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What translations are recommended by Focus on the Family? http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/prnt_adp.ph...

What are recommended by Focus on the Family? Question

I heard that Focus on the Family doesn't recommend gender-neutral Bible translations. What translations does Focus recommend?

Answer

Since Focus does not employ textual or translation experts, we have relied on outside scholars for advice regarding Bible translations -- notably the conservative leaders who signed the Colorado Springs Guidelines for Translation (this link will take you to The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood organization's Web site) in 1997.

Based on their input, we use or recommend the following Bible versions:

Gender-Specific Translations

Essentially Literal, "word-for-word" translations:

NLV New Life Version KJV NKJV NASB New American Standard Bible ESV AMP Amplified Bible HCSB Holman RSV

Dynamic Equivalence, "phrase-for-phrase" translations:

NIV New International Version NIrV New International Reader's Version (1998 Revision)

Gender-Specific Paraphrases* (culturally adapted imaginative renderings of the Bible)

LB -- Paraphrased by Kenneth Taylor TLB The Living Bible MSG by Eugene Peterson

* Please note that if a paraphrase is used, it should always be in conjunction with one or more of the above "regular" Bible translations. Paraphrases can be helpful as a form of commentary or for inspiration, but they should not be one's only source of reading.

Gender-Neutral Translations

Focus on the Family does NOT use or recommend the following gender-neutral :

TNIV Today's New International Version NLT NRSV New Revised Standard Version NCV CEV Contemporary English Version GW God's Word NIVI New International Version Inclusive Language Edition

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