Christians
for Biblical Equality’s
E-Quality Newsletter VOL. 1, NO. 1
Affirming the biblical truth of equality as reflected in Galatians 3:28
March 2002
Welcome
Welcome to the first edition of the E-Quality Newsletter, the quarterly e-mail newsletter for Christians for Biblical Equality. We hope you find this issue to be useful and encouraging. Much more is available at our Web site.
The TNIV – What’s at Stake?
By Mimi Haddad, President
Does Jesus ask us to become fishers of “men” or of “people”? And does it even matter?
This question has become a heated one, as the International Bible Society and Zondervan recently announced the release of Today’s New International Version Bible (TNIV). Based on the New International Version (NIV), this Bible offers clearer language, including gender-accurate language for people.
Many are nervous about tampering with the Word of God (and rightly so!), but I’ve noticed that many people have misconceptions about this Bible. Is it eliminating gender differences or submitting to a feminist agenda? Or is it offering a more accurate picture of what the original texts are saying?
In working on the TNIV, the translators looked carefully at the specific words that were used in the original languages, as well as the context of the verses. When it was clear that the biblical authors were not referring to a specific gender, they used words like “people” or “humans” instead of gender-specific words like “men” or “brothers.” These Bible translators are merely translating the Word of God with precision!
I’m grateful to have a translation that is uncompromising in its accuracy. Not only does it give me a clearer grasp of what each passage is saying, it also helps me communicate the gospel more effectively. Language is always changing, and while in the past it was understood that a word like “men” could mean women too, this isn’t true today.
I’m glad I can share TNIV passages like Titus 2:11 with my friends: “for the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” Precise wording in a verse like this is essential, because I’ve heard too many stories of women who rejected Christianity because the Bible seemed to be a book only for men.
We know that God loves and honors both men and women, but stories like these help us realize what’s at stake. We’re not just talking about words, but about how people understand their relationship with God. Suddenly gender-accurate language seems pretty important. I, for one, am glad to be a “fisher of people.”
Quotable
“Language is like soil. However rich, it is subject to erosion, and its fertility is constantly threatened by uses that exhaust its vitality. It needs constant re-invigoration if it is not to become arid and sterile.”
Elizabeth Drew (1887-1965), Anglo-American author, critic
Poetry: A Modern Guide to Its Understanding and Enjoyment
Dell Publishing Co. (1959)
Biblical Equality Receives Media
Attention
Many people reject Christianity on grounds that may surprise you. The reason is not that they haven’t ever heard the gospel. Instead, these people reject the God of Christianity as a God who plays favorites, whose inner circle includes only men.
That’s why it is so exciting when CBE receive media coverage! CBE President Mimi Haddad was recently interviewed on the morning show at WMHK radio in Columbia, SC, as well as various print publications including USA Today, Associated Press, and Christianity Today. We praise God for these opportunities to share with many people an alternative and biblical viewpoint on the place of women in the church, home, and society.
To read more about CBE in the media, visit the ‘press room’ section of our Web site.
http://www.cbeinternational.org
Book Service News
Don’t miss this chance to receive free shipping! CBE is offering a BUY 3, SHIP FREE sale on all items in its bookstore for a limited time. If you buy three or more items on-line, standard shipping is free to United States addresses. Your member discount does apply.
To take advantage of this sale, shop at http://www.cbeinternational.org/bookstore. When you’ve added three or more items to your Shopping Cart, choose the Buy 3, Ship Free shipping option. Hurry-Sale ends Sunday, March 10, 2002.
http://www.cbeinternational.org./bookstore
You Are Invited
Do you need an exciting and romantic getaway with your spouse, fiancé or significant other? Are you interested in what God has to say about marriage? Join CBE as it presents a conference titled, “Marriage and the Family of God” in Portland, Oregon from September 27-29, 2002. General Session speakers include Jon and Carol Trott, John and Carolyn Kohlenberger, and John Temple Bristow.
The conference will be held at the Ramada Conference Center, which includes a free shuttle from the airport and free parking. Beautiful mountains sit in the distance, and rivers run through the city. The beauty is stunning, but Portland is also a lively metropolis. Head downtown and you’ll find great restaurants and shops—with no sales tax, making it an ideal shopping and vacation location!
For more information, visit our Web site and click on “Events-Conferences” or call our national office at 612-872-6898.
We hope to see you there!
http://www.cbeinternational.org
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Comments
Please address your comments to:
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Christians for Biblical Equality
122 W Franklin Ave, Suite 218
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: (612)-872-6898
Fax: (612)-872-6891