Well, for me that was yesterday. It was over a simple word
But first a little context.
I was reading to do a little research for a #hivelearners post prompt about banning alcohol and got to thinking about the Islamic faith and how alcohol is "haram" (banned). I did some more reading and found out that Muslim has the meaning "One who submits". I also learned that when they reference Mohammad they use the term PBUH which means "Peace Be Upon Him". A little more reading and I found out that while Islam teaches that Noah and Jesus were both prophets their stores about them are very different than what I've read. A little more reading that I found out that Jewish and Christians are referred to as "People of the Book". Then when I went to work yesterday I heard that the Lutheran Church changed the wording of "The Lords Prayer". I read the new translation and got far angrier than I have been in a very long time.
I don't normally post in this community but when I read your reason for being I found this :
We are inviting you to join the MCGI Cares (Hive) community that study the words of Godand as I'm writing about what I believe to be the words of God I couldn't think of a better place to post.
I'd also like to tag my friend 
I am the oldest son and have one sister and one half-sister. We all share the same father and we all have different stories about him. My sister and I had our father leave us when we were young and only saw him a few times a year (if we were lucky). My half-sister lived with him full time while growing up. If you were to ask us to write about our father and each of us was to give an accurate account we would write three very different articles.
I mention that because there is an analogy to be drawn between the Torah, the Bible and the Quran. Three different telling about the same one God.
When I was thinking about alcohol I was led to the bible stories about Noah and Jesus.
In my Bible :
Genesis 9:21 - "He drank some of the wine and became drunk, and he lay uncovered inside his tent."
In the Jewish Torah :
Bereishit, Chapter 9, Verse 21 - ""He drank some of the wine and became drunk, and he lay uncovered inside his tent.""
But the Quran does not mention that story at all.
It is a story which shows that alcohol in excess can lead to intoxication and bad behavior. In my research I've heard that the Quran shows prophets are holy and pure. As a Christian they are shown as chosen by God and diligent in following him....but also human and prone to failing just like the rest of us.
When looking in the Bible for the "correct" use of alcohol I immediately thought of "The Last Supper".
Matthew 26:27 "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you" and later mentioned that the cup has wine in it.
Where the wine isn't taken to excess and is used responsibly. Of course this story isn't told in either the Torah or Quran as it is a story only important to Christians.
I will say that when I heard Christians (and Jewish) are called "People of the Book" that made me proud. I am a proud follower of God and I learn about him from reading my Bible. Calling me a "Person of the Book" would be a badge of honor I would happily carry. When I learned about "PBUH" I had to smile inwardly as a Christian we call Jesus "the prince of peace" and couldn't help but think that "PBUH" would be a bit like asking Muhammad and Jesus to be friends. Then I thought about the term "Muslim" and had to smile inwardly.
Because if someone asked me if I was "Muslim" I would have to think about it. I absolutely try to be "One who submits" to the will of God. The only problem is that the viewpoint I have of God is painted with a different brush than the one the image the Quran paints. Even if it is the same God.
So, could I answer "Yes. I'm Muslim" it could technically be true. However, it could be incredibly insulting to those who follow Islam because it would lead them to believe that I'm something I'm not.
The word "Muslim" has great meaning. I will choose Christian as I try to live and follow Jesus Christ. However, if you ask do I willingly try to be "One who submits" that would also be true...but I will refrain from using the word "Muslim" because it wouldn't be honest.
or in modern English font
The root of such words as "paternal" "paternity" "paternalistic" "patriarch" and even "patricide'.
It is the word that translates as "FATHER"
The font may be different but the first word is obviously the same and it means one thing.
ONE..
......Simple....
................Word
But there is a lot of power in that one word. Father implies a lot. It is a far more endearing term than "Guardian" or "Caregiver". In ancient times it would also imply far more power and authority. It also shows lineage.
When Jesus tells us to refer to "God" as "Father" that symbolism has incredible meaning. It reaches the very core of what it means to be a Christian.
When a different faith tells that I am a "Person of the Book" I take that seriously. The book I follow and the words in it should be faithfully translated. If someone changes the words or twists the meaning then what am I? I am no longer a person of the book. I am no longer following an example set by God/Jesus. I wouldn't even know what to call myself.
Now I do understand that some words take on a different meaning over time. Phrases like "Gird up your liver" would be confusing to a modern person. It's historic meaning would be something like "be brave" so a literal word for word translation isn't always accurate either. That is even seen in different translations of the Bible. The World English Bible (WEB) is a literal translation while the New English Translation (NET) is written in common English to show the original meaning. Both are valuable and both have their limitations.
However, I suppose that is why I was incensed when I saw this single word
Translated to this :
I understand why the words were changed. In modern society many people see gender as a construct. They view old fashioned views such as male and female, right and wrong, good and bad as limiting and harmful to advancing past such tradition. In an effort to be inclusive of all views it has meant turning black and white into gray. Or put another way I understand these changes aim to be more inclusive and reflect contemporary understandings of gender, but I worry about the potential loss of the original textual meanings.
But the Bible is very much about black and white. It is clear on that from the beginning. If people choose to turn their back on that then they are certainly welcome to and I will support their choice. I may not adhere to that choice but I certainly believe that God gave people free will to do as they choose! Even with faithful translation different writings can take on different meanings, interpretations or significance. Look at all the different Christian denominations all based on the same words but different views. I can have debates on differing viewpoints and still value the others different opinions. However, when the words are changed from their original meaning things get a lot more blurred.
In that light if a denomination of the church wants to tell about the power and characteristics of God that is fine. If they want to give flowery words about his greatness then go ahead. However, if they want to change the words that have been written for millennia and take liberties. That is something entirely different.
When I saw that the Lutheran church adopted a "modern" version of the Lords Prayer I was incensed and sad. The church that bears the name of Martin Luther who was a devout proponent of people being able to read and understand the Bible. An adherent to the authority of the words that were written! When one "Christian" church changes the words of the Bible it reflects on all Christians.
As for me I am happy to take any criticism, hardship or scorn that people wish to dish out on me for what I believe--it is just part of following the Bible. However, when people see me in a different light because of something that is NOT part of a Christian's core beliefs....that's something entirely different.
I understand that gender is a sensitive topic today. I understand that some people are against the traditional roles of "mother" "father" "sister" "brother" "he" "she" and more.
However, to change historical works to fit today's modern ethos can be extremely misleading. They are fixed in a time and place. They stand on their own merit for the time they were written. They can be viewed in a different light by today's values. There can be different interpretations on how they fit in modern society
But please: Words have value. Please don't misquote what has been written.
Now these are just my personal beliefs. I hold no ill will towards anyone who wishes to hold different viewpoints.
I just couldn't stay quiet about this one and would welcome feedback from different communities.
Am I wrong for wanting to keep the words as they were written? Or am I being old fashioned and bigoted because of my beliefs?
Thanks for reading
and feel free to comment (respectfully if possible)
Thank you and I do apologize if this article is offensive. I typically follow the rule "Don't speak when angry" but I just couldn't hold myself back on this one.
