Languages of Versions of the Bible

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ConfessionsOfAnUnchurchedBeliever/~3/211888086/something-more-to-share.html

Some say the KJV is better because of its language. It is true that the modern English language seems to be going somewhat downhill with a lot of people - not that that's a bad thing completely - it's just that there won't be so much beauty to words and appreciation for words if the English language eventually turns into text message and IM language where words aren't fully spelled out.

I believe that proper English speech and grammar are very important and should have more importance in schools (even though I'm not the best at practicing them - I wish I were). This said, some people might prefer the KJV because they think of it as proper English and don't like the way newer versions are cutting down the text, like the NLT.

I appreciate the KJV even more for its language because it's part of history and I think the language is beautiful. Besides, I think that reading and interpreting (or gaining understanding from what you read) should not always be easy. If you have a harder time reading the KJV, maybe it will motivate you that much more to look for its meaning and search for God's purpose in it.

A version is not more or less accurate based on its language and whether or not it's more relative to the current day. Much of the Bible seems to be irrelevant to modern day, but it isn't (that's another topic in itself). What we should base the accuracy of a version on is its content. How much of it has been changed? How accurate are the changes? Is it translated or paraphrased? etc.

Christian Themes in Writing

http://writingright-martin.blogspot.com/2007/12/handling-spiritual-thread-in-christian.html

As a quick note I'd like to say that I have read and reviewed Gail's new book on Christian romance writing and I highly recommend it.

As far as her post goes, I highly agree that stories should not preach the Christian message to the point where it annoys the reader. This will push the reader away. Another thing that is important to me is that stories be realistic. We don't go around preaching in real life and people are not converted to Christianity in a short amount of time in real life. I just saw a Christmas program the other day that I did not like because after one song about the Christmas story everyone came to know Christ. The song was very powerful, but the ending ruined it for me, especially since everyone present was clapping and screaming throughout the song in "excitement and joy for God."

Homosexuality

http://msp31wannabe.blogspot.com/2007/12/something-fun-quiz.html

If you look at the comments on the post above, you'll see a discussion about homosexuality.

As far as homosexuality goes, I'm with Shalene. For certain reasons and for Biblical reasons I believe it is wrong, but I also believe that although Jesus would not have us embrace them as leaders in the church he would have us embrace them in love. I also believe that our sinful nature affects many things, including our chemical makeup. Although it may be proven that many are born with homosexuality, those born with it still have a choice. I know this from personal experience. I will always support equality of all people and I will always support gay people in love, even if I don't support their lifestyle. If I ever had a child who was a homosexual I would still love them. I would not feel like a failed parent because I know God is always in cotnrol and will work things out for His glory and in His way not for my glory or in my way.

A Bible Quiz

I found this quiz through http://msp31wannabe.blogspot.com/2007/12/something-fun-quiz.html

You know the Bible 98%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes

Gail Martin

http://gailmartin.blogspot.com/2007/12/relationship-between-tears-and-laughter.html

It's fun to laugh at our stupid mistakes! I also always find great joy in remembering what it felt like to think everything was going wrong and then to be pulled out of the pit by God who is above all things.

Worship for men?

http://www.churchformen.com/leadstory.php

I like the premise of this article because it points out that there are differences in worship styles depending on sex, background, and personality (it focuses on sex). However, I don't like it's proposed solution to the problem (that churches are too feminised and men don't go to church because it means being sissy). It suggests that men should come first in everything at the church and that worship should be more directed towards men. I disagree. I believe the worship plan, among other things, should be balanced between female and male characteristics. The article says the women in churches that focus on men don't mind this change, but I believe that neither male nor female should be put above one or the other.

Worship of all Types

http://locustsandhoney.blogspot.com/2006/11/men-and-contemporary-worship.html

I don't see feminization in the church, but I do believe that in general many men have different worship preferences compared to women because of their personalities and background. I believe that worship is about honoring God, but that doesn't mean we can't try to accomodate those people with different preferences. There are ways to do this that don't involve becoming sexist or ignoring God. You would still filter what you use in a service through the Bible. I would suggest that whats sex you are can affect your personality as well.
By the way, I'm female and I don't like more feely contemporary music very much. I feel pressured in that environment to become emotional. I'd much rather focus on the words of the songs and what they mean and what God is trying to teach to me, but seeing others dance about distracts me from this. I think I would be better off if churches that do have more contemprary music still included a traditional song here and there and liturical elements such as repsonsive readings every once in a while. I think a good church is about balance and most importantly about praising the Lord. It's hard for me to become part of a body and community when I feel like a church is excluding worship that fits my personality type.
ANother note, I used to be more judgmental of contemporary worship and traditional worship, but I'm slowing learning that what type of worship you prefer depends on your personality, not on doctrine.

Worship

Here are some good posts I found on another blog about worship:

http://www.founders.org/blog/2005/10/word-regulated-worship.html

http://www.founders.org/blog/2005/10/more-thoughts-on-worship.html

http://www.founders.org/blog/2005/10/authentic-worship.html

The Golden Compass and Atheists

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/december/12.36.html#related

I don't understand how you can say the world is just physical (atheist view) and say there are absolutes (such as the virtues mentioned in this article) at the same time. If the world is only physical, we live pointless existences and there are no absolute morals or virtues. In which case the main belief would focus on survival of fittest, doing what you want, and believing what you want. This would be a chaotic world. In this sort of world, only society determines what's right and wrong. What then, makes society right?

There is a God

http://lancessoulsearching.blogspot.com/

Prayer

http://freedomofthespirit.blogspot.com/2007/08/practicing-presence-by-max-lucado.html

I love Max Lucado. He always has so much to say that reminds me of God's love and what God requires of me. Thanks for posting this. It's a great reminder for me. I'm not very good at praying out loud, in fact, I don't like praying in front of others. I feel fake about it. But when I'm alone with God I feel genuine. THe only problem is I don't pray too often. I forget to pray in the morning and in the night and during the day. When I remember to pray my thoughts often trail off to other places. I guess I'll just have to make more of an effort and pray that God will help me in my prayer efforts and make my prayers genuine.

Unconformity

http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/08/unconformity.html

I suppose I should take your advice when it comes to college. I just started on Monday and will probably get used to a certain kind of schedule of studying. But I'll have to remember to take time out for God still and to take time out for myself to relax every once in a while as well.

California Coast

http://clearlyenlight-travels.blogspot.com/2007/08/santa-barbara.html

I visited Santa Barbara when I was looking at colleges. I was looking at Westmont. It's a nice place, but not for me. I prefer places like Monterey and Asilomar. I don't care much for Santa Cruz because I've been there too many times. Plus, it's gotten dirty there over the years. It's full of tourists and there are no seashells. There used to be tons of sand dollars there. All gone now.

http://clearlyenlight-travels.blogspot.com/2007/08/four-day-excersion.html

Did you ever try camping. Only $18 most of the time and you get to spend some great time with God and nature. The stars are beautifula t night and smores are delicious by the camp fire.By the way, I'm so jealous. You hit up all my favorite places in one trip. I miss the coast!

The Infallible Word of God

http://freedomofthespirit.blogspot.com/2007/08/reposting-of-bible-is-infallible-by.html

One of my Bible teachers once said that the Bible is inspired by God, but that God merely told the writers what to write about and the writers put it into their own words and related it to a certain audience. I like to think that God was the one who wrote the Bible in a way that related it to its audience. Is not God able to do wonderful things? Is not God all knowing? Does not God know how to relate to His own people? The word of God is God-breathed. I believe He wrote every word of it.

God: Male or Female?

http://emergingwomen.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-god-my-mother.html

I like to think of God as someone beyond the boundries of gender. God created us in His image, so I would think that He has both female and male qualities. But I would not limit Him to having just those qualities either. What do you think?

Parable of the Sower and Acting out Your Faith

http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/08/parable-of-sower-addendum.html

Thanks so much for this post. It cleared a lot up for me and has made me reexamine my faith (and works through faith) a lot. I just finished reading a new Max Lucado book called "Every Day Deserves a Chance." Your post kind of goes along with the theme of this book in a way. It teaches us to look at our lives in a positive light, in God's light. It talks about living out your faith with a positive attitude. I also just started his book "It's not about me" which also has this sort of theme of shining as a light through our actions and feeling better inside, having a better day, just because we helped someone.

Absolute Truth

http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=25

Great post! I believe in an absolute truth. There are a lot of people who would say that everyone has their own truth, but that would just cause a lot of chaos. You are also right about the truth being misused. If you use one truth with one falsity, does that make the result true? I guess there are a lot of peope who aren't very good at logic because they fall for the falsities that use truth as support. For example, many religions use the Bible to support their beliefs, but they do not use it correctly. Does that make the Bible wrong? No! It makes the interpretation wrong. The absolute truth is the absolute truth. It cannot be changed.

What's Your Stand on Homosexuality?

http://www.sicarii.net/2007/08/17/you-can-call-me-names-but-ill-persist-in-my-beliefs

I completely agree!!! I, too, have trouble making people understand that I don't judge the homosexual person, just their lifestyle. I was once one of those people who avoided homosexuals and felt extremely uncomfortable around them.

When I participated in a secular acting program that had homosexual members my judging problem got in the way and those members knew I didn't like them. I had not yet learned to treat them rightly and to not judge.

Since then, I've learned to stand up against the lifestyle and gay marriage, but to not treat homosexuals as if they were below me. They have the right to choose that lifestyle, after all.

I've learned that homosexuals are often a lot kinder than straight people. Sometimes I wonder why Christians can't be that nice. Unfortunatetlt they also serve good purposes that should not fall to them. We live in a messed up world. I had a friend once who was sexually abused by men at a young age and thus felt confortable around homosexuals.

As far as homosexuals in the church go, I think that's just disgusting and wrong and should be guarded against by the leaders in the church. We need a makeover in our churches today. There are way too many politics behind the scenes.

Why - Nichole Nordeman

http://lancessoulsearching.blogspot.com/2007/06/inner-peace.html



Feeling like you love God?

Because you are the reason He died?

Surrender

He is calling you

Translation vs. Interpretation/Paraphrase

http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/08/translation-vs-paraphrase.html

My dad has always been very serious about this topic. He's brought me up making sure I see and know the difference between various versions of the Bible. There is a difference between a translation and interpretation/paraphrase and those versions that paraphrase or interpret often are inaccurate or miss key central points. I don't care if they're easier to read, it does not seem right. Many are misled by such versions. I see no hurt in reading these interpretations, but I think it's important to compare them and check them with more accurate translations. My favorite is the KJV, although right now I'm using a NKJV. Before this I used NIV. The point is, I am using more than one version. You are so right on in this post and I thank you for posting it.