Evangelical preacher J. John is bringing his updated version of the Ten Commandments to the UK and the world through a new DVD: “just10 for churches.” Hannah Furness, in a piece for the Telegraph, reports that the new commandments use “short, simple language interspersed with slang.” Additionally, some of the changes go well beyond simply updating language:
- The tenth commandment, for example, has altered the Biblical “thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s” to just “find contentment.”
- “Thou shalt not commit adultery” have been edited to “affair-proof your relationships.”
- “Honour thy father and thy mother” has altered to “keep the peace with your parents.”
So What?
The use of contemporary language translations and paraphrases of the Bible bring the text alive in ways that the King James Version does not. While few would argue with the use of any modern language translation, some (especially Biblical literalists) are troubled by the use of paraphrases. Many, however, are troubled if the fundamental meaning of a text is changed by a new translation or paraphrase. While J. John is not seeking to render a large portion of the biblical text in a new way for a modern audience, he is doing so with a core text.
- What role do the 10 Commandments play in your life?
- Would your congregation be likely to consider adopting “just10 for churches?” Why or why not?