Gender neutral Bible criticized

AP reports that some are criticizing the 2011 edition of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible


In the old translation of the world's most popular Bible, John the Evangelist declares: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar." Make that "brother or sister" in a new translation that includes more gender-neutral language and is drawing criticism from some conservatives who argue the changes can alter the theological message.

The 2011 translation of the New International Version Bible, or NIV, does not change pronouns referring to God, who remains "He" and "the Father." But it does aim to avoid using "he" or "him" as the default reference to an unspecified person.
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Before the new translation even hit stores, it drew opposition from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, an organization that believes women should submit to their husbands in the home and only men can hold some leadership roles in the church.


Hermeneutic of Suspicion anyone?

Posted by Ann Fontaine on March 19, 2011 10:07 AM | |
Comments (2)

If the generic use of "he" is said to include "she" (in some mysterious way), why not just spell her out too and be done with it?

Instead the Council for Macho Men and Girly Girls seems to argue that "he" does not include "she" at all - which is, of course, the point at issue.

When even the NIV goes inclusive, the handwriting on the wall is visible for all to see.

Posted by Josh Thomas [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2011 11:54 AM

These and other folks have been banging on the NIV editors for some time. Out there somewhere are people not only exulting Manly Men and Womanly Women, but they are reediting the Bible to make sure it properly presents conservative doctrine.

Good to remember how important pronouns are. In the end the only canonical change we made to open the doors to ordination of women was to specify that "he" in the canons meant "she" as well. Those who claim it is inclusive only do so when it suits their bias.

Posted by Michael Russell [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 19, 2011 12:19 PM

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