The Gay Bible
A
book claiming to be the world's first 'gay bible' has been published to
coincide with the debate on same-sex marriage. Titled the 'Queen James Bible', its editors claim that it is a
re-working of the King James Bible translated in a way that 'prevents
homophobic misinterpretation of God's Word'.
The
sales pitch on the website says: 'You can’t choose your sexuality, but you can
choose Jesus. Now you can choose a Bible, too'.
This
new version updates several passages from the original version that address
homosexuality, including this passage from:
Leviticus
18:22:
King
James Version: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an
abomination.
Queen
James Version: Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind in the temple of
Molech: it is an abomination. (Page 75)
The
website explains that "homosexuality was first overtly mentioned in the
Bible in 1946 in the Revised Standard Version. There is no mention of or
reference to homosexuality in any Bible prior to this -- only interpretations
have been made”.
The
new edits are only "for interpretive clarity. The edits all confirm that
the Bible does not condemn homosexuality, and therefore renders such
interpretations impossible”.
But
not everyone is convinced the new interpretations are accurate. Few, if any
English translations use the actual words 'homosexuality' or 'homosexual.' But
the history of English translation shows that versions have consistently used
other language to refer to what we would call homosexual relationships,"
Douglas J. Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College and a
professional Bible translator, told The Christian Post.
Perhaps
not surprisingly, Catholic Online also slammed the version as seeking "legitimize the homosexual
equivalency movement" by changing the Bible's language so that it reads
"in a fashion different from their original intent”.
The
publication, printed and bound in the U.S. is timed to coincide with the
current debate over same-sex marriage. The Bible’s Author is listed as ‘God’
and contributor listed as ‘Jesus Christ’. It’s being sold on Amazon for $34.95
(£22, N5,500)
KING
V QUEEN: BIBLES COMPARED
Genesis 19:5 (King James)
'And they called unto Lot, and said
unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out
unto us, that we may know them.'
Genesis 19:5 (Queen James)
'And they called unto Lot, and said
unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out
unto us, that we may rape and humiliate them'
Timothy 1:10 (King James)
'For whoremongers, for them that
defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured
persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine'
Timothy 1:10 (Queen James)
'For whoremongers, for them that
defile themselves, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if
there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine'
Jude 1:7 (King James)
'Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the
cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and
going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire'
Jude 1:7 (Queen James)
'Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the
cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and
going after nonhuman flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire'