The Pope Changes the Text of the Lord’s Prayer

The Pope has approved changing the Lord’s Prayer from “lead us not into temptation” to “do not let us fall into temptation”.  This was not done on textual grounds, but from a “theological, pastoral, and stylistic viewpoint”.  Excuse me, but since when does that trump the biblical text?

https://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-francis-approves-change-to-the-lords-prayer-despite-opposition-its-deeply-problematic.html

History of the Text

I looked at several English translations going back to Tyndale (1534) and they all have the traditional reading.  The reason is that the Greek text is clear and there are not even any textual variants for that verse.  All Greek textual traditions read the same.  The only other possible translation I can see is “may You not lead us into temptation” which emphasizes the subjective mood of the verb, but that doesn’t address the Pope’s concern.  Continue reading

Mankind – The Sixth Day – Part 2

At the pinnacle of God’s creation is mankind.  Humans are exclusive among all other creatures in that they are created in the image and likeness of God.

Genesis 1:26-28  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

There has been much debate over what the “image” and “likeness” of God are.  Image has to do with resemblance and likeness has to do with similar traits.  Neither should be understood as relating to physical characteristics because God in His essence is spirit. (John 4:24)  Rather, mental and spiritual attributes are likely the meaning. Continue reading