Addendum
Additional exegesis - Jude 7
Jude refers to false
teachers in the context of 'Sodom and Gomorrah,
and like cities..' The Greek of Jude 7 includes '..ekporneusasai
(fem. pl.) kai
apelthousai (fem. pl.) opiso
sarkos eteras...' which literally means 'women
who are given over to whoring and going after perversion..'
Using the feminine plural in this context is
an example of the way idolatry is described in the Hebrew scriptures,
(see Ezekiel 16 as one excellent example of this - the story of Israel's
unfaithfulness told as a story of God's beloved's harlotry). Further, sexual
acts have little relevance when referring to the teaching of false teachers.
The
Greek has nevertheless been translated to 'accord
with current tradition' in every translation.
The evidence in Isaiah 1:10ff, Ezekiel 16:48-50
and the Gospels has been ignored (as well as the evidence within the
story of Sodom itself (see Addendum on Sodom) to make Jude 7 read incorrectly
as actual sexual acts. Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jesus are the only ones to refer
to the 'sin of Sodom' (either specifically or in the context of another
town's actual or potential sin), and speak
of Sodom's sin as idolatry, injustice, pride, unbelief, unpreparedness
etc. Jude was written after the prophets
and Jesus, so Jude's writings would be informed by the clear understanding
of the sins of Sodom given by the prophets and Jesus, and should have been
translated acordingly.
Ezekiel Chapter 16 should be read to see the
context in which vv.48-50 are set, and it becomes clear why the Jude
keyword references are in the feminine plural. This is just one of many
instances where idolatry was referred to as 'spiritual prostitution, fornication
or adultery', which indicate that Jude 7 should be translated in spiritual
terms ' ...like the daughters of Sodom who
prostituted themselves, and went whoring after other gods, and perverted
justice ...'.
Bible translators have misled their readers
in Gen 19, by not considering the full Biblical evidence about Sodom and
its sins. Its resulting mistranslation, confusion and inaccuracy continues
in other references like Jude 7, and fuels condemnation of homosexuals
by people who do not understand them, even those homosexuals who love the
Lord and live 'blamelessly in love before God'.
CONCLUSIONS TAKING THE 3 ADDENDA & 'RELUCTANT
JOURNEY' TOGETHER; AND A PLEA
Study and analysis
in 'Reluctant Journey' and the Addenda show that translators have not only
brought error and confusion to the translation of those texts traditionally
but incorrectly thought to condemn all homosexuals and the expression
of their sexuality, but have translated key phrases and words, and used
footnotes in a way that is highly damaging and dangerous to homosexual
men and women. It has undoubtedly contributed to the hate crimes that we
see in USA, UK and other parts of the world.
This strongly suggests a
need for translators to better understand the people, the issue and the
Biblical context and linkages that operate for the texts dealing with same-sex
immorality in the Bible.
It also means
that we who love the scriptures must study contextually, for this is the
only way to avoid abuse of the scriptures.
Current translations
give ignorant, bigoted people a Biblical weapon to hurt and damage homosexuals,
although the texts have no relevance to the lives of responsible homosexuals,
especially those who are faithful Christians who live in love with God
and others according to the teaching of Christ, and to whom God has given
His Spirit.
In this, translators bear a heavy responsibility,
and the matter should be corrected with the minimum of delay, indicating
clearly the position by re-translation and/or suitable footnotes.
I believe that failure to correct this will
bring translators, (who might have pleaded
ignorance in the past), under the judgment
of God, together with
those who wilfully misuse the scriptures to attack vulnerable homosexual
men and women!
Injustice, not homosexuality, was one of
the great sins of Sodom according to Jesus and the prophets. It is those
who are unjust in their attitudes and actions toward others, including
homosexual men and women, who are the true 'sodomites'!
But there is forgiveness with God for those
who have attacked and hurt others, and many new Christian friends to be
made - amazingly faithful, courageous homosexual Christian men and women,
who love Christ in spite of many of his people's attitude and rejection.
We know - we were led, albeit reluctantly, by Christ to open our hearts
and minds to these our friends; and God has used them to our great blessing.
So please, open your heart and mind. Take
the facts to prayerful study of the Bible - God will lead the way, and
give you the courage, strength and all you need to 'love your neighbour'
- your homosexual neighbour!