Evangelical Friend - and his love for message version!

[JRKH]

We do not really have any common Christian friends.He was quite dismissive of my choice to become a Catholic. He was happy when I was confirmed but I know he has issues with Catholicism. I just want him to see the beauty of the faith, but I have issues his take on Christianity. His social life revolves around the Mega Church and I feel that the his Church is centered on the Pastor rather than Christ!

Chicken

In this regard, it is best to simply be patient.
I’m reminded of this from Acts 5:
38 So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!"
Of course I don’t mean for you to keep away from your friend, but rather to not be to judgmental of his faith - his “take on Christianity”. Instead, share between you what is good. Share what you find beautiful in the faith even if he is dismissive of it - but (and this can be hard) do NOT be dismissive of what he finds beautiful in his faith.
There may come a time when he begins to become disillusioned with where he is. This can be particularly true if his faith is actually more “pastor” centered than he realizes. When this happens, you will be there to help. The one true friend who has supported him in every endeavor to grow closer to God. Then the strength of your faith, and the firm foundation that is the Catholic Church just might be enough to draw him home.

Peace
James

 

[Izdaari]

Actually I would say exactly the opposite. I would never recommend the Message as the first version of the Bible people read. It’s a paraphrase, and works well if you think of it as a kind of commentary. Many people who are well acquainted with the Bible love the Message.

What exactly is wrong with the Message’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, bearing in mind that this is a paraphrase to help you understand the text and not a straight translation?

I can see why a Catholic might object to the non-Eucharistic interpretation of “artos epiousios,” though it’s hardly unique to Peterson, and I would tend to agree that “three square meals” is probably the basic meaning, with a Eucharistic “deeper meaning” also possible.

Edwin

Those are pretty much my thoughts on it. I don’t think of The Message as a bad translation, but a good paraphrase. The author is an experienced and wise Presbyterian pastor and a good scholar of the original languages. (My impression is he tends a little bit liberal and pro-emergent… and I’m cool with that, because so do I,) The problems are, it’s a one man job, so there are no checks and balances, and by putting it into his own words instead of doing a straight translation, it necessarily includes his own interpretations. Those aren’t really problems if you think of it as a kind of commentary, and use it as a supplement to a real Bible, not a replacement for one.

 

[happychicken]

In this regard, it is best to simply be patient.
I’m reminded of this from Acts 5:
38 So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!"
Of course I don’t mean for you to keep away from your friend, but rather to not be to judgmental of his faith - his “take on Christianity”. Instead, share between you what is good. Share what you find beautiful in the faith even if he is dismissive of it - but (and this can be hard) do NOT be dismissive of what he finds beautiful in his faith.
There may come a time when he begins to become disillusioned with where he is. This can be particularly true if his faith is actually more “pastor” centered than he realizes. When this happens, you will be there to help. The one true friend who has supported him in every endeavor to grow closer to God. Then the strength of your faith, and the firm foundation that is the Catholic Church just might be enough to draw him home.

Peace
James

Thanks for your advice. I’m a great believer in common ground. We have been friends for around 15 years so we have many other things in common and I’m always aware that his faith does bring him joy. I’ll concentrate on the similiaries rather than the divisions. He a great guy and I just want him to have more joy and love.

Angela