26 Comments God's cautions are for our good, and ignoring His guidance and commands opens us up to being misled. The CEV uses an even more simplified version of English than the GNT. This Message book should not be used at all. Eugene Peterson might be the William Tyndale of the 21st century or just an individual who wants to distort the bible or some who sincerely want to make the bible easy to read but making some mistakes. Jesus saying about having a generous eye probably refers to Gods blessing on those who are generous with their resources and time. they comfort me. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 41,316 Views. Teaching the New Testament can be a dangerous thing. It's a book of faith, written over four centuries by people with very different viewpoints and agendas. Im not afraid The King James Version 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. So, The Messagedoes speak about those who "use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex," but what in the world does that mean? 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Again, the attempt to make a translation that is simple for anyone comes at the cost of containing misleading text, such as claiming the Holy Spirit actually replaces Jesus (John 14:26) and gender-neutralizing Pauls instructions for a pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-5). Your trusty shepherds crook So notice: The Bible is not meant to be placed on a shelf, but to be in your hands, to read oftenevery day, both on your own and together with others.". Keep that in mind constantly and before searching for the truth, every single time dont forget You reject me therefore I will reject you, not only does satan deceive but also its God that blinds unbelievers, but will unblind if he chooses, so desire, ask Yahweh ( God) to remove your veil and guide you on your search for the truth and for the protection from satanic deception so youll not be deceived. I was appalled and immediately went home and read A LOT . One of those churches is the enormously popular Bethel Church (for a deeper look at Bethels unorthodox heretical practices and their use of The Passion Translation, see my article, Bethel's False Gospel). The Message is not only a poor paraphrase, but it is, in fact,heretical. I think we judge too harshly. Youre ablaze in beauty! You cannot say that just because divination is used in human sacrifice, it is evil. One of the most dangerous Bible revisions on the market today is "THE MESSAGE." This horrible PERversion which butchers the Word of God was published in 2002. . Cults therefore suppress personal opinion, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. We can get a glimpse of the strengths and weaknesses of The Message by . The leader does not state the source of the paraphrased writings so I believe that many are deceived not knowing the Word of God, especially new believers. 5) Contemporary English Version (CEV) - This translation is another work by the American Bible Society, commonly referred to as the Bible for Today's Family. He guides me along the right paths This was the only Bible they could get. It is specifically targeted toward U.S. English speakers with its use of American contemporary slang. The abandonment of the King James Bible by our churches has not been a good thing. One implies that the one being delivered is actually out there engaging the enemy (the devil), while the other gives more of a picture of holing up away from other people and not bothering to engage. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 13 And lead us not into temptation, A word-for-word translation like the ESV translates this as Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkeys colt!, The Living Bible translates this as, Dont be afraid of your King, people of Israel, for he will come to you meekly, sitting on a donkeys colt! Taylors use of dont be afraid is evidence that he does not realize that the common Hebrew expression of fear not means to have confidence.. This has been a concern for my friend Ken Berding, who has been doing detailed work in the Greek New Testament and several English translations. The Message Bible translation by Eugene H. Peterson is a paraphrase of the scriptures using modern English, the author claims he is trying to make the Bible understandable to the average person. I have enjoyed listening to Peter Hobbs reading message audio on youtube. your will be done, How many times have learned preachers over a couple of centuries, with over 32,000 denominations of The Way (the early name of Christianity in the days of the Early Church), read from Scripture and then got the context wrong in the rest of their message somewhere else? I know the author of it got parts of the Bible so right it blows your mind, but there are entire sections where he is dead wrong and injects false doctrine into it. And why are they persecuted? A church that uses the Message, is a church that has let culture invade the Kingdom. I hope this list has been helpful and will steer you in the right direction as to which Bible translations are profitable for training you up in righteousness. Compare Micah 3:5 in the MESSage bible to the King James Bible and others. To be fair, a more accurate comparison might be to the Jehovas The ESV reads: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Hoping it will appear in Google listings in time. 13 Dont bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. The result is a strongly sectarian translation that no longer counts as Scripture; by masquerading as a Bible it threatens to bind entire churches in thrall to a false god. The Passion Translation is even promoted by churches that share Simmons own theology (for example removing rebuking and correcting from 2 Timothy 4:2). Where is Sunday on the calender? Blessings my brothers n sisters stay in prayer n God Bless you all. He asked his people to respect his grace in Numbers. But, to repeat: It should neverbe used as your primary Bible, since it is not a translation of the Bible but rather a free paraphrase of the Bible. Yes. Ultimately, God is the judge and we are not. A striving after love, is the ethically more demanding choice (1 Corinthians 13:4), while the other, insisting on the right faith, more likely than not will lead to callousness (Gal 1:6-9). 2) The Passion Translation (TPT) - This is another paraphrase translation like The Message. "You have something divine in your hands: a book like fire! August 23, 2017 Also Amen means something different in every denomination. Taylor also inserts his own ideas into the passage, adding that Jesus will come to you meekly which is certainly not part of the original Greek manuscript. I had never heard of this Message until a couple of weeks ago when the leader at the church I attend put up verses on the front screen with the abbreviation after the scripture. My answer to the question remains the same today as it has always been: The Message is not a translation and should not be used as your primary Bible. You are right-on! For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. That's because by itself, the Bible is not a history book. Modern language Bibles are the ESV, NIV, NASB, NKJV The Message is one mans ideas on what he thinks the scriptures say and not the actual word of God. This is a useful place to start, given the controversy currently surrounding this popular, 84-year-old, Christian author. It is a trap that ensnares the poor and the weak and leads them away from the love of Christ. Jesus promises his disciples a reward in heaven for being persecuted and falsely accused in his name. He instead uses the 1901 American Standard Version as his foundation. But nowhere in Scripture is sound thinking discouraged. 1. This displays The Messageat its worst, and it's another reminder as to why we should never use it as our primary Bible. Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. That type of persuasion keeps them in the dark. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. In some places, The Message actually alters the gospel. I would question whether Peterson feels the same way. Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, "Introduction to the New Testament, from The Message", "2006 Christian Book Awards Winners - Bibles category", Eugene Peterson interview at a U2 fansite, The Holy Bible from Ancient Eastern Manuscripts, Jewish Publication Society of America Version, New Jewish Publication Society of America Tanakh, New English Translation of the Septuagint, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Message_(Bible)&oldid=1142387790, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Robert L. Hubbard Jr., North Park Theological Seminary (chair), Richard E. Averbeck, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Bryan E. Beyer, Columbia International University, Duane A. Garrett, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Donald R. Glenn, Dallas Theological Seminary, Paul R. House, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, John N. Oswalt, Asbury Theological Seminary, Prescott H. Williams Jr., Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, William W. Klein, Denver Seminary (chair), Moises Silva, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Rodney A. Whitacre, Trinity School of Ministry. Yes. Your email address will not be published. He goes so far as to say it's a form of sacrilege to speak of God in language that is "inflated into balloons of abstraction or diffused into the insubstantiality of lacey gossamer." 'Our Father in heaven, This is not a study Bible, but rather ""a reading Bible."" The verse numbers, which are not in the original documents, have been left out of the print version to facilitate easy and enjoyable reading. That is our job. When I first began to object due to the occult phrases and New Age terminology of The Message, in addition to its distortions of scripture my concerns were discussed with the church minister behind closed doors. HE speaks of things to steer clear of because they will more likely than not lead you to sin. We can get a glimpse of the strengths and weaknesses of The Messageby looking at how Dr. Peterson treated a number of key verses dealing with homosexual practice. That is where true salvation begins. Of course, here in America, the Bible has, until recently, been a . It's no wonder the Bible consistently warns against it. Peterson's goal in creating The Message, in his own words, was to "bring the New Testament to life for two different types of people: those who hadn't read the Bible because it seemed too distant and irrelevant and those who had read the Bible so much that it had become 'old hat'." Therefore, readers put a great deal more faith in the translators, as they are trusting their interpretation. Paraphrase is often written by a single author who translates the Bible in their own words, sometimes not even using the original biblical languages as a foundation. Verse Concepts. At one point, I emailed as many people in the church whose email addresses I could find, showing the problems with the book. Although it is a . It certainly waters down the living word and I cant see anything in that text that would convict anyone. This is something Ive had some trouble with at my church because speakers were prone to read out passages from The Message as part of the church service. Power . Keep us alive with three square meals. The Message is generally avoided but there is no hard and fast rule. Even in moderation, alcohol use causes significant problemsphysically, mentally, and spiritually. This is not new; it's normal. The Bible warns against personal interpretations of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20). Perhaps you can give me a link to read it? English Standard Version (ESV): Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! for you are with me; The reason it is so dangerous is that Satan blinds them and convinces them that God is not real, which keeps the person from pursuing spiritual truth, like the afterlife and the Creator of the universe. The Message Bible is an English-language translation of the Christian scriptures compiled by Eugene Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. Millions of evangelicals and other Christian fundamentalists believe that the Bible was essentially dictated by God to men who acted as human channelers. (Eph. No one can argue that if Mary was 1 day pregnant with JESUS, they would be hollering womens rights. Complaining isn't harmless sport; it's serious sin. Speakers were lacking in integrity to feed people from this book without first explaining the many problems with it. 11 Give us our food again today, as usual, "You do sports together or go shopping together. 1)It is often presented as being a Bible translation in modern language. They attempt to validate their erroneous theological claims by editing the Bible as they see fit. No. Since it is more of a commentary than a real Bible, it does not have the same effect of cutting into the depths of the heart. Surely Peterson should do the same. Jesus is warning the people that they must repent and turn away from their sins if they want to be saved from Gods judgement. 2) When pastors preach from it, it encourages people to use it, this is dangerous because the Message is full of errors, false doctrine, and occult philosophy. He outlined his grace in Leviticus. I admire your article and agree with the recommendation not to depend heavily on it alone. When studying the Word of God, one needs an authentic representation of the original autographs (the original manuscript of each of the 66 books of the Bible) while avoiding sources that would distort the original message from God. You can do anything you want! Schedule II: Drugs with some medically acceptable uses, but with high potential for abuse and/or addiction. Some scholars, like Michael J. Gorman, consider some of Peterson's idiomatic renderings unconventional. But I do prefer to use it to add clarity. 1Cor. (Dis)Honorable Mention: Two translations that most Christians know to avoid but should still be mentioned are the New World Translation (NWT), which was commissioned by the Jehovahs Witness cult and the Readers Digest Bible, which cuts out about 55% of the Old Testament and another 25% of the New Testament (including Revelation 22:19, which says, if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book). Look for Part 2 of this article, where we will review the top 5 Bible translations to use. " MARGARET FEINBERG, AUTHOR OF FIGHT BACK WITH JOY "The Message is original and refreshing. How do we know which book - The Bible, the Apocrypha, the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, etc. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Tom Morel Read more It seems the phrases You are in charge, you can do anything you want, you are ablaze in beauty is meant to replace for thine is the kingdom the power and the glory and the yes yes yes is meant to be a translation for amen. This is the latest development: a 16-page booklet available on Ebay.com that anyone around the world can order and give out: Youre in charge! This is why HE he stated that the Sabbath was made for man, man wasnt made for the Sabbath. The Message is a tool that, while not subjectively perfect for some, is quite ideal for others. It was then I got on the internet and read A LOT more and studied LOTS. This mans interpretation is not always correct, nor is it always what the Spirit wants YOU to get from it. Its because you have the spiritual gift of discernment! The same would be true for other versions or translations of the Bible, no? he leads me beside quiet waters, [2] It is a highly idiomatic translation, using contemporary slang from the US rather than a more neutral International English, and it falls on the extreme dynamic end of the dynamic and formal equivalence spectrum. Rather than allowing the Bible to expand his understanding, Peterson has often contracted the Bible to fit his own ideas, omitting those bits that he cannot fit, and adding his own material in far too many places. I would sit alone on a sofa with no one ready to converse with me. To them, the Bible is the world's most dangerous book. Readings from the book continued the same as before with the problems swept under the rug. He didn't. Verse Concepts. KJV vs. The purpose of those are the same as the Message, which is to make it more understandable to the reader. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (MSG) is a paraphrase of the Bible in contemporary English. Authored by Eugene H. Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. We are in a dark time. I was very surprised to find significant meanings. Doing so would be like saying that the fire used in the sacrifice is also evil. He has found that The Message often adds meaning to passages that are not present in the original Greek text. One such critic is biblical scholar and translator, Andrew G. Shead, who said in his article, Burning Scripture with Passion: A Review of The Psalms (The Passion Translation), that Simmons abandons all interest in textual accuracy, playing fast and loose with the original languages, and inserting so much new material into the text that it is at least 50% longer than the original. 4 Even when the way goes through Translation Comparison - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. He is asking them who directed them to flee from the wrath that is coming. Here's what to do if your recipients are seeing "This Message Seems Dangerous" in emails you send: 1. When he stated beauty, again, that is a synonym of glory. Your email address will not be published. Tags Bible Interpretation bible translations Dangerous Doctrine Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus Errors in the Message Bible ESV false teaching occult influence the Lord's prayer The Message Bible. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. And whenever I see people carrying The Messageinto church services, I groan, since I assume that, for those people, it istheir Bible. Confess to God. Throughout history, power has influenced a lot of good . I've even cited The Messagein some of my academic, biblical commentary writing. makes me feel secure. According to Psalm 138:2 God magnifies His Word above His name. I replied that as part of the body of Christ, she was responsible along with everyone else for ensuring that an authentic Bible gets used and not a book that misrepresents Gods word. Thats why officials must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage. As a white male . (To get more detail on The Living Bible, see Michael Marlowes detailed review here on bible-researcher.com). Would I use it as my only version? when you walk at my side. In his book the Bible he expressly commands us not to change his words (Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:19). Instead of using any of these misleading translations, we would do much better to quote the Word of God faithfully, which is perfect and God-breathed, instead of rewording Gods message to include our biases and personal opinions and beliefs. He translated from the original languages. 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: Instead, they must be kind and gentle and not love money. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. An overwhelming number of these translations suffer from the strong bias of an unfaithful group of translators. Just want to point out that Matthew 6 commonly includes a footnote now where it used to continue the prayer. How hard are you working at understanding the scriptures? (See 2 Timothy 2:15.) We no longer need to be slaves to the ways of this world; instead, we can walk according to Gods will and purpose for our lives. Copyright 2023, The Bottom Line Ministries. It would be smart to not confuse the Message with the actual word of God, it is a commentary and should be treated as such, meaning it is not divinely inspired and is full of errors. In addition, Matthew 6:20 speaks of the lamp of the body being the eye. It could also refer to sincerity; if ones eyes are windows into their soul, then having a sincere heart will be reflected in ones actions and words. Each phrase is considered so perfect that. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Like I said, it is a commentary, not a translation and it should be treated as such. 6. Problems With Peterson's Philosophical Approach. 6 the end of the Lords Prayer is about forgiving not Gods attributes you may be confusing scripture with the Doxology/song. In this section of the sermon, Jesus uses the example of wildflowers to illustrate how God provides for all creatures. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it emptied of God and love, godless and loveless wretches. Amen. will inherit the kingdom of God. The Message has sold over 10 million copies and has continually ranked among the top five best-selling Bibles. "The Message offers vibrant language that awakens my heart to the wonders of God's Word again and again. Eugene Peterson made his translation when there were already 20 Bible versions out there. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language ( MSG) is a paraphrase of the Bible in contemporary English. English Standard Version (ESV): The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. A historic first: Vietnam allows Franklin Graham to hold evangelism event with 300 churches, Teen who had breasts removed says health system lacks 'standards of care', School district rejects student-teachers from Arizona Christian University, Its smut: Kid reads sexually graphic book he got from school library to school board members, Ukraine war exposes weaknesses in Russia and the West, ChatGPT, consciousness and the human mind, Saving a Sick America: A Prescription for Moral and Cultural Transformation, Eugene Peterson and Jesus Cannot Both Be Right, Eugene Peterson Retracts Support for Gay Marriage, Says He Was 'Put on the Spot', Vicky Beeching on Eugene Peterson Controversy: 'American Christians' Opposition to LGBT Equality Tied to Money', U2's Bono Teams Up With Pastor Eugene Peterson to Release Documentary on the Psalms. 9 Pray along these lines: Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. He did not say Peterson did not speak Gods Attributes in his rendition of Lords Prayer, he said the original text did not so there-for Peterson should not have added it to the prayer. There are sections where the message really brings an idea into easy-to-understand language, but for me there is far too much dumbing down and softening of scripture. answer the question why the message bible is dangerous, which will help you get the most accurate answer. The last words in the MESSage are enough to convince me this book is not for me. So, if the Bible is the Word of God, and God is perfect, it follows that the Bible must be perfect, too. With verse markings (The Message: The Numbered Edition): This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 03:21. Tyndale got a Bible into the hands of the common person. And there were other translation before the KJ Bible. I wish you all the best! Speaking of deception, the Sabbath day is the 7th day. "Eugene H. Peterson, 85, Scholar Turned Homespun Pastor, Dies". Read full chapter. I remember complaining that if the church hall was hired for a function, as it often was, a member of the local community could come in, pick up the copy of The Message from the bookshelf and read a false gospel in it. you find me quiet pools to drink from. Bible translations will vary between these three categories and it is important to know which translation falls into which category, along with other attributes that will make the translation either a faithful representation of the original, infallible, and inerrant Word of God or a misleading book posing as a Bible. How is the Bible inspired? Ignorant people are either unaware or uninformed. There was no malice in eating and therefore not offensive. The second most dangerous way to read the Bible is to let someone create preconceived notions for you. Almost all of Christianity is deceived and doesnt know the truth. Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful. https://www.ebay.com/itm/115037693742 You should seek understanding through the Holy Spirit, not through the eyes of man. How do we know the Bible is not just a fairy tale? The Message, a loose paraphrase of the Bible, is often treated as a translation. Although I was never rude in my emails, seven people complained about me to the church office in one day. 2) When pastors preach from it, it encourages people to use it, this is dangerous because the Message is full of errors, false doctrine, and occult philosophy. Isaiah lived this name well, insisting that Judah's kings and people trust only in God, make no alliances with foreign nations, and refuse to fear anyone but God. 12 And forgive us our debts, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. It is far more difficult to treat with love and kindness someone who disagrees with your faith than it is to denounce and dismiss them (as Paul did). 4 Even though I walk Firstly, ALL Bibles such as NKJV, NIV etc are paraphrasing. I appreciate the years of effort that were put into it, and I recognize it for what it is, with all its great strengths and great weaknesses. ", In fact, you might even turn to your partner as you read the verses together and say, "That doesn't describe us! Are you relying on the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding? Those who gossip & slander are not in right fellowship with God (Rom. They must not be heavy drinkers or troublemakers. The cost of theological confusion is too great a price to pay to rely on this version of the Bible as a source of truth.