My Concerns About The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons
Sep 20, 2018
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Brian Simmons, the chief translator of The Passion Translation, joins the discussion to address critical concerns about his work. The conversation highlights unusual translations and the potential misinterpretations within the text. They delve into the use of Aramaic and the spiritual claims made during the translation process. The impact of these alterations on doctrinal understanding is emphasized, raising questions about the integrity of the scripture and its implications for contemporary Christian beliefs.
The Passion Translation raises concerns due to its significant deviations from traditional translation practices, affecting the theological integrity of the text.
Brian Simmons claims divine insight for his translation, merging personal interpretations with Scripture, which undermines objectivity and academic rigor.
Specific examples highlight how the Passion Translation alters core biblical concepts, potentially misleading readers regarding essential Christian doctrines and beliefs.
Deep dives
Concerns About the Passion Translation
The Passion Translation is criticized for presenting itself as a traditional Bible translation, with significant deviations from conventional rendering practices. Its author, Brian Simmons, claims to have received supernatural revelations which influence the translation, leading to concerns regarding its theological integrity. The speaker expresses the view that this approach to translating Scripture is fundamentally flawed, as it alters the text in ways that can mislead readers about core biblical principles. Consequently, the podcast emphasizes the necessity for discernment when engaging with the Passion Translation, encouraging listeners to be cautious about its use.
The Translator's Background
Brian Simmons, the sole translator of the Passion Translation, presents unique claims about how he was chosen by God to undertake this work. His assertions include experiences of divine encounters, during which he states he was imbued with special knowledge and insight intended to reveal deeper truths in the Scriptures. The speaker argues that the emphasis on Simmons's personal experiences diminishes the objectivity expected from a translator, as it merges his subjective interpretations with the Scriptures themselves. This raises significant concerns about the reliability of the translation as academically rigorous or faithful to the original texts.
Comparison with Established Translations
The podcast provides a direct comparison between the Passion Translation and more established versions, such as the ESV, to illustrate how Simmons's work diverges from traditional biblical texts. For example, in Psalm 19, the Passion Translation introduces concepts that are not present in the original Hebrew, such as interpreting the stars as a new form of the gospel. The speaker notes that such reinterpretations are problematic because they stray from the author's intended meaning and can distort foundational theological concepts. This highlights a broader issue of the Passion Translation providing an altered lens through which to view Scripture, potentially misguiding readers.
Altering Biblical Concepts and Terminology
The podcast discusses specific examples where the Passion Translation alters core biblical concepts, changing established terminology to fit a contemporary interpretation. In Galatians 2:20, for instance, the phrase 'I no longer live' is transformed to 'my old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives', which dramatically shifts the meaning. The speaker argues that these alterations lead to theological ambiguities and misinterpretations of significant biblical passages. By modifying terms and phrases without consistent methodology, the translation risks creating confusion among readers regarding their understanding of essential Christian doctrines.
Issues with Bibliology and Theological Foundations
The podcast delves into theological implications of the Passion Translation, particularly concerning doctrines related to bibliology—the study of the nature of Scripture. Passages like 2 Timothy 3:16 are altered, with the Passion Translation representing scripture as being 'written by the Holy Spirit' rather than focusing on the concept of divine inspiration. This alteration potentially misrepresents the traditional understanding of Scripture's authority and the inspiration process. The speaker expresses concern that such modifications indicate a troubling shift in how biblical authority is perceived, leading readers to misunderstand foundational Christian beliefs.
Critique of Translation Methodology
The podcast critiques how the Passion Translation's methodology differs from conventional translation practices, which prioritize fidelity to the text's original meaning. Simmons is known to incorporate personal interpretations alongside translated text, leading to questions about the integrity of the translation process. For instance, the integration of modern theological constructs and vernacular into the text results in a final product that could lead to significant misinterpretation. The insistence on interpreting the Bible through one's personal experiences rather than maintaining a commitment to the original language and context improves the risks associated with using the Passion Translation for serious study.
We'll look at specific verses that are translated strangely, additions to the Bible, how the Aramaic is used to change the Bible and some concerning statements from Brian Simmons, who is the chief translator of The Passion Translation.
Some links:
Brian Simmons being interviewed about TPT https://youtu.be/VmnZYEteXX8
TPT's FAQ page where they seem to misrepresent the translation https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/faqs/
An blog about TPT's use of Aramaic - https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/whats_wrong_with_the_passion_translation
Brian's response TO the blog (note that he never removed the quotes from Keener and Bird from the FAQ page) https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/the_passion_translation_debate_brian_simmons_responds
What "Greater works" will we do than Jesus? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Xg-i15mxw
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