (or its declarations - whether wittingly or unwittingly), cross all party lines, all levels of society and government, and even hold places of prominence and authority within our churches. We must understand - it is an underlying, fundamental belief system. It's goal is long-term, and absolute. It is the establishment of a new religion in America. A religion that has no tolerance for idealistic or traditionalist dissenters. One that desires absolute obedience from those over whom it must rule.
Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ - we need to know and understand our antagonists! We need to know what they believe. We need to know how they think. We need to understand their goals. For then and only then will the fog of battle be lifted and their objectives made crystal-clear. As the 4th century BC Chinese general & military strategist - Sun-Tzu so wisely put it, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." So, my dear brothers and sisters, read and understand! For their goal is the hearts and minds of our children and grandchildren. Therefore, this is a battle we dare not lose! That's my take on things. [ to be continued ] ~ BlackRobe (11/21/09)
Today called 'secular' Humanism (for fear the truth may be discovered), the founding doctrines of this movement - it's religious 'declaration of independence' - is consolidated within the 1933 document that defines the movement at its inception - a true religious atheism that desires to suppress, re-work, or better yet eradicate and replace all vestiges of the Christian faith, including that held by our founding fathers and other great patriots. The document called "Humanist Manifesto I" will bring light to the human force we battle. Understand - there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that, "...we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) However, we cannot deny the fact that these principalities use men as their minions, and this is their founding document - the canon of their faith. When we understand this document and those who embrace its tenets, the 'specifics' of the battle in which we are engaged, become crystal-clear. For, in far too many cases we view ourselves as battling individuals, groups, political parties or movements. But, the truth is - those who embrace this document (or its declarations - whether wittingly or unwittingly), cross all party lines, all levels of society and government, and even hold places of prominence and authority within our churches. We must understand - it is an underlying, fundamental belief system. It's goal is long-term, and absolute. It is the establishment of a new religion in America. A religion that has no tolerance for idealistic or traditionalist dissenters. One that desires absolute obedience from those over whom it must rule.
Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ - we need to know and understand our antagonists! We need to know what they believe. We need to know how they think. We need to understand their goals. For then and only then will the fog of battle be lifted and their objectives made crystal-clear. As the 4th century BC Chinese general & military strategist - Sun-Tzu so wisely put it, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." So, my dear brothers and sisters, read and understand! For their goal is the hearts and minds of our children and grandchildren. Therefore, this is a battle we dare not lose! That's my take on things. [ to be continued ] ~ BlackRobe (11/21/09)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Quote: "The Pulpit is Responsible..."
"If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discernment, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in Christianity, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it." ~ Rev. Charles Finney (1792-1875)
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