A homosexual man has filed a $70 million lawsuit against Bible publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, alleging that their version of the Bible that refers to homosexuality as a sin violates his constitutional rights and has caused him emotional distress.
Bradley LaShawn Fowler, an ex-con turned author, filed the federal suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on Monday, the same day a judge refused to appoint him a lawyer for his suit against Thomas Nelson, The Grand Rapids Press reported.
"The Court has some very genuine concerns about the nature and efficacy of these claims," the judge wrote.
Fowler, who is representing himself in both cases, claims that Zondervan manipulated Scripture by using the term "homosexuals" in 1 Corinthians 6:9 of their 1982 and 1987 revised edition Bibles. He also contends that the reference to homosexuality were deleted by the publisher in later versions without informing the public.
He alleges that since the older Kings James Version containing the term "homosexuals" is used by his family pastor, he has been outcast by his family.
The 39-year-old is suing the Grand Rapids publisher for compensation of 20 years of "emotional duress and mental instability," he told WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids.
In a hand-written suit, Fowler lists all sorts of charges against Zondervan including malicious negligence, strict liability, malice, libel, and violating his civil rights. He filed a suit in June against Tennessee-based publisher Thomas Nelson on similar grounds. He's seeking $60 million from Zondervan and $10 million from Thomas Nelson Publishing.
Zondervan issued a statement to The Christian Post that said they do not discuss ongoing litigation. The company's spokesperson Tara Powers, however, pointed out that they only publish Bibles, not translate them.
"Since Zondervan does not translate the Bible or own the copyright for any of the translations we publish, we are not in a position to comment on the merits of how a word should or should not be translated," said Powers.
"We rely on the scholarly judgment of the highly respected and credible translation committees behind each translation and never alter the text of the translations we are licensed to publish. We only publish credible translations produced by credible biblical scholars," she noted.
According to Fowler, Zondervan has 20 days to respond to the claims listed.
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"abominable lifestyle" LOL.The Bible can be used to lable the lifestyle of a good number of Christians in the USA as abominable and,much of the history of the USA can be labeled as abominable as well.This lawsuit is the result of Christians persecuting others based on personal faith beliefs
This really shows us our place in the world as the children of God doesn't it? Jesus told us that we would be hated. Remember though, this guy is up against the Lord of the Universe. GO ZONDERVAN. STAY TRUE TO THE WORD OF GOD! This lunatic will pay for his his evil and denial of it.
Let this be a warning to all of you. The liberals and secularists are winning the battle not against religion, but against Christianity specifically. The reason for this is because too many "Christians" have been apathetic to politics and litigation procedures. The world knows this, and they exploit us for it. Why do you think we are seeing gay marriage happen, abortion, divorce in record numbers (even among Christians). My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Remember the heart of Paul for the church.
It's time for the "light of the world," the children of God to start taking action against this evil. I encourage all of you, brothers and sisters, to start paying attention to what's going on around you. We've got major issues surrounding us and we need to lead the world in taking action against evil.
Blessings to you,
Matthew
I think we need to drop the "ex" from the ex-con title. This is as obsurd as filing a suit against the great, great Grandchildren of John Steinbeck because he found the book "Of Mice and Men" offensive to mentally disabled people.
Maybe this man should take God to court and put Him on trial. The reason he is suffering so much emotional distress is:
1. he didn't want to retain God in his knowledge.
2. He exchanged the truth of God for a lie.
3. He serves the creature more than the Creator.
4. He is burned in his lust for other men.
5. He exchanged the natural use of the woman for that which is not convenient.
6. God gave him up in heart, mind, and body.
7. He takes pleasure in this nonsense with others that are likeminded.
8. He knows that he is worthy of death because he continues in it.
How can I say these things, it's because I have God's Word on it.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
It's not too late to repent as long as he has the breath of life in his nostrils!
Kass- let's take it one step further...was it the Bible or how it was used as an excuse to alienate him from the family? It seems to be a matter of the family not understanding the Bible.
The point here is how much this person was hurt by rejection from his parents and his community. He's obviously mentally ill. They seem to me to be really drawn to centers of power like the law, banks, universities - or anywhere they might get help, like church or counseling. and not going to "get rich." A handwritten legal petition from a traumatized mentally ill person isn't something to worry about with the law, but with one's own conscience.
"Because 1 Corinthians 6:10 says that no drunkards will enter the kingdom of God either."
Proverbs 31:6-7 says, "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to to those who are bitter of heart. Let him dringk and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."
Ephesians 5:18-19 says "And do not be drunk with wind, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another inpsalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"
The drunkards are those who do not have the hope found in the Holy Spirit through Jesus the Christ. We don't need to find relief from the misery of life in the bottom of a bottle...all the relief we need is found in the Spirit (and I'm conservative!). This how alchoholics can recover through the hope found in Christ. It's how people can recover from all types of sin including homosexuality.
SAFox - welcome! I think you're going to fit right in.
It does seem the more sin Christians accept from themselves the further sin itself will go. A little leaven....
I think many of us saw this coming. If he were to win, then the courts might say that certain things in the Bible have to be taken out because some people find them offensive. Can anyone else see where this is headed? Meanwhile, we Christians are busy fighting among ourselves so that we don't see what is happening to us from the outside.
The same Word of God, the Bible, that Christians love is the one the world hates. I am praying that it is not taken away from us.
carpenter,
Romans 10:13-14
"13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
carpenter,
What you missed is that any of us might be used by God to draw someone to Christ. So we need to evangelize, that people might come to Christ.
Don't forget the homosexual community is standing on the shoulders of us who have been fornicators & adulterers.
They would not be making such inroads so out of proportion to their numbers if it were not for the acceptance of 'straight' sex sin in US culture.
Fornication between 'straights' is far more rampant than homosexuality & is shoved in our faces all the time. Where is the protest over that as well?
Straight sex sin opened the door...are we surprised that homosexuals & NAMBLA want their perversions to be legitimized as well?
I was a sex sinner with the opposite sex. I had to repent. After living on both sides of the aisle I will stick with Jesus & His word. Has worked very well for me since 1969.
I do not judge this man. He is already judged, as are all who refuse Christ. I pray for him...that is all we are allowed to do, thought if we are living by the Word we can voice opposition to all such sins. I am not qualified to throw stones...
Sounds like some one is out to make a lot of bucks. If that is all it takes to get this guy in a lather...Gimma a break!!
Conscience bothering him? I wonder if murders, fornicators, thieves,liars, adulterers & others on the list are gonna jump on the band wagon. The Prez & most of Congress could get in line as well as the Bible has them for stealing & lying big time.
carpenter, that being the case than we no longer need to evanglize and share the plan of salvation with people since it is already a done deal as to who will be saved and who won't be saved?
The Bible says that Jeses said, no man comes unto the Father but by me. In John 6, Jeses says, no one comes to me unless the Father draws hin. Also in John 6, Jeses says, all that the Father gives me, will come to me, and ALL that come to me, I will not lose any of them. So with that said, GOD chooses who goes to heaven. GOD wrote your name in the Lambs Book of Life before HE made the world. Thank you.
"We rely on the scholarly judgment of the highly respected and credible translation committees behind each translation and never alter the text of the translations we are licensed to publish. We only publish credible translations produced by credible biblical scholars," she noted
Perhaps Bradley LaShawn Fowler is able to prove Zondervan wrong. $70 Million? Nice figure...in your dreams...
At least we know that Fowler was reading the bible during his spare time. Several of them. And he knows what God says about homosexuality.
An abominable lifestyle. The various translations can't change that.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
oh my :)
denga, are you saying than no alcoholics to include recovering alcoholics will go to heaven? Because 1 Corinthians 6:10 says that no drunkards will enter the kingdom of God either. I personally believe that this scripture refers to people who continue to willfully sin in these areas and have no desire to repent of their sinful lifestyle.
God said to taste of him and see for yourself he is really good! This man has not sought God nor feared him.
I think God is really all that, he is just a wonderful person. I want to be just like him.
Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
Father in the name of Jesus please break satan's hold of bondage on this man , let him seek you with all his heart and then shall he find you, Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
Believer: It is important that we believe what the Bible has to say in it's literal, historical and grammatical sense, and not infuse our understanding or presupposition onto or into it. God's word is true and right it's our interpretations that at fault...
the context here points out that sexual perversion is intended, see the words used before, "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals..."
It is true that the word "arsenokoitēs" can be translated in various ways to be clear here are some of the forms in which they will appear in various texts. "one who takes the active male role in homosexual intercourse" (1Co 6:9), specifically interpreted as male homosexual paedophilia; possibly a more generic term in first Timothy; sodomites (rsv, nrsv, nkjv), perverts (niv, neb, reb), practicing homosexuals (nab), homosexual (njb), (1Ti 1:10+), note: context determines meaning.
Sorry the whole Bible is inspired by God and written through individuals , with the new testament mainly being Apostles
I cor 6-9 is the passage stating no homosexual will enter the kingdom of God unless 1 cor 6-11 they trust in Christ, repent and change. These were written by Paul to the Church of Corinthe, however most believe that the whole bible is inherently spoken by God through his apostles. So Jesus may nothave said them directly, while on this earth, but none the less he said them.
Yes, Jesus died for ALL. It is up to each and every one to accept or reject Him. There is no middle ground.
Yep...it's there along with a long list of others. Now comes the questions of what is covered under the blood and what is true salvation.
Does Jesus waste His shed blood on those who will only walk away, not repent or never understand on this earth?
Believer,
First Corinthians 6:9
denga, as much as I believe the Bible condemns the sexual practices of homosexuality, there is no where in the Bible where Jesus specifically said no homosexuals will enter the Kingdom of God.
By reading this post, I have become stressed out and I am no longer able to carry on life as usual. Bradley Fowler has offended be beyond repair, and I highly doubt I'll be able to sleep comfortably tonight. I shall sue him.
Translation: I'm lazy, don't feel like working, and I want my face on the news.
The point is not that the bible is offensive or filled with hate speech, the point is people want complete autonomy from God's rules and regulations. We do not like to accountable for anything, and especially a God who will judge us for what we did in this life. Even if this man does get money it does not change the inspired truth of God's word. May God save him from his life and love of sin.
No Bible believing Christian should ever need to defend the truth expressed in the scriptures. We did not author it, God did. What people do not know is, they are accusing God of "hate speech". God is not accountable to man and what he says, we affirm as true. Jesus said "No homosexual... will enter the kingdom of God."
I can't believe that that is all he asked for. $70 million is like a years worth of gasoline...
$70 million?
Sounds like someone didn't pay their cable bill.....
For a Christian to allow poronography, is for a Christian to allow adultery. Jesus said that if you lust after a woman in your heart (i.e. pornography) then you have already commited adultery.
porn isnt 'expression' and it aint freedom. its slavery , sin , and evil. thousands of sites on the net, some happily express to you that you can cheat on your wife with a woman who is cheating on her husband! they are more than happy to set it up , small fee to join then do what ever you want! Crazy stuff, and usa is so far rotten to its core that you cant trust anyone any more. Thousands of sites all about sex. anything goes. run a search. who do you want baby-sitting your kids? hmmm.
"20 years of "emotional duress and mental instability."
If this was a problem, why wasn't it dealt with 20 years ago?
FYI, the word translated 'homosexual' is Strongs Greek Dictionary #733 "a sodomite:-abuser of (that defile) self with mankind."
In short, homosexual....
"20 years of "emotional duress and mental instability."
What's left to say? It sounds like this guys mental instability was a long present issue which we can pity him for. Perhaps this case will get him the help he needs.
"I just want to say, this is in no way a reflection on the gay community. This is a man who is clearly out to get attention. "
Mark this day on your calendar...Mike and I agree on something!!! This guy is also out to get money.
Can you imagine the amount of lawsuits that would come from Christians against news agencies, gay groups, planned parenthood, and what about Hollywood! The list goes on....
This country is reeling from an overdose of pornography, straight and gay (and all of those other categories, apparently, that most of us here did not even know existed!). Frankly, I don't have any answers to the porn problem. If the "good" people began limiting freedom of expression, I don't know where it would end. On the other hand, pornography is so very poisonous in our culture.
hlerwin leave lossnerp alone ty. He is quite right it has been my experience talking to many hundreds of gays that maybe a few out of a hundred didnt blaspheme Jesus. Thats a fact anyone can see, simply go to a gay site and witness. try gay.com see for yourselves. What you will see in over-abundance is porn and more porn and MORE PORN! And they of course talk about sex alot. gay.com see for yourselves.
From the Catholic Bible - Rev. 22:18 & 19
"I warn everyone who hears the prophetic words in this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 and if anyone takes away from the words in this prophetic book, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city described in this book"
Be Warned!
mike2865, hope I got the numbers right, but your right there a jerks on both sides of the aisle on the homosexuality issue and it appears this guy is one of them and rather than help his cause he hurts it. Sorry to say we've got some knuckleheads on our side to. Take care and I always enjoy posting with you regardless of what side of the aisle I'm on, believer
That's ridiculous. He chose to read it.
Looking at my 3 posts critical of lossnerp, I had better clarify my 1st comment (since many CP readers, I find, are quite humorless): "I want to go on record as saying that over the years the Bible has hurt my feelings several times. Can anyone tell me where I can find a good lawyer?"
If the Bible did not break us from our old ways so that we could see the right path to take, the scripture would not have been reprinted for as long as it has. The guy suing is either a publicity seeker or crazy or is taking a chance on the out-of-whack settlements some foolish juries award these days. (Maybe all three of these...)
lossnerp, what an altogether fatuous post you made.
And "Maybe we are a communist country already!!"
Oooooooo.....now that's really a horrifying one!
Are you running out of scare tactics, lossnerp?
From lossnerp: "Mike, the problem is it DOES represent a very large majority of the homosexual community."
Nonsense
I want to go on record as saying that over the years the Bible has hurt my feelings several times. Can anyone tell me where I can find a good lawyer?
The thought police are at again in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." What an irony that so many are coming from so many directions to try and stifle speech guaranteed in the Constitution but not always available in America. Most of the harassing speech stifling incidents do not make the headlines. Recently, in Hickory, NC, two men were arrested for handing out tracts at a public event. Fortunately, the community is adamant in their condemnation of the Hickory Police Department for this absurd speech stifling behavior. We as Christians are obligated to continue to speak out and advocate for the faith (Jude 3) while trying to obey Caesar's laws when we can. More and more, we have to echo Peter and John that we ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 4)
Mike, the problem is it DOES represent a very large majority of the homosexual community. The homosexual community as a whole wants to silence any reference to homosexuality being a sin. As homosexuality has become accepted little by litte, our freedoms as Christians, the foundations of this nation, have being taken away, little by little. Very soon, worshipping in this country will be as difficult as it was/is in communist countries where one risks going to jail or being sued for such comments. Wait, that is already happening..!! Maybe we are a communist country already!! If you truly do not believe that this represents your community, then take a stand with the many organizations that trying to protect the religious freedoms of this country. May I suggest, Focus on the Family or the Family Research Council for starts.
And Jesus4me... No one reads such long blogs. Please find something more worthy to do with the gospel you believe.
I just want to say, this is in no way a reflection on the gay community. This is a man who is clearly out to get attention. Please do not draw the conclusion that all in the gay community are God hating people who want nothing more than to have promiscuous sex all day and eat your babies.
"The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." Romans 14:21-23(in Context)
itsallaboutjesusnotme.blogspot.com
Seems like Tamna's response is the most likely thing actually happening.
In any case, what difference does it make? Can any Heathen mock the saints? For any Heathen who mocks us, mocks Christ, and if they mock Christ, they mock the One whom sent Christ, and the Bible tells us that God cannot be mocked. What can he take from our hands, for the very Father Almighty has provided all for his saints? Who can steal from God?
This is a total farce. I'd bet the whole thing blows over in a month or so. Or if the judges are foolish enough to take this case seriously, what can the judges do? Award the moron the 70 million? So what? What has this man really taken from the saints hands? Censor the Bible? As if God's Word can be censored.
Hello all, and nice to see you around Prophet.
This Fowler man is another gay man who is totally lost. Let's pray that through his lawsuit this poor soul will find God.
Some thoughts after reading the article:
1) The guy is an ex-con. Many ex-cons develop the habit/pasttime of suing anybody for anything while in prison. I have seen suits filed against the governors of some states because the prisoners shower shoes were uncomfortable. Or how about the convict that sued because of the emotional distress suffered in prison beacuse the prison didn't have his favorite kind of jello. No, I'm not making this up. That is all that is happening here. It is just a harrassment tactic. I am beginning to doubt whether the guy is actually gay.
2) The guy wants to get some money to go away and he figures this would be a way to do it, plain and simple.
3) His next step will probably be an attempt to subpoaena God to question Him about whether or not those ARE really His words in the Bible.
4) It'll just keep getting more and more silly until some judge finally has enough and tosses everything out of the courthouse - or the publishing companies do more harm by actually settling with the guy to get rid of him - thereby encouraging others to do the same thing.
5) This Fowler guy really needs to get a life and develop new hobbies.
i wish to find this man and SUE him for causing ME emotional distress,
is this a more valid lawsuit? i think it is!
This is frightening. What's more scary than him suing is the judge's reaction.
"The Court has some very genuine concerns about the nature and efficacy of these claims," the judge wrote.
It took just one lady to get prayer out of school. What will happen if we are required to remove scripture from the Bible?
The first step of censorship is at our door.
We should counter-sue the man for being gay!
Hahah, what a freaking joke!
People; sin is sin. In the eyes of God, ALL have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. We all need God. God provided a provision for us to be made right in His sight - Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY mediator between God and man. Nothing outside of Christ Jesus will save you. Not the virgin mary, not good works, not keeping the sabbath, not tithing. A relationship with God is Only attainable thru Jesus Christ. God hates ALL sin. However, having said that, homosexuality is a sin that shows up when a society wants nothing to do with God (look at post modern America). Read Romans chapter 1. People wake up. Jesus loves the homosexual, the adulterer, the fornicator, the lier, the thief, but He hates the sin; those who do not repent of those sin’s and decide to have Christ transform their lives and continue to practice these things shal not inherit the Kingdom of God. We are born and seeped in sin. Our righteousness is as filthy rags before a righteous and holy God. We need a Savior. We need to confess our sins to God; repent/turn away from that which separates us from God (sin). We need to do this individually in order to be right with God, and then we need to accept (receive) Christ as Lord (Master) and Savior of our lives. If there is anyone out there who has not given their life to Christ; please do so. God is not wanting that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He is patient with you in hopes that you will make a choice and accept His love and forgiveness thru His Son Jesus Christ, but you have to make the choice. Do not harden your heart(s) at the Word of the Lord. Repent, and be made free from the bondage of sin and death.
If we look at biblical history in context (not the liberal/post modern seeker friendly/emergent stuff that has crept it’s way into the church to deceive many), God sent His prophets time and time again to His people Israel. Many times the people refused to repent of the sin's they had committed before their God. They would sometimes stone, and persecute the Prophets sent to them, because they did not want to listen to the Word of the Lord. God was gracious, merciful, and longsuffering; however, there came times when God would judge the nation because they refused to repent. Once they cried out to Him and turned from their wicked ways, then God would restore them again. I believe that the world we live in is upside down. America is upsidedown. As a nation, the Supreme Court has willfully decided to keep God out of the country. They have decided to keep the 10 commandments out of the classroom, to keep prayer out of schools, etc. We are slowly going down the slippery slope of no return. Woe to them who call evil good and good evil. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the Word of the Lord will not pass away. We should learn from Israel's example, and our once great nation (by God’s grace) will to learn. God will not turn a blind eye while there are millions of unborn baby’s being murdered, there is rampant pornography (the word pornea is the greek for where fornication comes from, and where we get the word pornography), the California Supreme Court has decreed that homosexuals can get married legally (against the will of the majority of the people I might ad). Extreme greed and covetousness has become te god of this nation. Today’s TV shows, and the music our kids listen to glamorizes the god of sexual promiscuity (out of wedlock sex whether homosexual, bisexual, transsexual, or heterosexual), and the god of greed, and the list goes on and on. Does anyone seriously think God’s judgement is not coming if America does not turn? It will come sooner or later if the country does not repent.
May we pray for this man as well as for this nation. We are slouching towards Gomorrah. The truth of God's Word will stand the test of time; no mater how many assaults/law suits come against it. The emotional distress this man has is because God has given him a conscience, and he is choosing to go against that which God ordained. Maybe the Holy Spirit has convicted him to repent and turn from the homosexual lifestyle so he can be made whole, and it is highly possible that he is refusing to adhere to the wooing of the Word of God in his conscience, so it distresses him. The Word of God will be abrasive if there is sin in one’s life, but it is meant to bring people to a place of brokenness and repentance before God. I pray that he will repent ad truly desire the life change of Christ in his life.
Romans 1:16-32
The Just Live by Faith
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,[a] for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.â€Â[b]
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible manâ€â€and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Footnotes:
Romans 1:16 NU-Text omits of Christ.
Romans 1:17 Habakkuk 2:4
Romans 1:29 NU-Text omits sexual immorality.
Romans 1:31 NU-Text omits unforgiving
Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:3-5 (in Context) Jude 1 (Whole Chapter
Glory to God
24 Now to Him who is able to keep you[f] from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
25 To God our Savior,[g]
Who alone is wise,[h]
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,[i]
Both now and forever.
Amen.
Footnotes:
Jude 1:1 NU-Text reads beloved.
Jude 1:4 NU-Text omits God.
Jude 1:12 NU-Text and M-Text read along.
Jude 1:22 NU-Text reads who are doubting (or making distinctions).
Jude 1:23 NU-Text adds and on some have mercy with fear and omits with fear in first clause.
Jude 1:24 M-Text reads them.
Jude 1:25 NU-Text reads To the only God our Savior.
Jude 1:25 NU-Text omits Who . . . is wise and adds Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jude 1:25 NU-Text adds Before all time.
Jude 1 vs. 24-25
Jude 1 vs. 12-23
Apostates Depraved and Doomed
12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about[c] by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.â€Â
Apostates Predicted
16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
Maintain Your Life with God
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction;[d] 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,[e] hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Jude 1 vs.5-11
Old and New Apostates
5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!†10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
2 Timothy 4:2-4 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
It's time for Christians to speak up louder than the homosexuals.
"A homosexual man has filed a $70 million lawsuit against Bible publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, alleging that their version of the Bible that refers to homosexuality as a sin violates his constitutional rights and has caused him emotional distress"
Whats next? Adulterers saying the Bible causes them emotional distress? or Fornicators? or Murderers? or Blasphemers? or Satanists? or Drunkards? or Gluttons? or thieves or whatevers, they get one victory and the gates is open.
This is something, I've always said that the homosexual agenda will not stop until they not only get christians to stop saying that their lifestyle is wrong but to endorse it.
Those who reject God and love sin more than God always try to avoid hearing the truth of what God says about their choices. -Choices, I might add, which affect not only themselves, but those around them, and their entire society as well.
And if they can't avoid it, or if they gain enough support from like-minded people, they will try to justify themselves by silencing, condemning and outlawing those who tell them what they are doing is evil, unhealthy and displeasing to God (however lovingly and politely they try to present it.)
xenia, I was never introduced to the Bible until my sophmore year of high school at a Catholic High School Seminary and interestingly enough it was by an Anglican priest who had this desire to show us all the so-called "dirty" parts of the Bible and one thing he let us know up front was about the term "to know" in the Old Testament and what it meant sexually. So every time I hear people trying to say the passages you referred to have nothing to with sex I have to laugh because that's exactly what they have to do with. And as for this article, well as they say sometimes the truth hurts. And for my Anglican friends I do know that this priest was in no way representative of either Anglicans or Anglican priests.
top10, I've been flagged by CP to for typing something that for whatever reason they considered inappropriate and before someone says somebody else flagged me these posts never even made off my computer and I had to reenter my ID and password to get back on. So I'm not sure what CPs criteria is for what is okay and not okay to post. And I know with all certainty there was nothing profane or inflammatory in my post.
S4G,
If you pay attention carefully to Genesis 19:4-8, the men were being inhospitable yes, but Lot called them wicked after they said "bring them out unto us that we may know them." He offered his daughters for them to know, but they wanted to know the men. Gen 4:1 states "Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived...", sounds to me Lot called the sodomite MEN wicked for trying to lay with the men who were visiting.
Now if that isn't hospitality, I don't know what is!
So to say that the bible is does not condemn or "recognized as some ungodly sin" homosexuality, is to show your ignorance.
As far as the catholics performing same sex marriage, I wonder why they stopped? And wasn't it Papal Rome(modeled very much after Pagan Rome) that helped to persecute so many saints? Or call a man father, Jesus clearly said in Matt 18:23 "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Catholic church not really a good enough reference for me.
With Love
He alleges that since the older Kings James Version containing the term "homosexuals" is used by his family pastor, he has been outcast by his family.
The 39-year-old is suing the Grand Rapids publisher for compensation of 20 years of "emotional dress and mental instability," he told WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids.
What did Jesus say/do.
- My mother, brother, and sister are those who do the word of God.
- Forgive others thier tresspasses as he forgives us,
- 1 Corinthians 6:4 states "If you then have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?"
-Isnt blaming other people for what they do..close to the spirit of Ahab.
17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, Are you he who troubles Israel? 1 Kings 18:17 Funny!?
Does the holiness of God cause trouble or the sinner.
- What happened to the men of Sodom who tried to assault the angels in Lot's house?
What happened to the men of Gibeah who tried to come after the Levite in Judges 19-- They were part of the tribe of israel
- I would believe this is where Paul drew references to.
- Jesus was condemed by the Jews...his own people
This man doesnt need 70,000,000
He needs deliverance and to read more of the bible.
ten10- Those who post 'flag' other posts, not CP. U jumped to a negative conclusion about CP. U do know others who post can 'flag' a comment?
Coming from a Catholic background, I've got to run with muggleborn (me, I'm a mud blood) on that one, I just don't see it happening myself, might be wrong though.... However the other things S4G says seem pretty spot on.
Steve
search4god,
>> The Catholic Church, if one studies the history of Christianity, married homosexuals ages ago. <<
There's really a lot coming out of left field, here. Do you have any references or links that you could share with us?
Wow is this a Christian site?
I tried to post Revelation 22:15 and Deuteronomy 23:18 to this comment and they are both deemed inappropriate, it seems even Christian Post has a form of Christian religion but denies the power there of!
thsi is ridiculous,
everyone knows homosexuality is a sin. it has been taught since the begining of time, and various culture books and relgious books show that so how is thier any misinterpratation. I think the people of over 2,000 years ago would know more what it meant than some current liberal translator. Look at what has been taught for centuries and supported by other documents.
Hi All,
It is about time that someone took those who would manipulate scripture so carelessly.
Gay teens have the highest suicide rate in the United States due to being told that God hates them and the Bible condemns them.
Homosexuals are often abused beaten and even murdered because of misinterpreted scripture. These murders, such as the crucification of young Matthew Shepard, even given the approval of some Christian sects.
Only because the congregation is taught according to sloppy translation of verse.
I hope the man wins to let the supposedly "literate" understand that they have a responsibility to truth. I think the jury should award him free lunches for the duration of the trial and taxi fare home afterward.
Loveya,
search4god
Obviously not the ones I count as friends.
i have talked to gays about our Lord and they have plenty to say and its usually always insulting. Just my experience's and i have talked to many.
Any judge that takes this seriously needs to be forced to step down.
Fair enough, do you think though what I wrote about the lawyers still stands though :-p
Steve: Actually, I believe the guy is representing himself . . . at least that is what I read the other day.
Being I hope a good cultural ambassedor, I will not use the phrase again though if it causes offence, so how about if I use the word........
steveh20,
lol ... I got ya; regional dialect.
FYI, in the U.S. it's usually a derogatory term referring to female anatomy.
I'd probably illicit a few scowled expressions if I gave the "OK" sign or even a "Thumbs Up" in some parts of Europe.
Hmmm ... I wonder if that would mean some of my past "thumbs ups" on CP were bad :^)
All is means is fool etc..around these parts, if it means something else to you, apologies, but to me and my mates....
steveh20 ,
>> This guy is a []<<
Gee wiz, steve :^) I'm not gonna flag ya .. but someone else might. You might want to tone down the vulgarity in your insults.
chicago24,
>> it would set a pretty disturbing precident in that anyone could sue editors of any religious texts for inacurracies <<
It could potentially go beyond the scope of just religious texts. I would be equally disturbed if one of my brothers or sisters in Christ decided to try and sue Dawkins, Hitchenson, or others for their written perspectives on spirituality.
While the term "homosexuals" in the Pauline texts is pretty inaccurate, (Paul was referring to specific sexual acts after all), this lawsuit does seem pretty frivilous. If he was awarded anything, it would set a pretty disturbing precident in that anyone could sue editors of any religious texts for inacurracies.
FWIW, I only live a few miles away from Zondervan and heard about this story the other day - it sounds like the guy has other issues besides "the emotional distress" caused by the Bible.
I don't expect that this lawsuit will go very far, but - hey, you never know! Anyway, I'M GLAD THIS IS HAPPENING! For the sake of all those lukewarm or plain ol' duped "Christians" out there who have bought into this whole "tolerance" argument with regard to homosexuality and same-sex marriage, etc. You know the old saying "you give 'em an inch...?" Well, the gay agenda (same-sex marriage, use of public restrooms for gay sex, inclusion of gay or tolerance curriculums in public schools, etc.) only serves to EMBOLDEN gay advocacy, and as such I expect we'll be seeing more of these RIDICULOUS lawsuits... Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call for the Church at large to stand on the unwavering inerrant Word of God and not compromise. Remember, Satan is not satisfied with the tip of the iceberg... our enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Therefore, let us be viligant, for the times are evil. Let us speak the TRUTH in love, but let us speak the TRUTH. It matters not how many people file into a sports stadium to listen to a smiling preacher who tickles their ears and whose words do little to convict their hearts. As Jesus said, "you're either helping me gather or you're helping to scatter."
I think everyone here knows how I feel about this issue and even I think it sounds pretty frivolous
I can' believe that this suit is even progressing foward.