Some of the most popular stories in the Bible were recently re-written by a British Anglican vicar, including the story of Goliath, who in the retelling is a celebrity binge drinker.
The Rev. Robert Harrison of St. John’s Church in northwest London is behind the reworking of the top 10 Bible stories that were chosen by a poll conducted by the Christian charity Scripture Union.
In Harrison’s book, The Must Know Stories, the tale of David and Goliath is retold from the perspective of Goliath, who is portrayed as a “depressed alcoholic” who is hung over on the day of battle with David, according to the U.K.-based Telegraph newspaper.
Meanwhile, the well-known story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is twisted so that Adam expresses his obsession with Eve’s naked body. The nativity story is also changed so as to have Jesus born in an overcrowded house instead of a manger, amid family tension stirred by Joseph’s aunt who is upset that Mary and Joseph are not married.
Harrison explained that he began the book by asking people which Bible stories they think must be passed down to the next generation. From the responses, the Anglican priest gathered the most popular stories and rewrote them from the perspective of the non-believer.
He said his purpose in rewriting the stories is to make them more accessible, and not to promote Christianity.
Harrison said that "because we're so uneasy about things religious, these stories are slipping silently out of our consciousness,” according to the Telegraph.
"There are some stories which, in every culture, people need to know. These wonderful ancient stories are not known by a huge proportion of our society, and they need to be told."
Each of the re-written stories is followed by the original biblical text to allow readers to compare both versions.
In February, a U.N. report revealed shocking statistics indicating that less than half of British people adhere to a religion. The report was a stark contrast to U.K.’s 2001 National Census which claimed that nearly 72 percent of the population was Christian.
Furthermore, a poll by the public theology think tank Theos found that only 12 percent of adults in Britain know the details of the Christmas story.
Top 10 Bible Stories to Pass to Next Generation:
1. The Crucifixion of Jesus
2. The Birth at Bethlehem
3. Adam and Eve
4. The Good Samaritan
5. The 10 Commandments
6. The Prodigal Son
7. Noah's Ark
8. David and Goliath
9. Daniel in the Lions' Den
10. The Feeding of the 5000
Comments
"If it where not for alternative editing and interpretation of the Bible, all Christians would be members of the Roman Catholic Church."...
The church at Pella in Palestine possessed the Textus Receptus also known as the Majority Text and Received Text; where Christians fled in 70 A.D. because of the Romans destruction of Jerusalem. This text was carried away into Antioch Syria, Italic Church in northern Italy, Gallic Church in southern France, and the Celtic Church in Great Britain.
History bears witness to the fact, that some of the early church fathers adopted Gnostic beliefs and began to incorporate them into the TR and this corrupt version became known as the Alexandrian Text. Notable fathers who accepted certain Gnostic beliefs were Justin Martyr, Tatian, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen. Eusebius is witness to this fact. He also relates that the corrupted manuscripts were so prevalent that agreement between copies was hopeless and that those who were corrupting the scriptures claimed that they really were corrupting them – Eusebius, Eccles. History, Book V., Chap. 28.
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Justin Martyr, originally a pagan and of pagan parentage, embraced Christianity. Even though he was a Christian teacher, he actually taught pagan philosophy. His pupil Tatian also adopted Gnosticism (in Palestine) and wrote a book called the Diatessaron, meaning four in one (Encyclopedias, “Tatian”). This corrupted version of the gospel was being circulated and was eventually thrown out by the bishop of Syria. Next, we come to Tatian’s pupil known as Clement of Alexandria; who founded a school in Alexandria and further promoted this corrupt version of the TR (Dean Burgon, The Revision Revised, p. 330.)
Origen adopted and also promoted this same corrupt version of the TR. It was he that mightily influenced Jerome, the editor of the Latin Bible known as the Vulgate. Eusebius claims to have collected eight hundred of Origen’s letters, to have used Origen’s six-column Bible, the Hexapala, in his biblical labors. Wheww- this is why I do not accept the Alexandrian Text, which the RCC uses to this day but continue to use the Majority Text; which the KJV is based on.
"If it where not for alternative editing and interpretation of the Bible, all Christians would be members of the Roman Catholic Church."......well let's not forget that alternate editing of the normal word for word equality translation instead of "this is what god really meant to say" we would never have gotten the latin vulgate that the roman catholic church uses.
THE REAL THINGS THAT NEEDS TO BE PASS DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION IS THE TRUTH THE REAL TRUTH. THE LORD IS COMING BACK AND THE WORD OF GOD[THE BIBLE IS REAL] BELIEVE WHAT YOU WISH AND GOD BE YOU .IN JESUS NAME
What is this world coming to? Oh I KNOW THE WORLD!!!! The word of is being taken out of everything,but us christians know right from wrong,and it is upto us to teach our children and everyone else who will listen the real truth.You can take the word of god and make it what you want,but you will be sinning and lying.Read the bible;;EXODOUS 20,1-17,THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. All who knowly sin will face god's judgements.
St. Johns Church. Isn't that Catholic?
If it where not for alternative editing and interpretation of the Bible, all Christians would be members of the Roman Catholic Church. I'm not so sure the story of David and Goliath deserves to be one of the top ten stories to pass on the the next generation.
Perhaps my previous comments were taken incorrectly.
The bottom line is that we have too many church leaders out there who are engaged in activities which do not promote the Word of God and the Kingdom.
It's time to hold them more accountable.
"He said his purpose in rewriting the stories is to make them more accessible, and not to promote Christianity."
Perhaps God should rewrite the Bible and remove His Son as the centerpiece so the world would be more accepting of the history and pass it on.
I would focus more of my attention on the Christians who only view these as stories and not real events that happened in history.
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? - Jeremiah 5:31.
Correction:
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar – Proverbs 30:6.
lipoftruth,
I sent you the lesson on religion. Let me know if you do not receive it.
lipoftruth,
"Twisting scripture, diluting the true Gospel, making Christ into whatever shape or form they want."
Do not feel like the lone ranger; there are many believers who are fully aware of these liberal and postmodern subtleties. Stay encouraged, for the Lord is still on the throne!
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen - Jude 24, 25.
TerryH, thanks. I would love to read your article here is my email: valuekard@sbcglobal.net
valuekard @ sbcglobal dot net (no spaces) just in case it is blocked.
Strudelcookies,
Excellent point in your post that states:Kinda takes away the divinity message. What length are people going to go to? God has been taken out of schools institutions, public places and to a certain degree, our government. Now someone is trying to remove Him from His own word. Well the truth be known, no one can remove God from the hearts of believers. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
lipoftruth,
I totally agree with you it is a sad day for our churches today. When I was going through regeneration and ministry training our discipleship teacher wrote an article, which was actually one of our lessons. It is actually the real difference between religion and Christianity. I have tried to post it on this site but apparently it is to wordy. I would like to share it with some but do not know how to go about it. I feel your heart my brother and am praying thta God will open the eyes of the church today so they will turn back to Him. I really believe that what you are commenting about is the result of the church forgetting the basics of its purpose. Thanks and God Bless.