Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

MYBIBLE(Part II)by Rev. Robert More, Jr.Pastor of Almonte R. P. Church, CanadaDr. Billy Graham in his December 17, 1966 column,entitled "My Answer," wrote, "I read many translations. . .. However I recommend Ken Taylor's Living Letters."With this credential lauding it, the publisher (TyndaleHouse, Wheaton, Illinois) has, not surprisingly, had a goodsales return.However, the question as to what may become "myBible" depends on far more than mere ministerial endorsementand publicity. The whole question of translationor paraphrase, sketched in the previous part, mustfirst be settled by conscience bound under Scripture. Onlythen can advertisements enter consideration.A second factor is, in the words of the WestminsterConfession of Faith (Chapter I,vii), the question as towhether the version is pure to the authentical writtenoriginals. To aid the reader a few items will be noted.The preface to The Living New Testament states thefoundation for this series. "The basic text used for thisparaphrase is the American Standard Version of 1901."Thus the paraphrase states that it is not founded uponauthentical Scriptures, but merely upon a fallible, earthlyEnglish version.In numerous places (see the covers to practically allthe volumes) the author calls it a paraphrase. Translationis thus wilfully repudiated and the practice of "interpretation,commentary, paraphrase" is obedientlypursued. This is confirmed by the author in I John 5:6where in a footnote he writes, "Other interpretations ofthis verse are equally possible." Or again in a Hebrews 5:7footnote, "Some readers may prefer the explanation that. .." (italics mine)The paraphraser even tampers with the divinedistinction between the Old and New Testaments bymixing "the Minor Prophets paraphrased with Daniel andthe Revelation." Therein he also imposes his own feelingson Scripture. The "this is literal" in Daniel 8:26 and theextensive footnotes on 9:24-27 advocating thepremillennial notion of eschatology are a bold interpretation,commentary upon the Scriptures by theauthor, and are not the pure, trustworthy Word of God.The Song of Solomon shockingly states many of itswords are conjectures. So too the presumed drama formof the book is another conjecture. Other examples are"my wife here in Rome" (I Peter 5:13) and the "dearwoman Cyria" (II John 1).Mutilation of the Scriptures to favor theparaphrastic habit is found in Jeremiah 50:2.Slang, if not blasphemy, offensively appears inMatthew 16:22 and Job 3:2.Perhaps worst of all is the attitude behind thisparaphrase. The preface to the Living Propheciesdeclares: "Bible students have complained, almost bitterly,against the prophets for their long-windedrepetitious, vaguely worded . . .and hard to understandorations. . . A paraphrase. . .tries to clear away from thefertile fields of Scripture the rocks and brush and rubbleof a literal translation, to reveal the rich soil underneath."Any comment upon what seems to be the arrogantdiatribe is unnecessary for, after all, do Christian creedsand the Scripture itself require that the Bible versions betranslations?• • •The Christian Walk . . from page 3soul from death and my feet from falling that I may walkbefore God in the light of living."Walking after God means living the life of obedience.Obedience is the golden key to the door of blessing. Therewards of obedience were promised to Israel in Leviticus26: "If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments.. ." I will give you plenty, peace, power, mypresence. Obedience, holiness, fellowship stand or falltogether.Read again Ephesians 5:1-8 and resolve, with God'shelp, to walk as children of the light.• • •Associate Reformed PresbyterianFrom PoemsThat Touch the HeartTHE BARThe Saloon is sometimes called a Bar,A Bar to heaven, a door to hellWhoever named it, named it well;A Bar to manliness and wealthA door to want and broken health;A Bar to honor, pride and fameA door to grief and sin and shame;A Bar to hope, a bar to prayerA door to darkness and despair;A Bar to honored useful lifeA door to brawling, senseless strife;A Bar to all that's true and braveA door to every drunkard's grave;A Bar to joys that home impartsA door to tears and aching hearts;A Bar to heaven, a door to hellWhoe\er named it, named it well!Bv a convict serving a life term in Joliet Prison, IllinAPRIL 14, 1971