Is Making the Bible Interesting to Young People a Bad Thing?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, June 12, 2006
- Viewed 90
- (19) comments so far
Today over at Slice of Laodicea, they have a post about the new Zondervan Bible called Faithgirlz! that is targeting young girls with the TNIV. (I really don't want to get into an arguement about the TNIV version here). Here's what Ingrid at SOL had to say about this new Bible:
Every girl may want to know that she's "special", but as a girl what I really needed to know was that my sin would send me to hell without the cleansing of Jesus' blood. The Bible is not a self-improvement, self-esteem enhancer. It's message is clear--repent or be damned. This new Bible apparently has a new, improved and upbeat message for teen girls. They have made the Bible over into a Teen Cosmopolitan magazine and I think it's an evil way to treat the Holy Word of God--the same Bible for which the martyrs died.
Is it me, or is this a little harsh?
You see, I have a little girl in the demographic that "faithgirlz" is targeting. My girl has accepted Jesus as her Savior; so she has the 'repent or be damned' thing (as Ingrid put it) taken care of.
Is it wrong to publish a Bible that visually appeals to young girls? (Just looking at the cover, I know that my girl would LOVE it).
Is it wrong to publish notes that help girls growing up to find positive things from scripture; yes, even things like self-esteem.
Is it wrong for a publisher to put out a version of God's Word that will maybe entice a 10 year old girl to take a greater interest in the reading of the Bible, or make it more appealing to get into a habit of reading it?
Does this type of Bible strengthen or tear apart?
What kind of Bible should a young girl have? A KJV Ryrie Study Bible? or a Faithgirlz? or something totally different?
Is Ingrid spot on on this one, or does she need to chill?
I'd like to hear your input on this one...
Todd
I have a sincere question for you today. Many of you know that I have taken a stand against alot of the Christian consumerism and products that are out on the market today. I’ve said here before that the ‘more stupid a product is the more Christians will buy it’. It seems that if you take any common household item and slap a picture of Jesus on it, you have a market hit. It’s really silly…
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BeHim on Tue, June 13, 2006
[I have not heard anyone here EVER say that they think there is salvation without repentance.]
Todd, this is pretty close to believing in salvation without repentance:
[And the bible I read doesn’t have an overarching theme of “repent or be damned� but rather God’s redemption of His creation.]
This calls to question, is His Creation redeemed apart from Repentance? and others: Redeemed from what? How and Why?
This Doctrine should be clear in the minds of church leaders as I’m sure (even in your above post) you would agree.
Wendi on Tue, June 13, 2006
BeHim -
Since it’s me you are quoting (and accusing of suggesting creation is redeemed without repentance), I’ll respond.
You’re adding to my statement. The “meta-narrative,” the overarching theme which I read in scripture is one of God’s redemption. EVERYTHING in scripture points to redemption; creation, the fall, God’s revelation through the law and His chosen people, Christ’s atoning work on the cross, man’s need to recognize his inability to save himself and his depravity, and of course repentance.
Ingrid, IMO, suggested that the WHOLE story of redemption is summed up in four words, “repent or be damned,� which, again IMO, does a terrible injustice to the depth and wonder and richness of the redemption story. Worse, for 12 year old girls who are at a time in their lives struggling with issues of confidence or esteem, there isn’t a worse time to offer an incomplete redemption message weighted so on the side of the possibility of damnation.
I know full well what I’m redeemed from and into, and my statement never suggested that I didn’t. And if the bible you and I both read is contained behind the cover of “faithgirlz� then neither of us need to worry, because the words are “living and powerful and able to penetrate the very heart of every. . .� 12-year old girl.
Wendi
BeHim on Tue, June 13, 2006
Repentance of course being a VERY big part of the redemption (from separation from God) taught in Scripture; thank you for the clarity.
Which of course is what I would venture to guess Ingrid is saying just not in the words others want her to.
Amy on Tue, June 27, 2006
I still remember what is was to be a young girl. I praise someone who would try to create a version of the bible just for me that targets those particular insecurities that could’ve possibly protected me from the sins that result from low self-esteem. Even in a Christian home, a young person might not always get the nurturing they need to become a strong Christian girl or boy.
Of course, the consequences of sin should never be discounted, nor that forgiveness is freely available to a repentive heart. Some words like “repent” and “propitiation” should be fully explained, though, as well as “fornication” and “damnation!”
There’s no need to sugar coat the bible, just present both sides to the wonderful plan of salvation! Kids need - and want - to know the real truth.
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