| Author |
Message |
Thomas1
Registered user
Username: Thomas1
Post Number: 195
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 12:27 pm: |     |
I have not heard the VOP since moving to Florida, several years ago. However, the last few times I heard it, the ONLY Bible quoted was the Clear Word. This was even befofe I knew what it was. So, yes, they are using it in an official capacity. |
Bb
Registered user
Username: Bb
Post Number: 125
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 9:16 pm: | |
Ok, here is my take on the "Clear Word". First of all I don't have it and haven't read it, but I will believe everyone about the overwhelming twist toward the ideas of EGW. That seems clear!
It could be that the man who did the paraphrasing just wanted a more interesting and understandable Bible based on the teachings that he believed in.
And right now it may seem innocent enough.
However, doesn't everyone agree that mixing truth and error is VERY dangerous? I believe that is the devil's most powerful tool right now. Look at the Da Vinci Code! They can get away with this book by saying it is "fiction", yet based on fact. Well, there is so much error in the supposed "fact", that one reviewer said it would be like writing a book on World War II but rewriting history. People read ficticious stories on history, but the history is all accurate or the reader would feel that it was stupid. They said it would be like saying something about the "King of the United States" and everyone would think that was so absurd because everyone knows there is no king here. Well the problem with this book is that most people are not savvy on historical Christianity. So we have truth and error mixed, and if you don't know any better, which is truth and which is fiction? Very dangerous. That is how I feel the Clear Word Bible is.
Did I make any sense?  |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 3980
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 10:35 pm: | |
You did, Bb, and I agree!
Colleen |
Jeremy
Registered user
Username: Jeremy
Post Number: 1295
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 8:36 pm: | |
Did anyone else receive the Adventist Book Center Summer Sale catalog?
On page 11, the only "Bibles" in the entire 32-page catalog are listed: five different editions of The Clear Word. The Clear Word is the only "Bible" advertised in this ABC catalog.
The five different editions are as follows:
The Clear Word Giant Print: "With the beloved paraphrase now available in giant print, God's word [sic] is both easy to understand and easy to read!"
The Clear Word Psalms and Proverbs
The Clear Word Easy English: "This fresh, simple-to-read edition of The Clear Word will make God's Word come alive, especially for those who want a fresh look at the old stories or who are learning English."
The Clear Word New Testament, Audio CD Set: "Refresh your devotional time when you listen to The Clear Word paraphrase of the New Testament read by the Voice of Prophecy's Lonnie Melashenko. Perfect for busy parents, commuters, seniors, or anyone who loves the spoken word."
Now, for the most shocking, horrific edition of all:
The Clear Word for Kids: "Here is a paraphrase of the Bible in kid's language, perfect for making God's message plain to young hearts. This special edition includes more than 30 pages of colorful charts and lists."
Not only do they really seem to be pushing The Clear Word on their members now, but they are now even specifically targeting children and trying to brainwash them into thinking this is what the Bible says!
I don't believe even the JWs have stooped this low.
Jeremy |
Snowboardingmom
Registered user
Username: Snowboardingmom
Post Number: 90
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 9:00 pm: | |
The Clear Word Easy English? How much easier can it get? I thought that was the whole purpose of the "Clear Word Bible", to be an easy to understand paraphrase. What is the "Clear Word Easy English" then?
I bought my Clear Word while attending Andrews. It was my primary Bible during those years because I wanted an easy, quick read for devotionals. It wasn't until I started questioning Adventism (5 years later) that I actually noticed the "different" interpretations. Even then, I tried to rationalize the translation as just being a very loose paraphrase.
I think it would be very hard for an average Adventist to pick up on the "wrongs" within the translations because it fits so nicely with what they believe. Unless they were to actually compare side by side with another Bible, there would be no red flags because it would all sound normal. Why question when you don't know what to question?
The Adventist church needs a lot of prayers. |
Jeremy
Registered user
Username: Jeremy
Post Number: 1296
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 9:29 pm: | |
Grace, that's exactly what my reaction was to the "Easy English" edition!
Maybe it consists of passages such as, "I love you. You love me. We're a happy family. Won't you say you love me, too, and rest on the seventh day to show that it's true?"
Or maybe that's the kids version. ;-)
Jeremy |
Snowboardingmom
Registered user
Username: Snowboardingmom
Post Number: 91
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 10:07 pm: | |
Jeremy, your post got me curious as to what the differences were in the different editions. Here is a link to the ABC website where it has the detailed description of the different editions of the Clear Word "Bible":
http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/Browse.tpl?category=BIBL&language=ENG%20SPN%20FRN
Grace |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 3994
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 10:12 pm: | |
How interesting, Jeremy--the only version of the Bible that's advertised in the ABC's catalog!
For all their protestations about it's not being "official" or frequently used, this fact of their publishing it in five different versions belies their assertions. And yes, I agree; the push to get it into the hands of the children will certainly shape their thinking in permanent ways. Just think how our understandings were shaped by the church's interpretations WITHOUT The Clear Word.
Imagine if your earliest Bible reading came from the Clear Wordóyou'd believe that what you read is what the Bible says.
You're right, Graceóthe Adventist church needs our prayers.
Colleen |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 2543
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 4:31 pm: | |
It was probably about a year ago I saw an ad at the Review and Herald about the Clear Word for kids and wrote about it on this forum. I saw the danger then as did many of us. So, let us continue to pray for SDAs at our prayer times and any time in between.
God is always so awesome.
Diana |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 4001
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 9:56 pm: | |
I remember, Diana. You're so right.
Colleen |
Esther
Registered user
Username: Esther
Post Number: 325
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 6:43 am: | |
Wow...this is really concerning! Interesting how practice never backs up what they preach. I can see how financially, it would be a big benefit to push the version that is published in house. Why waste all that revenue? |
