Not just another Bible. (page 6)

Bleep

I never wondered about the online downloads at all. There are many downloadable operating systems like Linux from UNIX that are free but then again they have the manual on a website. It would be a good idea for those who live way out in the wild or outback to have the Bible. But if they are way out in the wild they better have a laptop.

The New World Translation should be available to all but then again that is why the Witnesses have assigned territory. Also, the Bible should be used with a Bible study with one of Jehovah's Witnesses if at all possible. It is still possible to obtain a full understanding of God's word by yourself; but it is an encouragement to have a Bible study group. One of the criteria for being an active witness would be going to meetings unless they need to live in a bubble. After this knowledge is obtained most people love to share what they found with others. Just think about how much more knowledge that can be shared if everyone knew about the Bible. We only live for a short period of time then we die. We will still know what we know now except for bad memories when the resurection begins. That will be a time for study of the Bible indeed! Being perfect would really help Bible students. At that time most people will have enough knowledge to combat Satan.

hillary_step

We only live for a short period of time then we die.

lol...What a squonka this kid is.

HS

JanH

Kenneson,

Some translations use Junia, a woman's name, rather than Junias, a man's name. One Bible dictionary says she probably was the wife of Andronicus. These individuals preceded Paul into Christianity and were prisoners with him, at Rome. Why couldn't a woman be prominent among the Apostles?

Not only the NWT, but virtually all translations by the major churches and denominations try to pretend that the apostle Paul referred to a male apostle named "Junias". Now, grammatically that is a possible name. The problem is that we have no record ever of a male name "Junias" in the hellenistic world, but many records of females named "Junia." I have actually never seen a Greek scholar seriously arguing that "Junias" is a correct rendering. Yet, this near-unanimous agreement among scholars that there once was a prominent female apostle named Junia has not found its way into many Bible translations. This is obviously for political reasons.

It is also interesting to see how many hoops many Christians jump through to pretend Phoebe wasn't a deacon in her congregation. Furthermore, by reading the Greek, you will see that the term "elder" is gender-neutral (so much for "older men" in NWT), and some places the context strongly suggests it could be women as well as men.

It is surely true that the NWT is theologically biased, but so is all other translations. What also counts against the NWT is a hypocritical inconsistency and a crappy English.

- Jan

hillary_step

Exactly Jan,

It is also interesting to see how many hoops many Christians jump through to pretend Phoebe wasn't a deacon in her congregation. Furthermore, by reading the Greek, you will see that the term "elder" is gender-neutral (so much for "older men" in NWT), and some places the context strongly suggests it could be women as well as men.

It is impossible to present a resonable theological argument that suggests that Phoebe did not have some position of authority, at least equalling that of Stephen within the early Christian church. The early Christians seemed to have a more enlightened view of the male / female theolgical relationships, given the era, than many churches today. Even Paul's statement that 'women remain silent in the congregation' has been taken out of context, it's true meaning distorted and then has been used to imprison women for centuries. After all it was he that declared the Body of Christ as being 'neither male nor female'.

It is of interest that even the WTS used the 'Pheobe' 'Deacon' or Ministerial Servant' argument a couple of years ago at a PR meeting that I attended. The speaker from Brooklyn gave support, using this issue as to why JW women are so heavily used in WTS, PR and Legal. Of course they do not have the courage to present this information to the rank-and-file as they well know that women within the WTS are usually as well educated, if not more so, than the men. Their only recourse seems to be to label any women with opinions as a 'Jezebel' influence within the congregation.

Thanks Jan- HS

LittleToe

Jan:

What's the most unbiased translation that you've come across?

Bleep

hillary_step wrote this tidbit of info, "Has this been cut and pasted without the authors acknowledgement or are you part of the infamous Writing Team...lol"

I have to have permission from Jehovah right?

Yes I use the Watchtower Library just like you, it is a great resource. Often times it has good information in the Bible. You know that since data base management can be very usefull in business and research.

Sometimes I get asked 10 questions per week here about the Bible and it brings a speady answer. Many many times I have stated that the author is of the Watchtower Society (That's in New York). This IS a site about watching the Watchtower isn't it? The only reason that you dont use it hillary_step is becouse you are not a Jehovah's Witness and probably will never be one.

No one will try to question the Watchtower here since it is backed up by the Bible. They like to question small issues about the management of the Kingdom Hall since it is different. Maybe it is different since Jehovah is the one directing us threw the Bible? We do what Jehovah says like the old days. We do what is ethical and conduct ourselves in a business and professional way out in field service. Just the way Jesus Christ did. We offer everything free not just to add to our orginization. The door goes both ways. Of course there are still alot of good people in the world who are not Jehovah's people. He seeks them out and it does take time to come to an accurate knowledge of the Bible.

The guy who made this site asked Jehovah if he can use his name? He was a witness true and now he has rights to use that name?

jgnat

As a faithful Witness, what is your opinion on Johann Gutenburg's standing with Jehovah?

JanH

Hi LT,

What's the most unbiased translation that you've come across?

I don't like to use the word "unbiased", but I do prefer the New Jerusalem Bible and for the OT I prefer the JPS Tanakh. They tend to be the most accurate (especially when you consider the footnotes) for my purposes.

If you really want to build an argument on a specific wording, and you are not sufficiently fluent in the ancient languages yourself, you'd better consult several translations and a few good Bible commentaries as well. Other tools and handbooks can be useful, too, but if you don't know the relevant language, e.g. Koine Greek, you waste your time with a dictionary, IMO.

- Jan

Bleep

A good artist and I am sure he did good work. He used the Bible in a good way. There are a lot of art workings in the Watchtower. None of the work would say that we have to watch Jehovah. Since the Bible says he never lies. That is what this site promotes people to do with no Ethics.

larc

Bleep, apparently you have missed the point of Hllery showing that several of your comments were lifted directly from the Watchtower. It is unethical to write something and not give the source and the exact reference for the material. Of course, the Society does it all the time, so perhaps you are simply ignorant of proper research protocal and not unethical. In either case, you are wrong and you should cut it out. In the future, please indicate what is a quote, and give the reference so others can check the source and its context. Your practice of doing otherwise seriously affects your credibility, both as a researcher and as a thinker.

Not just another Bible.

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