Bible translations may lead to changed doctrines

It has always been interesting to me over the years that the Bible has so many versions.  It seems that many people have felt the need to make changes in the Bible.  The compiling of the Bible itself seems to have been such a hit and miss type thing in its day.  While what we have has definitely been inspirational to many in our world, I can't help but wonder about what was missed, set aside or lost. 

In our day and age you can go into a Christian bookstore and find multiple variations on the Bible for all kinds of things.  Translations have proliferated and become interesting.  How much do we lose each time we try to translate the Bible into a more understandable modern day language? 

The Bible it seems was has been translated from and to various languages until the meanings are changed. or shaded differently.  Of course meanings change and are shaded differently over time anyway, which makes me wonder if the combination of time and retranslating might be double trouble. It seems when a translation occurs that the translator can't help but be swayed by his own beliefs about things-- seeming to find validation of his beliefs in the translation leading to what appear to be changes in the text to others.  The more translated the book becomes the more it seems that things become unclear.  It seems to boil down to who can you trust to translate or change scripture?

I ran across an article about the Jefferson Bible which I had not previously heard of.  Thomas Jefferson decided to take the Bible of his time and pare it down to the essentials.  His book was actually entitled The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth.  In making his book he apparently took direct cut outs from his Bible and left out anything miraculous about the Savior including things that he felt were put in the Bible in error or were translated incorrectly--once again having a man sifting through the word of God. 

Jefferson's Bible in which he removed parts that strained reason.

I found this a little objectionable, not that a person would do that--certainly everyone can use or abuse their personal Bible as they please, but when I found our government had printed this Bible at considerable cost and gave copies to it of elected national politicians  (until the 1950s) I couldn't help but wonder what is the purpose of that?  Why would our government choose to support one Bible over another to the point of giving it to Congressman when they are elected for what purpose?  Is it an effort by our government to support the idea that Christ is a great Idea man and eliminate or minimize his claim that he was the Savior and the Son of God?  Well who knows?  Maybe since government is run by politicians they just wanted others to have a Bible that was adjusted by a politician thinking it would have special relevance for them.

Of course the philosophies of Christ even without the whole truth of who he is, are worthwhile in a world that needs people to treat each other better, kinder and more lovingly.  I can't really argue with that and certainly agree that politicians are not only in need of such reminders but also are in a position to really be an example of Christ's philosophies that could influence large groups of our countrymen.

I must say however that I would much prefer a pure D prophet seer and revelator, chosen of God, to make changes or adjustments to the scriptures...rather than a politician, even a revered President.

This graphic is included to give an idea of the proliferation of Bible translations.  It also illustrates the variety of ways that the translations are done (i.e. word for word, etc.)

Funny Faces in Family pictures

Well surely everyone knows that when you take family pictures that there must be some funny shots.  You know, the looks you make before or after pictures.  Except these turn up IN the pictures.  Our photographer is fantastic and I love some of the NIP "Not Intended for Public" faces that she finds along the way.  Sometimes it is a comment or flash of comical-ism between shots, other times it is straining for that wonderful pose that goes awry.  Enjoy the fun. 

This one scores high for intensity.

He smiles in his sleep--unbelievable!

Trying to whip that face into shape.

It wasn't that funny!

Joyful but excessive.

This is like a scary movie, Yikes!

Perfect pose but something about that facial expression.

Honest there was no singing.

Surely you know as well as I that sometimes it is a strain to smile.

Poor baby!

I don't get it?!

Monsieur Perfect Face Award
--I mean honestly he had the same smile in every single picture! Disgusting!

Patience is a virtue

My kids grew up hearing that phrase, "patience is a virtue" from me.  Most often it was when they didn't want to hear it.  But I think it has really taught them a lot. I think they have learned that patience is valuable, because there is so much that isn't available on demand.  Well, I suppose the truth is there are plenty of things that are available on demand.  However, the things of most value seem to require patience and effort.  I was just looking at a blog of some friends that are hoping to adopt.  (Click here for Amy and Chris's hoping to adopt blog)  Certainly Patience is likely to be required there. 

A lot of patience is required nowadays for young couples to save for the things that are important and that some generations in the past have taken for granted.  Like having your own apartment after you are married.  My kids are learning that with school and other bills that an apartment is something that takes time and saving to get into.  Purchasing a home has gotten harder in today's world and will likely take a lot of patience for our children to be able to purchase. 

Because of the frequent reminder to our children that patience is a virtue and the many times we did without or had to wait for something that was wanted we were able to have a fun time with our girls one day.  Lisa and I went to Sam's club and took the girls with us.  They were young and one thing that they really wanted was a trampoline.  They were prominently displayed at this Sam's Club and we knew the kids would ask/beg for one when we went.  They always did.  

By this time they had displayed good patience because we hadn't been able to afford a trampoline and they were often disappointed.  I think we avoided taking the kids there sometimes because we would have to go through that inevitable disappointment when they couldn't have the trampoline that clearly wanted to come to our house. 

On this day however, we had saved the money (or maybe it was tax return money) and we were prepared to purchase it, but we didn't tell them.  True to form as we were shopping for food the kids wanted to look at and then buy a trampoline and started asking/begging/pleading for one.  So, nonchalantly I told them to go get a flatbed cart to put it on and we would get one.  They didn't believe me but went and got the cart anyway.  Then I told them to put one on there and I don't think they believed it until our turn came in the line and we paid for it. 

Needless to say they were excited, and hopefully they learned that not only is patience a virtue but it also tends to make it even more enjoyable when the time comes to get that thing that you have wanted and have been patient for. 

Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers has learned that lesson this year.  He is the starting quarterback and has led the 49ers to the playoffs.  Last weekend they just lost their bid to go to the Superbowl but they nonetheless had a terrific year.  Alex Smith had struggled his first seven years in the NFL.  Surprisingly his team had the patience to keep him and give him a chance again after all that time.  And Alex had the patience to stay prepared and keep trying to reach the success that he hoped for.  Congratulations to Alex Smith and to all those who have the patience to be successful.