Open Letter Submitted from a Reader about the Gideons: (Used by permission)
I have always felt that there was something just not right about the Gideons, but upon seeing their website (and having attended a meeting in the past), even more so.
Thanks to your insight about different Bible versions, I see now more clearly what Gideons is about. I had seen a presentation about the Gideons that mentioned a member who had been both a Gideon and a Mason.
In the small WV town where my wife's parents live, many who are in the Gideons are also in Masonry and/or Rotary, etc. I had attended one of the Gideon meetings with my father-in-law when we were visiting, and thought it was a little strange at the time.
My wife was talking to her mother a while back, and was told that she was doing a Gideon's International Bible Study Plan. (Her Father is in Gideons, and her mother is in the Gideons Women's Auxiliary.)
Her mother mentioned that she goes through the Bible every year, but uses a different version each year - to get a 'well rounded' view. She is following the Bible reading plan put out by the Gideons to read the Bible in a different version every year.
(I had always thought that the Gideons only placed the KJV, but apparently that isn't true.) I found this quote on the Gideons Website:
I have always felt that there was something just not right about the Gideons, but upon seeing their website (and having attended a meeting in the past), even more so.
Thanks to your insight about different Bible versions, I see now more clearly what Gideons is about. I had seen a presentation about the Gideons that mentioned a member who had been both a Gideon and a Mason.
In the small WV town where my wife's parents live, many who are in the Gideons are also in Masonry and/or Rotary, etc. I had attended one of the Gideon meetings with my father-in-law when we were visiting, and thought it was a little strange at the time.
My wife was talking to her mother a while back, and was told that she was doing a Gideon's International Bible Study Plan. (Her Father is in Gideons, and her mother is in the Gideons Women's Auxiliary.)
Her mother mentioned that she goes through the Bible every year, but uses a different version each year - to get a 'well rounded' view. She is following the Bible reading plan put out by the Gideons to read the Bible in a different version every year.
(I had always thought that the Gideons only placed the KJV, but apparently that isn't true.) I found this quote on the Gideons Website:
"We are often asked if the Gideons use a specific Gideon translation. The answer is No.
The most common version we distribute in English is the New American Standard Bible (NASB), but ...which version of the Bible should I read?"
There have been many translations (or versions) of the Bible over the years.
Which version of the Bible is the best version? It varies from person to person.
Each has its advantages, but the most important thing is that they are all God’s Word. Since every person is unique in what communicates best to them, we do not have one translation we recommend for you to buy.
(See rest of quote HERE.)
http://www.gideons.ca/AbouttheBible/AboutGideonsBibles.aspx http://www.gideons.ca/AbouttheBible/Aguideforyourjourney.aspx
Pastor's Note: As you can clearly see, the Gideons do not hold to the same beliefs as true Bible-believing Christians that God's word as expressed in the King James Bible is infallible and unchangeable.
While I commend their efforts to get the Bible into the hands of many all over the world, it is sad to think that the Bible many are being given is not the true word of God.
Gods' word is pure, and does not exist in 'many different versions' nor does it 'vary from person to person' according to their interpretation.
Jesus is the Word made flesh, and He does not change 'over the years':
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord, I change not."
Psalm 12:6 "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
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