Hey ! AT Sunday school we where talking about the magazine format of the New Testament called "Revolve".http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/living/US/christianpopculture030826.html i couldnt find the article are youth pastor gave us but ppl dont like it cuse the change some verses arroung cant remeber tho what it was. SOme ppl i sokay with it cuse it gets ppl to read the Bible. If I posted in the wrong place fell free to move it.

I've heard about this thing, it has little sections in it were it gives the meaning of words. It describes sex as "something fun your parents don't want you to do"
Does it mention, one man for one woman? No.
Does it mention that its holy and only for marriage, No.
Does it mention that God is ery much against pre-marital sex? No...

Reason enough for me not to like it.

The big problem I have with it is that it puts more focus on the teen girl magazine part than the Bible part. I have no problem with teen Bibles with teen-aimed devotional, advice blurbs, etc. (as long as they're Biblically based, of course), but when that becomes more important than the Bible itself, something's gone wrong.

I agree with that... If it places more importance on the teen mag than the Bible, its wrong.

but but but people have to make money somehow... and exploiting the bible is prefectly okay if you're just trying to make some bucks

/sarcasm off

ROFL!!!!


yeeeaaahhh lets all go out and form a televangelistic team... We'll tell ppl what they WANT to hear! All nice prophesies and nice visions, then they will send us MONEY! And we can be RICH preachers!!!! YES! Let's go do that now!

/sarcasm off

sounds good to me.... as long as we give 10% to the church it doesn't matter how many people we dupe! mwuahahaha

I actually want to get a copy of this because I can use it in my preaching. Shoes where the church is headed...

CJ

thats what they do on most christian stations any way .they tell you what you want to hear and the ppl give them money. if anyone actualy reads the bible you find that its everthing you dont want to hear but need to hear thats why i think so many ppl disregard the bible all together ???

That's totally true!

Yup, just like the Israelites said to the Prophets "Don't give us such a hard word but give us sweet things." Or sumfin like that ;)

if the magazine bible changes verses around, then that's not right.

i flipped through it at a christian bookstore before Christmas, and what disturbed me was that it had the aspects of a cosmopolitan...the perfect looking girls gracing the pages...not a zit in sight, no extra pounds, no frowning faces. don't we have enough of media twisting the concepts of beauty that now we have to have a hip bible to reinforce the trend?

it makes it easier to carry at school, that's for sure. i don't know if that's good or bad. a group of bible smugglers once disguised the bible to look like China's "red book" of teachings that everyone in the nation had to carry with them. but that's because Bibles are illegal in China (at least ones not registered by the official church).

but you know...God can use anything...who am i to say this is horrid and stone it to death? i just don't trust the intentions of the people behind it. and even that's bad on my part, because do i know their intentions for sure? no, i don't.

but you know...God can use anything...who am i to say this is horrid and stone it to death? i just don't trust the intentions of the people behind it. and even that's bad on my part, because do i know their intentions for sure? no, i don't.


exactly. it's all about motives. if this magazine was started to get teenagers to buy a "Bible" where they wouldn't previously, that's good and bad. motives might be money in the end, but if it gets kids reading the Bible & learning & knowing God in the end, there is some good. that's why i won't even decide whether i like this or not.

the perfect looking girls gracing the pages...not a zit in sight, no extra pounds, no frowning faces. don't we have enough of media twisting the concepts of beauty that now we have to have a hip bible to reinforce the trend?


Exactly why I am so anti-pop culture. Gives the impression that a good Christian teenager has 0 physical faults, no spots, warts or nething and looks picture perfect.

I don't have a version to flip through, but from peices I've read, what I don't like is the encouraging of the superficial pop-culture. I mean, I know teanagers love to take quizes and evaluate themselves, I still like to do that too, but the quizes I saw were horribly shallow. I don't mind making a Bible atractive to teenagers, or nice pictures, but I do mind encouraging superficial culture.
Well, it could certainly be used for good, after all, I am no longer a teenager, and maybe, just maybe you need to speak the same language to the people you are talking to... to reach them...

If you are worried about verses being switched around, know that all translations have verses swiched around. Being able to read the old testament in Hebrew, I am shocked at how verses are completly re-done when translated, loosing the possibility of seening deaper in the text. KJ is the most faithful. And since I started learning ancient greek I realise it is the same with the new testament. Greek is a language with declentions, meaning they can say things that we can't say with our own language, so these things can never be properly or easily translated... I think I'm getting off topic.

No thanks. Not for me. When I was 12 I asked for a thick NIV adult study Bible just like my dad and my Wed. Night Church teacher. That is the one that I have had ever since. Much more interesting, the study quotes are, then some girly quiz. If I want Eye candy or cotton candy reading, then I read Seventeen or some other Teen Girl magazine, if I want God's Word, then I read my Study Bible. No need to jazz it up.

If I want Eye candy or cotton candy reading, then I read Seventeen or some other Teen Girl magazine, if I want God's Word, then I read my Study Bible. No need to jazz it up.


ROFL!
So true a statement. God's word is said to be Meat. If you want milk go play with a kiddy Bible. But I like meat in my Bible and meat in my teaching! none of this crappy pop culture stuff.

You know I'm actually considering getting one of these bibles when I can just so I can see how bad it really is.

Just thought I'd through this into the mix http://www.av1611.org/kjv/revolve.html it talks about Revolve and quotes alot of bits from it (unfortunately I don't have a copy to check)

I agree with practically nothing this site says but I came acorss this and decided to let you all see it and say what you think about it.

I got it for my birthday from my grandparents.. personally I don't like it.. I will just stick to my navy leather bond NLT

Since u have it Skilltroks wud u do me a favour and look at that website and check some of the articles it mentions? It gives the page number too. I wanna know if they're talking out of their butt (again) or if they're right for once.

personally, I think it's fine, but i never read the book of Esther so did she really enter a year long beauty contest??

I'm really curious about

Q: What do you think about girls and guys praying together?
A: There are exceptions, but usually it’s pretty sketchy. I’d avoid it until you’re engaged.
(Revolve, p. 342)

Q: What do you think about girls and guys praying together?
A: It’s cool, but you gotta be careful that you don’t get carried away.
(Revolve, p. 258)

They are asking real people so its their opinon (which sorry to the person that said that one about praying together, is dumb.)

Odd. I heard about this and I can't say I like it. :-X

No need to change the word around...we should be known for our faith, not cool bibles or clean suits and clothes.

They are asking real people so its their opinon (which sorry to the person that said that one about praying together, is dumb.)


hahaha it is pretty dumb isnt it. Does it actually say that in there?

Not that I am defending Revolve (I would like to investigate it myself first), but the site seem a little biased and ultra conservative (example, their stance on Christian Rock (http://www.av1611.org/crock.html) and that the King James Version (http://www.av1611.org/kjv/counterfeit.html) is the ONLY CORRECT version of the Bible). For Example...

(includes their emphasis)
Our first "BLAB" deals with "making-out" (a.k.a heavy kissing, necking, etc.).

Q: I have a question about dating. If I’m going out with a guy, is it bad to make out with him? In other words, is making out a sin?
A: That’s a really good question. There is no place in the Bible where it says "Making out is a sin." But there are places where you can go to read that you shouldn’t let there be even a hint of sexual immorality. Making out is a really dangerous thing. So your best bet is to avoid heavy make-out sessions ‘till you are married. It will be so much better then and you won’t have to feel any guilt.
(Revolve, p. 77)
What an irresponsible answer to an impressionable, teenage girl! "There is no place in the Bible where it says ‘Making out is a sin’". That’s the same wicked logic of this lost, "present evil" world. How many times have I heard; "The Bible never says smoking marijuana is a sin". . . Or "Show me in the Bible where gambling is a sin". . . Or "Just show me a verse in the Bible that says making out is a sin"...


they go on, but they seem to miss the part that they revolve said "But there are places where you can go to read that you shouldn’t let there be even a hint of sexual immorality. Making out is a really dangerous thing. " It probably wasn't the best advice, but it isn't saying that it is OK. but Dial the Truth implied that is what they said.

Again, I am not supporting or attacking "Revolve", but I am very sceptical of Dial the Truth.

I agree with practically nothing this site says but I came acorss this and decided to let you all see it and say what you think about it.


Ur post Agent is why I said this. ^

I agree with virtually nothing they have to say, like I said though, I was only throwing it in there to see what ppl thought of this particular article. It's the first view of revolve I've seen that has actually quoted parts of it, had pictures of it and gave references to those pictures.

One picture is 10 ways to help your community

Spreading the Gospel wasn't there.
Know wot won? Planting a tree!

Just informing people that Dial the Truth has a tendacy of being extremely conservative. and I hope I wasn't giving the impression that I was attacking you for bringing up the article.

They are asking real people so its their opinon (which sorry to the person that said that one about praying together, is dumb.)


hahaha it is pretty dumb isnt it. Does it actually say that in there?

No, I'm not positve, but it seems like it since next to the question is has a picture of a guy next to it, like he was asked that question.

Actually, praying together -- a guy and girl alone, not as in a coed group like a youth group or something doing group prayer -- is kind of dangerous. Prayer is a very very intimate thing -- it's your time to talk with your Father in Heaven. Sharing that with a guy can lead to romantic feelings and can blind you to other stuff (so he's not that great, butbutbut he prayed with me that once so he must be a good Christian!) ... it's not illegal or anything, but personally I wouldn't recommend a praying duo of a guy and a girl with the potential of romantic feelings.

What scares me about what that site says is that the translation used in Revolve is the one that's gender-neutral. That's dangerous in itself. I mean, not only are they watering down the Bible with the teen mag stuff, they watered down the actual TEXT of the Bible with the translation. just... gah.

Q: How long should you date before you say "I love you?"
A: I would say that when all you can do is think about that person, and you know them really, really well, then you can say "I love you."
(Revolve, p. 67)

Um. That's not love. That's infatuation. Love is self-sacrafice. What they say there is obsession. :)

Q; This girl at church told me that she was in love, yes, in love with one of her female teachers. This girl is fourteen years old. I just need some advice on what I should say to her if I get to speak to her again.
A: For a woman to fall in love with another woman is considered a sin according to the Bible. You’ve got to remember one thing though: It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict her and teach her. In the Bible it says that God remains faithful even when we are faithless. Your job is to show this girl the love of God. How? Stay her friend. Prayer changes things. It can move mountains. It can radically alter lives. Just make sure you remember who God is and that you’re not him.
(Revolve, p. 43)
In other words, do not "judge" her for the lusts of homosexuality. And don’t dare tell her it’s wrong – that would be judging her. But just "show her the love of God". Remember "it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict her and teach her". Can a saved person actually READ the Bible and be that far off base? Look at the last part of the BLAB – now preachers, this is a nugget – "Just make sure you remember who God is and that you’re not him." What spiritual insight! That had to come through hours of study and prayer. . .

Um, this site's response to that is totally ridiculous. It's true -- YOU cannot change someone's mind; YOU are not God. gr. :p

So yeah. Basically this site's responses is stupid for the most part, though some things they get right (like the thing about modern translations being inappropriate for Bible study -- for reading for pleasure, the Message is great, but don't pick it apart at your Bible study because it might not actually be what the original Hebrew text says -- although even then they say not to use the NIV, when I believe that's the most accurate understandable translation out there). Just like the magazine, actually. Mostly it's stuff that shouldn't be sold like it's the word of God, but some stuff they get right. But the fact that they have stuff in there that is NOT in line with Scripture means to me it shouldn't be sold as Scripture.

Hold on... So is it ok to bring diffrent version of the Bible to Bible study and stuff?

... basically, paraphrase translations (like the NLT and the Message, both which I love to read but not for study) are just that: they translate phrase by phrase, not word by word. If you're going to be doing a study where you do pick apart the wording, paraphrase translations aren't going to help you much, because they translate the general idea of something instead of the precise word-for-word structuring of the sentence. The general idea translating makes it a lot easier to read -- almost poetic -- which makes it great to sit down with and read (I like to do it; I know others here who do), and for some studies it's okay, but like I said, if you're studying things based on how things are worded and basically getting pedantic, paraphrase translations aren't a good choice.

Actually, praying together -- a guy and girl alone, not as in a coed group like a youth group or something doing group prayer -- is kind of dangerous. Prayer is a very very intimate thing -- it's your time to talk with your Father in Heaven. Sharing that with a guy can lead to romantic feelings and can blind you to other stuff

true, it is intimate. but at the same time, if you are in a relationship with a guy/girl, shouldn't you pray with them so that God could be in every aspect of your relationship? i mean, don't have 5 hour prayer sessions with each other in a quiet room, but you could open up your date or hang-out time or whatever with a small prayer. & if it's in a public place you won't have to worry about temptation to get all cozy (well, it's still there, but not as strong with onlookers.)

I agree with ria.
And as for the Questions and Answers thing, my objection is the superficiality. Too short, too ambiguous, etc. But thinking about it, I'd rather a teenager read that, than get advice from 17 Mag. If the teenager is really curious, she can read other well written books for teenagers, read a diversity of them, get her own opinion...

Sorry but I totally have to disagree with the praying in couples. I cannot see how two people, couple or not, spending time in God's presence can be a bad thing. Praying together, reading together will not only build a stronger relationship between them and God but keeps God first in their relationship and is LESS likely to have them fall into sin!

Can u really tell me thata bf and a gf praying together is gonna make them lust?

I think a couple praying together is one of the best things they can do. Seeking God's will for their lives, keeping God as the most important aspect of their relationship.

Not keeping God first I have personally seen is asking for trouble.

Can u really tell me thata bf and a gf praying together is gonna make them lust?

I happen to have heard of such a case. They prayed, then had sex.
But then I too have prayed with guy friends before, but almost always in bright light of day public. And I was a little uncomfortable. Sometimes.

I happen to have heard of such a case. They prayed, then had sex.


I cannot begin to express my feelings on that. At least without a variety of colourful words.
That is just messed up. Praying then having sex? What on earth is that about?

I somehow doubt that had anything to do with the praying.

Were they married or wot?

I cannot begin to express my feelings on that. At least without a variety of colourful words.
That is just messed up. Praying then having sex? What on earth is that about?

The girl was worried about her relationship with her bf. Called him up. He invited her to his dorm. They prayed together, cried a whole bunch and then...

When I heard the story, I too was shocked. I just couldn't see how they could go straight from the presence of the Lord to doing what later on ruined a lot for them. It's eye opener and very sad.

Riiiiiiiitttteeee. That's like... Totally messed up. Going from Prayer to sex... Hmmm. They prolly wud have done it with or without prayer.

I think a couple praying together is one of the best things they can do. Seeking God's will for their lives, keeping God as the most important aspect of their relationship.



i think it wud really strengthen the couple.....if they're puttin their focus on God then they are less likely to fall into temptation.

i think it wud really strengthen the couple.....if they're puttin their focus on God then they are less likely to fall into temptation.

Exactly my point. HOW can praying to the one true God make you sin? It's a total oxymoron.

it depends on the setting as well. like i said above, "don't have 5 hour prayer sessions with each other in a quiet room." if you are in a relationship with someone, you shouldn't do anything! with the other in a quiet room that would easily lead to temptation. we are called to flee like Joseph. leave our coats behind if we need to. just get up & get out.

but prayer in a well-lit room, with other people around (not necessarily right there with you, but within a reasonable distance) could bring nothing but God's presence there....if you truly are praying & not "praying" while checking out the other.

I don't see 'praying' while checking out the other as praying... It is checking out and no more. Prayer is prayer. It is done to seek God n stuff. If anything else is strappedo nto it e.g. check out a girl, get a bit romantic etc. Then it isn't prayer. but is checking out the girl or being romantic. Kind of an exclusive thing, either ur praying or ur checking out. Can't be both.

that's my point exactly. but, that's still the excuse that some will use. "but, we were praying when we were holding hands, it wasn't sensual, it was Godly!"

everything boils down to motives. you can do the right thing, but if you do it for the wrong reason, it's the wrong thing.

Really the way I see it is this

If a couple (bf/gf) are praying to strengthen their relationship with God and keep Him first. It's good it will be wholesome and will help keep them from temptation.

If a couple are praying simply to check the other out, be a bit romantic, have a chance to do other stuff later. Then simply put they are NOT praying.

If they are praying those thoughts will go bye-bye.

Scott, I love it when you are right like that, no matter how old this thread is ::] lol.

What you guys have said about praying has been right -- it either is, or it isn't. "It all boils down to motive."

i flipped through it at a christian bookstore before Christmas, and what disturbed me was that it had the aspects of a cosmopolitan...the perfect looking girls gracing the pages...not a zit in sight, no extra pounds, no frowning faces. don't we have enough of media twisting the concepts of beauty that now we have to have a hip bible to reinforce the trend?
Too true. What you said pegs it.


I'd LOVE to get this thread rolling again. I heard about it on CNN and I have mixed feelings. Not because of motive, because we have no idea what the motive actually IS.


My mixed feelings are about the results. More than likely it will help teenagers out. It'll probably straighten some teens --who are willing-- out. But on the same page, it would most likely lead others astray. It will also confuse many people about what Christianity really is. Many people will take God same as any other pop culture thing.
In my opinion we have enough pop culture in this world. But that aside, many people will think God can be "fashionable" at heart, like Cosmo and Vogue... I'll type more on this later when I am more brain awake -- I need to eat, too... 'cause I don't want to contradict myself.

dude you seriously bring back the old topics and thread

Yup ;D I heard that a certain mod here loves it when an old topic comes back... I hope they're not the only one who loves it ;D

One of my accquaintances (thats spelled wrong but o well) has this magazive bible. It is just wrong. In the bible there shouldn't be "Is you boyfriend a player" quizzes. It takes the seriousness from the Word.

i don't like how culture feels they need to "dumb" the bible down in order for kids today to understand it. i heard there is a bible that speaks in "ghetto" and they did another version of the message...as if the message version was hard.

new king james is my current favorite translation of the Bible (i would like to get an amplified version as well).

To me the message Bible is a little to simplified

Right, I know a girl with this magazine as well, she will be interested to know this, so I'm glad this was brought back

If she is anything like a person i know then i'll bet all she does is flip through and take the dumb quizzes that have nothing to do w/ God

Wow..........

where are you from tharp...if you don't mind me asking

CNN... Communist News Network, lol.

I don't understand why dumbed down Bibles are needed either. I've used a NKJV for at least 2/3 of my Christian life (5 years in total) and I understand it just fine. When I start reading these 'new and modern' translations, they confuse me. They start changing stuff around to make it clearer but do the opposite.

Good example, Job. NKJV etc. Use the word Behemoth and Leviathan. Some modern Bibles use Elephant and Hippo.....

Good example, Job. NKJV etc. Use the word Behemoth and Leviathan. Some modern Bibles use Elephant and Hippo.....

Yeah, Show me an elephant with a "tail like a cedar" or a hippo with Scales like armor and that can breathe Fire. You can't because they are not and Elephant and Hippo. you could possibly stetch for Behemoth to Elephant, but if you read Job 41, there is no compairison between the mighy Leviathan and a puny hippo.

Behemoth was supposed to be the largest earth animal ever created, the elephant just doesn't fit it. A lot of dinosaurs would have been bigger than it.