Table of Contents
Introduction
The Noachide Bible Project
Frustrated with various translations, I decided to create my own. I wanted a convenient “Counter-Missionary Study Bible” which would serve as a theologically sound bible to refer to for people who have become disillusioned with Christian “translations” which so often warp the underlying Hebrew, switch back and forth between Septuagint and Masoretic text whenever it is convenient, and outright change the text of the bible to suit theological preferences.
If you are in the process of leaving Christianity, don't throw the baby out with the bath-water! You can still believe in God. And this is a bible designed to help you with your journey.
Here are the fundamental principles I will follow when creating this bible:
- Keep, wherever possible, the beloved and familiar wording of the KJV (which is in the public domain).
- Update the language away from archaic pronouns such as Thee and Thou except where they may be used with effect.
- Verify the strength of the translation and the theological sound-ness of the text by comparing it with a reading of the OEB, RSV, the JPS Tanach, the ArtScroll Stone Edition Tanach and other recommended or accepted works.
Why not just use (insert bible here)
This bible is being created with the specific intention to illustrate the path of the Noachide. I plan to include a lot of commentary. Also, some theological basis is only revealed in copyrighted translations such as the Stone Edition. Therefore, there is a perceived need for a modern, accurate translation which reads well (quotes may pass in theological debate), which solidly illustrates the relevant important points for Noachides, and which can be trusted (relied upon) to do so throughout it's entirety. The fact that I plan to attach my own commentary to this and make it double as a counter-missionary study bible – particularly for those people leaving the church, or considering a conversion after growing up in Christian-Secular society – means that no existing bible can be relied upon to speak directly to the Noachide in all cases. It may very well be true that such a bible exists, and if we find one we will certainly promote it. Even so, it is a worthy endeavour, an honor, to contribute to the number of sound and trustworthy readings available.
Source Material
Phase 2 will focus primarily on the DRA reading, however the GNV and other versions may be used from time to time as considered appropriate.
Example:
- https:www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=DRA;GNV
Chapter Headings
GNV provides some interesting 'original' chapter headings. Chapter headings are interesting enough to take note of. For example, comparing the Amplified Bible, Christian Study Bible, and the RSV, we find different translations may often have different headings; For example Ruth 1, 2 and 3 are rendered as follows
- OEB: Naomi and Ruth, In the Fields of Boaz, Night and Morning.
- AMP: Naomi Widowed, Ruth Gleans in Boaz’ Field, Boaz Will Redeem Ruth
- RSV: Elimelech’s Family Goes to Moab, Ruth Meets Boaz, Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor
- CSV: Naomi’s Family in Moab, Ruth and Boaz Meet, Ruth's Appeal to Boaz
- NET: A Family Tragedy: Famine and Death, Ruth Works in the Field of Boaz, Naomi Instructs Ruth
- ESV: Naomi Widowed, Ruth Meets Boaz, Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor
- NASB: Naomi Widowed, Ruth Gleans in Boaz’ Field, Boaz Will Redeem Ruth
- MEV: Naomi Loses, Ruth Meets Boaz, Ruth’s Redemption
- CEV: Ruth is Loyal to Naomi, Ruth Meets Boaz, Naomi Makes Plans for Ruth
- NLT: Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab, Ruth Works in Boaz’s Field, Ruth at the Threshing Floor
The chapter and story heading will not follow any particular translation but will be pulled from a PD source such as the GNV and then we will see if we can move around and change them into something nice as time goes by.