Undis wrote:
However, the Apostle Paul taught that there was only One God by Nature, the Creator, and that NO creature could be God by Nature and NO creature should be worshiped as God. All other gods are just so-called "gods," not gods by nature.
Pilchard replies:
*** 1 Cor 8:5a For though there are things that are called “gods,” whether in the heavens or on earth;
So there are many things *called* gods. Obviously in name only.
*** 1 Cor 8:5b as(hosper) there are many “gods” and many “lords;”
In ADDITION to those there are many ACTUAL gods and lords.
The Greek word (hosper-"just as") *demands* these are an additional group
So here we have Paul telling us there are many gods. Some in name only but others that are genuine, bona-fide gods.
*** 1 Cor 8:6a yet to us(hemin) there is one God...
Notice the CLEAR qualification introduced to ensure we can't
mistakenly apply this statement universally?
It is the words "to us"(hemin). There is only one God "to us".
The Greek word (hemin - "to/for us") demands the statement can
NOT be applied as a universal truth. Merely a relative one.
So VERY CLEARLY the Christians have ONLY ONE God out of the
VERY MANY gods that exist, both in name only and genuine bonafide gods.
And who is this God?
*** 1 Cor 8:6b ...the Father...
Yes, the Father. Not the son and not the ghost.
Out of all the gods, Christians have only one God, the Father.
besty wrote:
If you don't have a better answer than that can I assume you are conceding the inconsistency of translation?
Pilchard replies:
I spend virtually all my time arguing from several translations, occasionally including the Greek texts where appropriate. I never use the NWT in debating the Bible or JW doctrine. Therefore I have had less reason to examine the underlaying Greek in any detail.
All translations have their limitations and none are perfect. However I am more interested in debating doctrine rather than translations.
PS:
Does anyone know why I am restricted to 10 posts per 24 hour period?
Is there some way to get this restriction lifter?