Conservapedia Bible [Plain English translation: "Put your ignorance of the Scriptures online for everyone to see."]
Random thoughts:
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Since the project's goal is to translate the King James Bible into modern English, I'm a tad disappointed the Apocrypha isn't there. However, I'm not surprised that this thinly-veiled KJV-onlyism avoids the subject of the Apocrypha altogether.
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If you add something to the Conservapedia translation, document it. You'll want in on those royalties when it goes to print.
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It is recommended at Conservapedia that "grace" and "peace" should be re-translated as "boundless generosity" and "tranquility," respectively. So while attempting to eliminate liberal bias in the translation, they've inadvertanly introduced what I'll call wussification. Seriously, what's wrong with "grace" and "peace"?
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The writers of Conservapedia give as an example of the "liberal bias" of modern English translations the words "comrade," "laborers," "labored," and "fellow." No one is more conservative than me. And I say that those words are not liberal, just as the word "rainbow" is not homoerotic. They can't have those words. And they certainly won't get my money. Hear me, Zondervan?
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This page is like a glimpse into a ***'s diary -- awkwardly ignorant.
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Who in their right mind says, "You know what? Let's throw the writings and history of brilliant scholars throughout history to the wind and write a wiki Bible?" Nevermind. I pass those kind of churches every day. Disregard.
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A Bible with political ties (Constitution Party, Phyllis Schlafly, Howard Phillips, etc): I want no part of it. "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" "Neither."
Wesley: "Woman, I really like you. Let's court."
Pretty Girl: "Well, with the feelings I have for you, I just see you as a friend."
Just a friend?! (emphasis on just) When did friendship become a lesser role? Why is it that a girl I pursue decides that, while she doesn't want to be my girlfriend, she automatically gets to get the title of friend. I have high expectations for my friends. You don't just get to be my friend; you have to earn my friendship.
If you just want to be a friend, join the other 347 people on Facebook who are just my friend. So what is a friend?
Cicero says friendship is when individuals are perfectly honest and truthful.
C.S. Lewis says lovers share naked bodies and friends share naked personalities.
Both guys missed it. Friendship is this: [CAUTION one slightly vulgar word is used]
By the way, I've created a new website called AcquaintanceBook. Join today.
-Wesley
Today, I read that President Obama won a Nobel Peace Prize for giving the world "hope for a better future." After dry-heaving for nearly an hour, I was reminded by the news story that it's time for our annual Messianic Peace Prize. And, for this one, I would like to ask for reader submissions. You can email or comment with a name or an organization and a description of why you think that person or institution deserves the prize. We will select the winner in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, let's review the past winners and the requirements. First, the requirements. From the first MPP post in 2007, Wesley wrote the following:
I am awarding this prize to the individual or individuals who share genuine peace. The recipients must be marked by idealism and an aggressive crusading spirit -- messianic zeal. And most importantly, they must have a true love for the Prince of Peace -- the Messiah.
In 2007, our first winners were Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Leggett for their work in Mauritania. In my mind, no one embodies the messianic zeal more than Chris Leggett. Chris was born in Cleveland, TN, and attended church there with his family. After a mission trip to Africa, he quickly decided that he was called to go to work among the peoples of the "Dark Continent." He sold everything -- everything -- he had and devoted his life, energy and family to his work in Mauritania. While his wife worked with women, and his children were homeschooled or sent to boarding school in a safer region, Chris taught language and computer science in the capital of Mauritania, just blocks from the central mosque of Nouakchott. And hundreds of projects and countless people benefitted from the micro-loans that Chris oversaw.
On June 23, 2009, Al Qaeda's North African branch claimed responsibility for gunning down Chris Leggett in the street outside his school building. He was martyred for his devotion to the people and his devotion to his faith. And his wife and children plan to continue the calling in Africa.
In 2008, we awarded the Messianic Peace Prize to The House of Courage and its founder Bonnie Skofield. The HoC is a safe home for unwed teen mothers, away from the slums and shelters with which many of the women who come to the home are accustomed. Ms. Skofield has designed a program for these mothers in order to train them and give them hope. And, in 2008, the first mother graduated from the program and is working in retail sales while living in a one-bedroom apartment with her child.
Unfortunately, it appears that Ms. Skofield was right when she said that most Christians say they are pro-life but really mean that they're pro-birth because The House of Courgage ministry has been temporarily suspended while looking for more funds.
These are two great examples of the idealism and crusading zeal that is required for this award. It is now October 2009 and time to award another. Got a recommendation? Email it to joe@steeplemedia.com, leave a comment or call me at my Google Voice number, 865.226.9210, and leave a message.