The Dipper and Rocky; Jesus' Buds?

A little late in catching this, but it appears that a radical new translation of the bible has been released. The ONE translation includes a foreword by none other than Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Simon Sarmiento reports the release of this new translation caused a "blogriot." It appears the conservatives are not pleased. What's all the fuss about? Take a look at these examples;

Mark 1:4

Authorised version: "John did baptise in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

New: "John, nicknamed 'The Dipper', was 'The Voice'. He was in the desert, inviting people to be dipped, to show they were determined to change their ways and wanted to be forgiven."

Mark 1:10-11

Authorised version: "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from the heaven saying, 'Thou are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' "

New: "As he was climbing up the bank again, the sun shone through a gap in the clouds. At the same time a pigeon flew down and perched on him. Jesus took this as a sign that God’s spirit was with him. A voice from overhead was heard saying, 'That’s my boy! You’re doing fine!' "

Matthew 23:25

Authorised version: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"

New version: "Take a running jump, Holy Joes, humbugs!"

Matthew 26:69-70

Authorised version: "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, 'Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied before them all, saying, 'I know not what thou sayest.' "


New: "Meanwhile Rocky was still sitting in the courtyard. A woman came up to him and said: 'Haven’t I seen you with Jesus, the hero from Galilee?' Rocky shook his head and said: 'I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!' "

I am rarely in agreement with the conservatives, but as someone who does have an appreciation for good literature, this sure seems a bit over the top to me. Take a running jump Holy Joes? Surely we can do better than this?

J.