Eugene Peterson passed away in October 2018. Peterson was famous for his book, The Message, which he referred to as a Bible translation. The Message, however, is not an accurate translation of the Scriptures, and in many cases it changes the entire meaning of the text.
Some folks refer to the Message as a paraphrase. The New Living Translation is a paraphrase. The Message is not. Popular Bible commentator, David Guzik states that the Message is not a paraphrase because it adds, deletes, and alters the Word of God.
Peterson was an advocate of the Emergent Church and was known for building bridges between Emergent practices, such as contemplative prayer, and mysticism both of which are new age practices entering the church.
Eugene Peterson also came out in support of gay marriage, but then partially retracted his support after LifeWay threatened to remove his materials from inventory.
The Message deletes homosexuality as sin from two key New Testament passages and gives a politically correct spin to a third (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Romans 1:25-27).
Teaching from The Message rather than the Bible makes is much easier for religious leaders to be politically correct. It has a "form" of godliness that is dangerous......
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:5
https://religionnews.com/2017/07/12/best-selling-author-eugene-peterson-changes-his-mind-on-gay-marriage/
For the benefit of this page, here are a few of the verses changed in the Message. Peterson not only changes words, adds words, and deletes words but he completely changes meaning and context. In reality, there are so many examples that an entire book could be written.
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NKJV
Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who do not care about God will not be joining is his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. A number of you know what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah and by our God present in us, the Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:9-11 MSG
Peterson's version claims those who "use and abuse the earth" will not be saved! Homosexuality has been removed, and nature/earth reverence has been added. Homosexuality out, earth reverence in.
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. Romans 1:25-27 NKJV
Refusing to know God they soon didn't know how to be human either -- women didn't know how to be women, men didn't know how to be men. Sexually confused, they abused and defiled one another, women with women, men with men - all lust, no love. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it -- emptied of God and love, godless and loveless wretcheds. Romans 1:25-27 MSG
All lust, no love? This kind of wording makes homosexual sex permissible as long as it is an expression of love and not lust.
1 Timothy 1:8-11
8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. 1 Timothy 1:8-11 NASB
It's true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say. It's obvious, isn't it, that the law code isn't primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever! They are contemptuous of this great Message I've been put in charge of by this great God.
A complete re-write.
The New Age influence in the Message:
As above, so Below
Matthew 6:9-13 - Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. KJV
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what's best - As above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You're in charge! - The Message
Peterson had deliberately substituted as above, so below in place of in earth, as it is in heaven. In Colossians 1:16, Peterson again chose to use the terms as above, so below, instead of the commonly accepted in earth, as it is in heaven found in most Bible translations. This phrase is common to the New Age. It is said to be the key to all magic and all mysteries. It means that all is "One" because God is "in" everyone and everything. The doctrine of "Oneness" is the foundational teaching of the New Age/New World Religion. But universal oneness is a new age lie. God is not in everyone and everything.
Some may say what is the big deal? But we should wonder why? Peterson inserted a universally accepted, mystical New Age phrase right into the middle of the Lord’s Prayer? He uses the same phrase in Colossians 1:16? He was even told that this, along with other phrases he used, some of which we will mention below, was a commonly used New Age phrase, but yet he chose to not change it. Even if you thought there was some good reason for using the phrase, why would you? Why would you choose a phrase that is so heavily identified today with the New Age and the New Spirituality?
As above, so below agrees with the New Age view that God is not only outside of creation, but also within creation. It means that God is in everyone and everything. It perfectly denotes the New Age concept of Oneness and provides apparent support for the New Age contention that We are all One.
Lord, Master, Oneness
Ephesians 4:4-6 - There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. KJV
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. MSG
Notice one Spirit, has been removed. Notice the word Oneness that is certainly not in any of the original manuscripts. Notice Lord is changed to Master.
John 13:13 - Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. KJV
You address me as “Teacher” and “Master,” and rightly so. That is what I am. MSG
The late New Age leader, Benjamin Creme, taught that Jesus is not the Christ but rather a “disciple” of Christ. Creme explained that when the New Age Christ appears, he will not come as “Savior,” but as “Teacher,” and in his own name—which is exactly what the true Christ said would happen (John 5:43). New Age leaders like Creme teach that this New Age Christ will set things right by teaching everyone the Doctrine of Oneness—that God is immanent “in man and all creation”—and that he is present in all religions. Creme wrote:
But eventually a new world religion will be inaugurated which will be a fusion and synthesis of the approach of the East and the approach of the West. The Christ will bring together, not simply Christianity and Buddhism, but the concept of God transcendent—outside of His creation—and also the concept of God immanent in all creation—in man and all creation. In explaining how Jesus was not the Christ but rather his disciple, Creme described how the first century Jesus allowed the “Christ” to “overshadow” him and work through him after he was baptized by John. Counterfeiting the true Christ’s return with his “mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:7), Creme explained that when the New Age Christ appears he will come with his “twelve Masters of Wisdom.” These Masters—one of whom will be the “Master Jesus”—will help the New Age Christ do his work in the world. Thus, according to Creme and other New Age leaders, “Jesus” is not the “Lord” and he is not the “Christ”—he is simply the “Master Jesus.” Creme—speaking for this New Age Christ—explains how this “Master Jesus” will assume the throne of St. Peter and head up the “Christian” Church which will be centered in Rome as part of the New World Religion. Creme stated that the “Master Jesus”—obviously a false Jesus—will be in charge of a new reformation. It will be his job to “reform the Christian churches” so they conform to the “new reality” of the New World Religion which the return of the false Christ and his Masters will create.
New Age leaders have made it clear that in the New Age/New Spirituality/New World Religion, you can identify yourself with any or no religion as long as you confess that “we are all One” because “God is in everyone and everything.” And, of course, you must profess that the New Age Christ—not Jesus Christ—is your Lord.
In light of all this, it is important to note that The Message never refers to Jesus as Lord—not even once.
Consistent with New Age teachings, Peterson's Jesus is repeatedly referred to as the "Master Jesus", or teacher. In New Age, Jesus is not our Lord and he is not the Christ.
Revelation 22: 20-21 - Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. KJV
Yes! Come, Master Jesus! The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes! MSG
Great Work
Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. KJV
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. MSG
The greek word agathos in Philippians 1:6 is commonly translated in English as "good", not "great". Of all the Bible translations available there are only 3 that translate this verse as "great work" and these three are the more recent controversial translations: The Voice, The Passion, and The Message.
This may seem insignificant to most Christians, however the so called "great work" is at the heart of the New Age movement. Simply do an internet search of new age and the great work. One person on reddit writes: To transform yourself from an ordinary fool into the most powerful higher angelic magician by means of a not well known common sense formula. To reach a state of consciousness where you can learn anything, do anything, and then create your magnum opus which is your greatest contribution to the human race. Another writes the great work is complete self-transformation, self-actualization. The "perfect emancipation of the will". New age leader Marianne Williamson states: "...His (god) plan for the evolution of humanity, and the preparation of teachers to guide it, is called within the esoteric traditions, the Great Work.
Words make a difference.
Light-Bearer
Matthew 5:15 - Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. KJV
If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. MSG
This is another common new age phrase. A "light bearer" refers to someone who brings enlightenment or spiritual knowledge, often associated with the figure of Lucifer, who is sometimes interpreted as a "bringer of light" despite his negative connotations in traditional religious views; this association can be seen as a way to reframe Lucifer as a positive force for knowledge and personal empowerment, which is a concept that appeals to some New Age beliefs. The term "light bearer" directly translates to "Lucifer" in Latin, and some New Age groups view Lucifer as a positive figure who brought knowledge to humanity, rather than the fallen angel depicted in traditional Christianity.
God of Green Hope
Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. KJV
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! MSG
What?? Why??
The word “green” for most people has come to mean recycling, reducing our carbon footprint, and overall good stewardship of the earth. However, in recent times, the word “green” has also come to represent some of the more extreme environmental activism and earth worship identified with Paganism, Witchcraft, and the New Age movement. One online site straightforwardly states that the word “green” is synonymous with the term New Age. The “Green Movement” is commonly associated with the goddess Gaia and earth worship and has been described as being at the very heart of the Global Green Agenda. Consistent with New Age teachings, Gaia philosophy is the belief that humanity can save “Mother Earth” by recognizing its “Oneness” with “her.”
The Bible warns that we cannot just add words like “golden circle” (below) and “green” that are not in the original manuscripts and call it a translation (Proverbs 30:6). It is as wrong as describing God’s creation as “God-craft.”
God-Craft
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. KJV
God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. MSG
In two videos posted by a self-professing “Christian witch” on youtube, he describes how he mixes his faith in “Christ” with his faith in witchcraft. He describes his faith as “more of a God-craft”. He doesn't call what he practices witchcraft and states it is more of a God-craft.
Words matter.
Golden Circle
Revelation 2:5 -Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. KJV
Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall! Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle. MSG
What? Why?
The term “golden circle” is not found in the original manuscripts. In fact, the single word “circle” is found only once in the KJV and refers to the circumference of the earth (Isaiah 40:22). An Internet search for “golden circle” does not bring up anything that equates to being biblical. But it does connect the term to, among other things, a Masonic ritual, a secret society, and modern-day witchcraft. Wiccans, with their "golden chalk" and "golden energy", often invoke the phrase "as above, so below" to seal their ritual circles.
Wishing on a Star
2 Peter 1:16 - For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. KJV
We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes. MSG
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the key phrase "cunningly devised fables" was removed and thus the meaning of the passage completely changed by Eugene Peterson. The passage was to be a strong warning about spiritual deception and this was completely taken out.
Defiant or Mutinous
Proverbs 24:21 - My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both? KJV
Fear God, dear child - respect your leaders; don't be defiant or mutinous. Without warning your life can turn upside down, and who knows how or when it might happen? MSG
One of the major ways the New Age has entered the church is through new translations that change the meaning of scripture. Of course, we also find many examples of book studies, not Bible studies, as a source of new truth....which often cite practices that are not found in scripture at all. Here in Proverbs we are warned of getting involved with those who are given to change. Peterson completely removes this and tells us the complete opposite.....those not respecting their leaders are described and defiant and mutinous. It is not mutinous or defiant to search the scriptures to see if what these leaders say is true. Acts 17:11.
"Truth mixed with error is equivalent to all error, except that it is more innocent looking and, therefore, more dangerous. God hates such a mixture! Any error, or truth-and-error mixture, calls for definite exposure and repudiation. To condone such is to be unfaithful to God and His Word and treacherous to imperiled souls for whom Christ died". Harry A. Ironside (1876-1951)
John gives us fair warning about counterfeit Christians:
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:10) NKJV
Our Lord commands us to neither add to nor delete from the Bible. We see this in Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32, Proverbs 4:20-21, 30:5-6, 1 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:2, and Revelation 22:19.
For more information regarding the danger of the message translation, see lighthousetrails.com.