NIV: New International...or Non-Inspired? Part 3

NIV: New International...or Non-Inspired? Part 3
Brad Reiches
Mar 2 2006 03:11AM

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Thursday, March 2, 2006
GodThoughts Wired! 
 

 New International... or Non-Inspired?"

PART 3

"Who is monitoring the books that are showing up

in the bookstores called, "Bibles."   Who are the "watchmen"

of the 21st century to assure us that the "book" we study

on Sunday mornings in church is an accurate representation

of the inspired words, originally given?
-Pastor Brad

I'm truly blessed and encouraged at the many of you who are diligently seeking the scriptures right along with me throughout this vital study (I only regret that it's just not possible to respond adequately to all of you).  One reader writes,

"Every prayer is answered.

A prayer without answer does not exist."

Well, I certainly get the point.  Even when the answer is "no," or "wait," it is no less an answer.  However, as I think a little deeper about it, Isaiah 1:15 occured to me.  In reference to the prayers lifted to God by unrepentant sinners, "Even though you multiply prayers, I (God) will not listen."  Hmmm...that would indicate that, indeed, all prayers are not answered...some prayers are ignored.  And as I sought the scriptures further I was reminded of Micah 3:4: 

"They will cry out to the Lord but He will not answer them. 

Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time,

because they have practiced evil deeds." 

(bold mine)

Hmmm...Here again, we have a perspective that sounds right, "Every prayer is answered...," but that's not what the Bible says.

Another reader writes,

"A pastor or bible study teacher or advanced Bible study student
might be interested in the nuances of these sentence structures. 
Certainly YOU should use a more literal translation for the exact reasons you state. 
But for the Christian who is still drinking milk (ME), the NIV serves a great purpose,
readability and general understanding of God’s word."

Well, first of all, this statement brings to mind the need for a bit of further clarification.  Technically, it is impossible to fully transcribe either the Hebrew or the Greek language into an absolutely literal "word-for-word" translation.  No foreign language can adequately capture the fullness of expression of either the Hebrew or the Greek.  The Hebrew being such a pictorially based language, at times it is impossible for the English language to bring out the many "shades of thought" (see GodThoughts Wired!, December 8-16, 2005, The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament).

Now, in regard to the statement, "For the Christian who is still drinking milk (ME), the NIV serves a great purpose, readability and general understanding of God’s word," I absolutely understand and respect the point, however, this series is in the process of contrasting the "inspired word of God, inerrant as originally given," with the "error-filled NIV."

Does not the reader of the NIV(or other faulty translations) risk falling into error and/or becoming deceived? (i.e.  The sincere reader comes across the NIV version of James 5:16b, and wrongly concludes that all prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective).

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