Post by Natalie on Mar 11, 2022 21:03:40 GMT -6
I was looking for an inexpensive NLT Bible to add to my study materials, and I ran across the “Jesus-Centered Bible”. Used/like new hardback on Amazon was $14. They highlighted verses in the OT in blue and added little notes on how this pointed to Jesus. For example, Genesis 1:1 connects to John 1:1 and Colossians 1:15-16. In the NT, they have put His words in red, and then in the books outside the Gospels, His name is also in red. I thought it was an interesting concept and could be useful.
So, I did some googling to look at some reviews. There were a couple of poor reviews on Amazon, but they weren't very specific as to why. Most other reviews I found were positive. The one thing I couldn't find were a list of those who contributed – specifically for the book introductions. That probably should have been a red flag, but I figured I probably just hadn't looked hard enough, and so I ordered it anyway.
So, after getting it, here are some of those who did the book intros:
The second problem involves the group’s piecemeal approach to Scripture. To concentrate on certain parts of the Bible to the exclusion of others is unbalanced and dangerous. “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Epistles, for example, were written to instruct us on the practical outworking of Jesus’ teaching and are just as inspired as Jesus’ own words. Paul’s words should not be considered inferior, as the term “Red Letter Christians” implies.
William Paul Young – The author of The Shack
Brian Zhand – He wrote the intro to Revelation and does not see it as a future fulfillment. (Which, of course is not a salvation issue, but it's worth noting) But he's got other issues – Mike Winger did a video on him that you can find here. Zhand mishandles and misinterprets Scripture, discredits Scripture, misrepresents the character of God, says things like “the wrath of God is a metaphor”, has a false gospel and false Jesus. (I recommend Mike Winger. I find him to be very thorough and thoughtful).
Kelley Nikondeha – listed as “co-director and chief storyteller for the Communities of Hope in Bujumbura, Burundi [Africa], and Phoenix, Arizona.” I found her listed on the Red Letter Christians website. She has labeled herself as a “liberation theologian”. I had to look that one up.
The theology of liberation is a combination of Marxist philosophy with certain biblical motifs. It argues that we should reconstruct the whole of Christian theology by seeing it through the “axis of the oppressor and the oppressed.” (An Essay By John M. Frame posted on The Gospel Coalition)
They have a wrong view of sin (so a false gospel), of Israel/covenants, of eschatology, a misinterpretation of Scripture overall.
That's the four that sent up red flags right away when I looked through the list. I have not looked up any of the other contributors.
So, I am not sure what to do with this Bible yet. I have time yet if I want to return it. I am leaning heavily that way. Even if these people did not help with the notes throughout the Bible, it concerns me that the editors would choose this group of people to do the introductions. It makes me wonder if they hold the same beliefs?
Ugh...this is why I usually buy a Bible with no other notes included in it.
So, I did some googling to look at some reviews. There were a couple of poor reviews on Amazon, but they weren't very specific as to why. Most other reviews I found were positive. The one thing I couldn't find were a list of those who contributed – specifically for the book introductions. That probably should have been a red flag, but I figured I probably just hadn't looked hard enough, and so I ordered it anyway.
So, after getting it, here are some of those who did the book intros:
Tony Campolo - He's one of the leaders of the “Red Letter Christians”.
On Got Questions:
Red Letter Christians are a group of liberal Christians whose desire is to counter the political influence of conservative Christians...there are some problems associated with the Red Letter Christian movement. The first concerns the group’s open theology. Bringing together various faith backgrounds is very tolerant and progressive, but theologically untenable. Founders of the movement include those who believe that we must earn our way to heaven and those who distrust the inspiration of the Word of God.
The second problem involves the group’s piecemeal approach to Scripture. To concentrate on certain parts of the Bible to the exclusion of others is unbalanced and dangerous. “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Epistles, for example, were written to instruct us on the practical outworking of Jesus’ teaching and are just as inspired as Jesus’ own words. Paul’s words should not be considered inferior, as the term “Red Letter Christians” implies.
William Paul Young – The author of The Shack
Brian Zhand – He wrote the intro to Revelation and does not see it as a future fulfillment. (Which, of course is not a salvation issue, but it's worth noting) But he's got other issues – Mike Winger did a video on him that you can find here. Zhand mishandles and misinterprets Scripture, discredits Scripture, misrepresents the character of God, says things like “the wrath of God is a metaphor”, has a false gospel and false Jesus. (I recommend Mike Winger. I find him to be very thorough and thoughtful).
Kelley Nikondeha – listed as “co-director and chief storyteller for the Communities of Hope in Bujumbura, Burundi [Africa], and Phoenix, Arizona.” I found her listed on the Red Letter Christians website. She has labeled herself as a “liberation theologian”. I had to look that one up.
The theology of liberation is a combination of Marxist philosophy with certain biblical motifs. It argues that we should reconstruct the whole of Christian theology by seeing it through the “axis of the oppressor and the oppressed.” (An Essay By John M. Frame posted on The Gospel Coalition)
They have a wrong view of sin (so a false gospel), of Israel/covenants, of eschatology, a misinterpretation of Scripture overall.
That's the four that sent up red flags right away when I looked through the list. I have not looked up any of the other contributors.
So, I am not sure what to do with this Bible yet. I have time yet if I want to return it. I am leaning heavily that way. Even if these people did not help with the notes throughout the Bible, it concerns me that the editors would choose this group of people to do the introductions. It makes me wonder if they hold the same beliefs?
Ugh...this is why I usually buy a Bible with no other notes included in it.
