Exposing the Agenda and Origins of "The Passion Translation"
Oct 9, 2018
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Brian Simmons, translator of 'The Passion Translation' and a figure of controversy in biblical translation discussions, shares insights about his work. He delves into the unique motivations and theological agendas shaping this translation. The dialogue critiques the commercialization of biblical texts and the potential misinterpretations within TPT. Additionally, Simmons addresses the challenges faced by those reevaluating their faith communities that utilize TPT. Ultimately, he encourages careful discernment when approaching biblical translations.
The Passion Translation is criticized for aligning with specific doctrines of the extreme signs and wonders movement, raising concerns about its credibility.
Brian Simmons' questionable qualifications and minimal formal training in biblical languages undermine the reliability of his translation efforts.
The commercialization of scripture through the gradual and profitable release of The Passion Translation raises ethical concerns about its true intentions.
Deep dives
The Agenda Behind the Passion Translation
The Passion Translation, created by Brian Simmons, is criticized for having an agenda that aligns with the extreme signs and wonders movement, often referred to as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). This translation is seen as promoting specific doctrines rather than providing a neutral representation of biblical texts. Simmons’ background and intentions are questioned, as the translation is viewed as skewed to fit his beliefs and teachings from the NAR movement. Consequently, the emphasis on this agenda raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the Passion Translation among traditional interpretations.
Distinctive Language Usage in the Passion Translation
The Passion Translation utilizes specific terms that appear disproportionately compared to other respected translations. For instance, the word 'realm' is used 196 times, a stark contrast to its single occurrence in the ESV. This repetitive inclusion of specific terms suggests an intentional emphasis on concepts favored in the extreme signs and wonders movement, shifting the focus from the straightforward biblical text to a conceptual framework informed by this movement. Such distinctive language choices contribute to the perception that the Passion Translation is not merely a translation, but a reinterpretation of scripture to align with particular theological perspectives.
The Changes in Key Biblical Terms
Many key biblical terms in the Passion Translation are altered or expanded in ways that shift their meanings, particularly with the usage of words like 'anointed' and 'activate.' 'Anointed' appears 223 times in the Passion Translation, significantly more than in traditional translations, suggesting a deliberate effort to elevate the status of believers to a level akin to Christ himself. Similarly, the term 'activate' is introduced within the context of exploiting spiritual gifts, a concept not supported by existing translations. These alterations imply that the original intent of the scripture is manipulated to create a specific theological narrative that aligns with Simmons’ own teachings.
Brian Simmons' Qualifications and Translation Practices
Simmons' qualifications for translating the Bible are questionable, as he has minimal formal training in biblical languages despite claims of expertise in his bios. His educational background is primarily from institutions associated with the NAR movement, raising doubts about his capability to create a reliable translation. Furthermore, testimonials from former colleagues challenge his narrative, suggesting that he was mainly a church planter rather than an active translator for the Piakuna New Testament. Such discrepancies highlight a concern that his perceived scholarly authority is largely inflated to support the legitimacy of the Passion Translation.
Financial Incentives Behind the Translation
The Passion Translation is released gradually, with each book sold at a price point that generates significant revenue for Simmons. This piecemeal approach raises ethical questions regarding the motive behind the translation and suggests that financial gain may overshadow the goal of presenting an accurate biblical representation. The repeated release of individual books for sale promotes the idea of a profitable enterprise rather than a purely spiritual endeavor. This commercialization of scripture further complicates the perception of the Passion Translation as a legitimate biblical text.
See the agenda built into "The Passion Translation" and get the truth about it's translator, Brian Simmons. Including interview footage and eye witness testimony, this will hopefully give you what you need to know in order to reject this translation for being a sectarian mistranslation of the Bible.
Links below
Scholarly Article Dealing with TPT - http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/burning-scripture-with-passion-a-review-of-the-psalms-passion-translation
My first video on TPT - lots of good examples of changes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvlIDpjVyCs
My web site - https://biblethinker.org
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