Evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived. We have an articles about this from years ago, see http://www.Jesus-is-Lord.com/niv.htm and now see how it is coming to pass. The following are emails we received. Subject: Bible to Be Issued in Gender-Neutral Version Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 09:25:43 -0500 ----- Original Message ----- Bible to Be Issued in Gender-Neutral Version Monday, January 28, 2002 The Bible, which once taught men how to be better God-fearing citizens, will now teach "people" the same lesson. Starting with its next update, America's most popular modern Bible is going to be gender neutral, the International Bible Society said Monday. The new version will be called "Today's New International Version," or TNIV, with a New Testament on sale in April and the full Bible expected by 2005. The original "New International Version," which has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide since 1978, will remain on the market. Examples of some changes from 1978 to 2002: "sons of God" to "children of God" in Matthew 5:9, and "a man is justified by faith" to "a person is justified by faith" in Romans 3:28. A publicity release says "the TNIV is not merely a gender-accurate edition of the NIV," because 70 percent of the changes do not relate to gender. Also, terms referring to God and Jesus Christ have not been altered. Both versions, the work of evangelical translators, are especially popular in the conservative, Protestant heart of America's competitive Bible market. The idea of a gender-neutral has drawn fierce criticism from traditionalists. Randy Stinson, executive director of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a Louisville, Ky., group that works to preserve gender specific language, said Monday he had not yet seen the revisions but was concerned that word meanings may have been altered. "This is incredibly serious to evangelicals, how the Bible is translated," Stinson said. "We believe the Bible is the word of God, so changing these things deliberately is dangerous." [Re 22: 18-19] Scott Bolinder, executive vice president and publisher at Zondervan, said there are relatively few changes involving gender and those have only been made "to reflect the original meaning of the text." "There's no social agenda," he said. The older version's gender usage became hotly disputed in 1997 when World magazine, a conservative weekly, reported that the Bible society was working on an inclusive-language revision. The society had already published such an edition with a British publisher. When Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest U.S. Protestant denomination, and James Dobson of the influential "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast criticized the language plan, the Bible Society changed its mind and halted publication of Britain's inclusive edition. After meeting with its critics, the society said it had "abandoned all plans for gender-related changes in future editions of the New International Version." Throughout this change, the wordplay's the thing. Technically, the Bible Society, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., is hewing to the letter of its pledge because the latest version won't replace the "New International Version" it will just be sold alongside the older translation. Like the 1978 Bible, the new version is aimed at Protestants, and will not appear in an edition with the extra biblical books recognized by Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. The major U.S. sales competitor for the NIV has been the venerable King James Version. But the international versions will now also have to compete with two evangelical translations that appeared last year: "English Standard Version" from Crossway, a slight update of the 1952 Revised Standard Version that makes modest use of gender-free terminology. "Holman Christian Standard Bible" from Broadman & Holman, the Southern Baptist book house, which rejects gender-neutral wording. It is currently available only in the New Testament, with the full Bible due in 2004. The new translation has cost $2 million to date. Zondervan of Grand Rapids, Mich., which is owned by Harper Collins and holds North American rights for both versions, did not disclose other financial terms. All or part of the Bible is currently available in some 70 English translations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. -------------------------------- A link to a CNN article on this subject-- http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/books/01/28/new.bible.ap/index.html (AP) -- The International Bible Society said Monday that America's best-selling modern version of the Bible is about to get an update using gender-neutral wording -- despite past criticism of that idea from conservatives. [Another email we received:] Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2002 09:59:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: Look at this http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/ http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/news/0102/0128bible.html "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient…" Titus 1:16. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 1.28.2002] New gender-neutral Bible to debut in April The Associated Press The International Bible Society said Monday that America's best-selling modern Bible is about to get an update using gender-neutral wording, despite past criticism of that idea from conservatives. The revision will be called "Today's New International Version," or TNIV. The original "New International Version," which has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide since 1978, will remain on the market. The New Testament of the latest version goes on sale in April with the full Bible including Old Testament books expected by 2005. Zondervan of Grand Rapids, Mich., owned by HarperCollins, holds North American rights for both versions. To date, the Bible society and Zondervan have spent $2 million to develop the new translation but they did not disclose other financial terms. Both versions, the work of evangelical translators, are especially popular in the conservative, Protestant heart of America's competitive Bible market. The older version's gender usage became hotly disputed in 1997 when World magazine, a conservative weekly, reported that the Bible society was working on an inclusive-language revision. The society had already published such an edition with a British publisher. Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest U.S. Protestant denomination, criticized the language change, as did James Dobson of the influential "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast. After meeting with critics, the Bible society said it would halt publication of Britain's inclusive edition and had "abandoned all plans for gender-related changes in future editions of the New International Version." The Bible society, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., isn't quite abandoning its pledge because the latest version won't replace the "New International Version" -- it will just be sold alongside the older translation. Examples of some changes from 1978 to 2002: "sons of God" to "children of God" in Matthew 5:9, and "a man is justified by faith" to "a person is justified by faith" in Romans 3:28. A publicity release says "the TNIV is not merely a gender-accurate edition of the NIV," because 70 percent of the changes do not relate to gender. Also, terms referring to God and Jesus Christ have not been altered. Like the 1978 Bible, the new version is aimed at Protestants, and will not appear in an edition with the extra biblical books recognized by Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. The major U.S. sales competitor for the NIV has been the venerable King James Version. But the international versions will now also have to compete with two evangelical translations that appeared last year: --"English Standard Version" from Crossway, a slight update of the 1952 Revised Standard Version that makes modest use of gender-free terminology. --"Holman Christian Standard Bible" from Broadman & Holman, the Southern Baptist book house, which rejects gender-neutral wording. It is currently available only in the New Testament, with the full Bible due in 2004. All or part of the Bible is currently available in some 70 English translations. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! http://auctions.yahoo.com Another email: New Gender-Neutral Bible Planned By RICHARD N. OSTLING .c The Associated Press The International Bible Society said Monday that America's best-selling modern Bible is about to get an update using gender-neutral wording, despite past criticism of that idea from conservatives. The revision will be called ``Today's New International Version,'' or TNIV. The original ``New International Version,'' which has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide since 1978, will remain on the market. The New Testament of the latest version goes on sale in April with the full Bible including Old Testament books expected by 2005. Zondervan of Grand Rapids, Mich., owned by HarperCollins, holds North American rights for both versions. To date, the Bible society and Zondervan have spent $2 million to develop the new translation but they did not disclose other financial terms. Both versions, the work of evangelical translators, are especially popular in the conservative, Protestant heart of America's competitive Bible market. Randy Stinson, executive director of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a Louisville, Ky., group that works to preserve gender specific language, said Monday he had not yet seen the revisions but was concerned that word meanings may have been altered. ``This is incredibly serious to evangelicals, how the Bible is translated,'' Stinson said. ``We believe the Bible is the word of God, so changing these things deliberately is dangerous.'' The older version's gender usage became hotly disputed in 1997 when World magazine, a conservative weekly, reported that the Bible society was working on an inclusive-language revision. The society had already published such an edition with a British publisher. Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest U.S. Protestant denomination, criticized the language change, as did James Dobson of the influential ``Focus on the Family'' radio broadcast. After meeting with critics, the Bible society said it would halt publication of Britain's inclusive edition and had ``abandoned all plans for gender-related changes in future editions of the New International Version.'' The Bible society, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., isn't quite abandoning its pledge because the latest version won't replace the ``New International Version'' - it will just be sold alongside the older translation. Examples of some changes from 1978 to 2002: ``sons of God'' to ``children of God'' in Matthew 5:9, and ``a man is justified by faith'' to ``a person is justified by faith'' in Romans 3:28. A publicity release says ``the TNIV is not merely a gender-accurate edition of the NIV,'' because 70 percent of the changes do not relate to gender. Also, terms referring to God and Jesus Christ have not been altered. Like the 1978 Bible, the new version is aimed at Protestants, and will not appear in an edition with the extra biblical books recognized by Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. The major U.S. sales competitor for the NIV has been the venerable King James Version. But the international versions will now also have to compete with two evangelical translations that appeared last year: ``English Standard Version'' from Crossway, a slight update of the 1952 Revised Standard Version that makes modest use of gender-free terminology. ``Holman Christian Standard Bible'' from Broadman & Holman, the Southern Baptist book house, which rejects gender-neutral wording. It is currently available only in the New Testament, with the full Bible due in 2004. All or part of the Bible is currently available in some 70 English translations. On the Net: International Bible Society: http://www.gospelcom.net/ibs AP-NY-01-28-02 1111EST -----Original Message----- From: Best of the Christian Web Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002 12:14:18 -0500 (EST) To: glen@baptistmail.com Subject: BOTCW Newsletter 02.06.02 Best of the Christian Web Newsletter February 8, 2002 http://www.botcw.com Issue Number 39 ------------------------------------------------------------------ ** Agape Enterprises AGAPE ENTERPRISES Agape Enterprises ** ------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking for great Christian t-shirts, art & gifts? Redecorating? Agape has what you need! Real variety, affordable prices! *Special Coupon* Enter BOTCW in the coupon code for an added savings of 10% off of your order of $50 or more (before shipping). Limited time only for BOTCW subscribers! Log on to: http://www.AgapeEnterprisesInc.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ TNIV ALTERS WORD OF GOD - Changes Gender References International Bible Society Bows to Political Correctness ------------------------------------------------------------------ Last week, Zondervan and the International Bible Society (IBS) announced plans to publish Today's New International Version of the Bible. Zondervan officials say the new version uses generic language where the meaning of the text was intended to include both men and women. Examples of some changes include "sons of God" being changed to "children of God," and "brothers" becoming "brothers and sisters". These changes have received approval from several "Biblical Scholars" and professors. But, many more are expressing their concern over the liberties that IBS translators took with the original manuscripts. Some of the most respected scholars in the Christian community have refused to support this translation, including two Southern Baptist Convention seminary presidents, R. Albert Mohler Jr. of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Paige Patterson of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, along with Wayne Grudem of Phoenix Seminary in Scottsdale, Ariz., and a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society; Harold O.J. Brown of Reformed Theological Seminary; R.C. Sproul of Ligonier Ministries; John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis; and Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. of First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, Ga. These scholars issued the following statement: "In light of troubling translation inaccuracies -- primarily (but not exclusively) in relation to gender language -- that introduce distortions of the meanings that were conveyed better by the original NIV, we cannot endorse the TNIV translation as sufficiently accurate to commend to the church." Best of the Christian Web Response After reviewing the changes made in the TNIV and reading numerous articles and quotes from respected Christian leaders, Best of the Christian Web can not endorse this translation. I believe this is a direct attempt to bring to market a politically correct Bible that meets the approval of today's feminist movement. IBS has taken it upon themselves to decide what the authors of the Bible MEANT too say or SHOULD have said instead of producing an accurate translation of what they ACTUALLY said. Thousands of years ago the original Old Testament manuscripts were meticulously copied by hand, letter by letter. Great care was taken so as not to change one letter when copying. What if each generation of scribes had made small changes to reflect their times and to make the manuscripts "easier to read". I dare say we would have a much different Bible than we have today. The translators of today should be as meticulous as the Scribes that created the original manuscripts we have today. Unfortunately, IBS was not as meticulous as the Scribes. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Other Responses to Zondervan's Decision to Publish the TNIV ------------------------------------------------------------------ James Dobson - "... I am now adding my name to the list of those who disagree with the liberties IBS has taken with God's Word in the new translation." http://www.family.org/welcome/press/a0019505.html Bible Scholars Claim "Gender-Neutral" Bible Distorts Scripture http://www.cbmw.org/resources/tniv/scholars.html WorldMag - Playing Word Games: IBS Unveils Gender-Normed NIV Under New Name. http://www.worldmag.com/world/issue/02-09-02/opening_2.asp ------------------------------------------------------------------ *** EXAMPLES OF CHANGES FROM NIV TO TNIV *** ------------------------------------------------------------------ NIV Hebrews 2:6 What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? TNIV Hebrews 2:6 What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Comment: Removes the possibility of connecting this with Jesus, who called himself "the Son of Man." Mistranslates the singular Greek words huios ("son") and anthropos ("man"). No longer calls the human race "man," but "mere mortals." This adds the idea of mortality that is not in the Greek text. (Note that man as created by God was not mortal, and this passage has creation language in it.) NIV Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? TNIV Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their parents? Comment: Mistranslates Greek terms huios ("son") and pater ("father"), which in their singular forms cannot mean "child" or "parent." Obscures the parallel with God as Father. NIV Luke 17:3 If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. TNIV: Luke 17:3 If any brother or sister sins against you, rebuke the offender; and if they repent, forgive them. Comment: (1) Inserts "or sister," which Jesus did not say. Jesus is using a single male individual ("your brother") as an example of a general truth, but TNIV will not let him do this. (Greek can say "brother or sister" when it wishes, as in James 2:15 "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.") (2) Translates Greek singular pronoun autos ("he, him") as "them," which is fuzzy "PC grammar" in written English and puzzles readers who will wonder if Jesus meant that plural people ("they") had to repent. (This change to what the TNIV preface calls "singular 'they/their/them'" has been done throughout the whole New Testament.) ...