"You see them on the shelves at the store; they're made to look like those ubiquitous fashion magazine on the racks at every check-out counter. But what's different about this magazine is that it contains a full New Testament, that's interspersed with hormone-charged sidebars designed to "meet teenagers where they are at"...- I am 16, and I have slept with five guys. I am a Christian, but every time a guy wants me to have sex, it feels so good to be liked and wanted that I just do it. How can I stop?
- I have a crush on one of my teachers. He's young, awesome, and so hot. What do I do?
- How far can you go sexually before you are no longer pure?
- My parents like hymns, but I love modern worship. How can I convince them that I am worshipping God, even though it's a rock 'n' roll beat? (it answers this question by telling them how to convince their parents).
- My little sister has been totally hitting on my boyfriend, and it's really irritating. What can I do?
- I'm not sure what qualities I should look for in the guy I want to marry - except for good looks and a hot body. Where should I start?
- My parents have seen my boyfriend and me hug and kiss. Now they think we're going "too far". But we're really not. How can I get them to trust us? (the answer they gave involved "cutting down" on hugging and kissing, not stopping it).
- My boyfriend and I just had sex for the first time. Now I feel guilty. I don't want to do it again, but he does. What can I do?
- Does it really matter what kind of music I listen to? I like the beat more than the words. (Their answer indicates that it's the lyrics and not the music that matters, and they suggest listening to Christian rock, rap, punk, music instead)."
Read all of Part 1 HERE
And Part 2 HERE
And read the World Net Daily article by Ron Strom, published in March 18, 2005, describing Zondervan's "True Images" Bible HERE:
Teen girls' Bible talks of oral sex and lesbianism...
A Bible created especially for girls age 13-16 that includes profiles of fictional teenagers discussing oral sex, lesbianism and "dream" guys is drawing sharp criticism from some Christian parents who say such material should not appear alongside Scripture.
The "True Images" Bible, published by Zondervan, promises on its dustcover to "strengthen your relationship with God, family, friends and guys."
While the book includes the entire text of the New International Version of the Bible, it's the "over 1,000 relevant and compelling notes and articles" that have critics upset.
The "In Focus" profiles are peppered throughout the text of the Bible and deal with subjects like sex, pregnancy, alcoholism, dating, homosexuality, depression, pornography and flirting.
An introduction in the Bible explains its goal: to present to young girls "true images": "God's message about who you are in his eyes."
The "In Focus" article on sex appears amidst scriptural regulations on offerings in the book of Leviticus. It profiles the fictional girl "Ashley" and is entitled "Casual or Not?"
While the message of the profile is to save sex for marriage, critics aren't convinced the frank-talk approach is appropriate for young teens.
Discussing her friend "Emma," Ashley says, "The story is that she had oral sex with a guy friend of ours last week. Just for fun. They're not dating, although they've always flirted with each other a lot. Emma took one look at my face this morning, and she knew I knew."
Emma goes on to claim that oral sex "is not even sex," but Ashley disagrees, saying, "God's definition of sexual purity covers much more than intercourse."
Following Ashley's narrative is a warning that "the physical and emotional effects of oral sex are similar to intercourse," along with tips for dealing with friends who are engaging in the practice.
'Am I Gay?'
Another "In Focus" story highlights the experience of "Trish" in "Am I Gay?"
Says Trish: "All my friends are wondering if this guy or that guy likes them. I don't like any guys right now. Instead, I wonder if I have a crush on Sierra. She's one of my best friends."
Trish goes on to explain that her uncle tried to rape her when she was 12 and that ever since, "I haven't wanted any guy to touch me – not even my dad."
The follow-up warning to Trish's story directs the reader to read Romans 1:24-32, in which Paul condemns homosexual behavior.
Wedged into the pages of the book of Jeremiah is a profile by "Lorraine," in which she discusses finding Playboy and Penthouse magazines belonging to her father in the basement.
"I couldn't believe it when I found the box. Those horrible magazines!" Lorraine says. I couldn't even look at my dad after I found it. … My dad's a Christian! Yet he's got this porn stash. It's like he's got this secret life."
The feature then advises girls in Lorraine's situation to "talk with a trusted Christian adult about the issue. Pray together, and come up with a plan for what to do next."
'Cuddling opps'
Though there is a rising movement within Christianity to promote courtship over traditional dating, the "True Images" Bible, like a secular teen magazine, appears to assume its readers are dating – or wish they were.
The "In Focus" feature on dating has "Taylor" upset because her boyfriend may be "cheating" on her with another girl.
"Does he really think I don't have a clue?" she laments. "But I can't stand the thought of losing him."
One of several personality tests throughout the Bible deals specifically with dating, entitled "The Perfect Date." One of the creative date ideas is to go to a symphony concert under the stars, since it will provide "romantic tunes" and "cuddling opps."
On the same page is a colorful graphic stating: "You gotta kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince!"
Another quiz helps young teen readers discover what their "Prince Charming" will be like – everything from how he should look to what an imaginary night on the town would entail. After tallying the answers, readers can then "piece together a portrait of your dream man."
One group of Christian teens the Bible doesn't appear to recognize is homeschoolers. Many of the scenarios and personality quizzes use hypothetical situations that would only occur in a traditional school atmosphere, such as "You're sitting next to the prom queen in English class. What are your thoughts?"
'Filthy graffiti'
Leonie Beltzer is a homeschooling parent from Sterling, Va., who sent an e-mail warning to other homeschool families about the "True Images" Bible.
"I was exceptionally shocked when I was previewing the 'True Images' Bible for our daughter," Beltzer writes.
"It would be very easy to just think that because it contains God's Word we can just give it to our kids and let them read it without censorship (believe me, I nearly did but thank God I did not!). I send this out as a warning."
Beltzer goes on to describe the oral sex and lesbian features, saying, "I felt very compelled to at least give you all a head's up."
Stacy McDonald is editor of Homeschooling Today, author of "Raising Maidens of Virtue" and the mother of seven girls.
"I find this 'Bible' comparable to filthy graffiti smeared across the Word of God. Instead of edifying young girls and encouraging them to godliness it actually violates their purity by its very text," she told WND.
"Having seven daughters myself, I am deeply grieved that parents would encourage their young daughters to read such graphic narratives. I would not give this 'Bible' to my 20-year-old virgin daughter to read – much less a 13-year-old. Why should she have images of oral sex, lesbianism and rape in her mind?"
A spokesman for Zondervan defended the content of the teen Bible, saying the company would be irresponsible not to include the controversial subject matter.
"In putting 'True Images' together, our guiding principle was to be as edgy as the Bible is and no more," Cameron Conant, Zondervan's public relations manager for Bibles, told WorldNetDaily. "We've forgotten that the Bible is filled with sex and violence, and God's redemptive role in the lives of sinful people. The Bible itself is a pretty provocative book."
Zondervan worked with the Livingstone Corporation, a Bible content developer that has worked on many study Bibles, to put together the publication. Conant explained that Livingstone did extensive research on 13 to 16-year-old girls to identify the main issues of concern to them.
"Again and again and again, the issues that repeatedly came up were a lot of issues related to sex," he said. "Today's teens are just bombarded with … highly suggestive, highly sexual media messages every day."
Stated Conant: "These issues are out there, and we need to make sure teens have a biblical view of sexuality. We felt it would be irresponsible not to address some of these specific issues, even oral sex and homosexuality, even for 13-year-old girls. … Virtually every 13 to 16-year-old out there is dealing with these issues."
Conant said Zondervan didn't want to bury its "head in the sand" and act as if teens aren't aware of the sexual issues addressed in the "True Images" Bible.
"We want to point them to God-centered solutions and responses to the things they're seeing on TV and the things they're hearing from their friends," he said.
Conant said the "True Images" website receives "tons of e-mails" from children who read the Bible "and are benefiting from it."
Said one e-mail Conant supplied to WND: "I really like this Bible. It made me realize that God does understand what a girl has to go through with everybody – parents, siblings, friends, acquaintances, boyfriends and temptations."
Another teen girl stated: "I truly believe that God has blessed me with this Bible to get a better understanding about dating and flirting and about me and my body, and I thank you for making the Bible that way, in that kind of style."
Assaulting purity
McDonald said she doesn't believe Zondervan's contention that "virtually every" teen girls is aware of and concerned about the matters discussed in the "True Images" Bible.
"If they do know [about these issues]," she said, "it's the parents' responsibility to share these things with their children in a protected way. It shouldn't come from a teen Bible."
The author said she's concerned that a grandmother might purchase the "True mages" Bible and give it to her granddaughter, not realizing its content.
"What's wrong with giving them just the Bible," McDonald asked, "and then encouraging relationships where girls can ask questions of parents? If an issue comes up, it needs to be the parent presenting it in a godly way, not in some little story."
Continued McDonald: "Not every 13-year-old girl needs to be discussing oral sex, so why would we put it in a narrative that is almost titillating?"
Even if the sidebar texts point the reader to Scripture that gives the biblical perspective on an issue, McDonald said, "in attempting to instill purity in a child, what they're doing is actually robbing them. They're assaulting their purity because they're exposing them to way more than they need to be exposed to at that young age."
Conant countered McDonald's view, saying, "As much as we as parents want to shield our kids from the world, it's very difficult to do that. Even if we're doing all we can, these issues are going to come up, and what better way for them to come up than in the context of a Bible."
McDonald believes parents can better protect their children by schooling them at home. "If the 'real world' of public school exposes them to oral sex, pregnant 14-year-old friends, homosexuality, rape, fornication, etc., the answer isn't to 'talk about it' in some hip teen book," she said. "The answer is to protect them, which may mean homeschooling them."
The Bible has a companion version for teen boys called "Revolution.By Ron Strom© 2008 WorldNetDaily.com
55 earnest comments:
Mrs. McDonald,
Just wanted to thank you so much for your stand on this issue and others like it. I was introduced to you when my mother-in-law gave me your book, "Passionate Houseweives" for Christmas this year. Between the book, your blog, and the LAF website, I have been greatly encouraged and challenged. It helps so much to know that I am not alone in my thoughts and beliefs. I love knowing that there are others out there like me! I am just beginning my journey, I have been married for 4 years and have a 13 month old girl and another little one due in Septmeber. So you are helping me prepare to raise my maidens of virtue. Thank you so much for the strength and courage you show by speaking out on these issues. Keep up the good work!
Hi! I was trying to leave a comment on your post, but kept getting an error message. But I still wanted to share my experience - so here's the comment I was trying to leave.
I have no respect for Zondervan for this, and many other reasons. Many don't know that Zondervan is owned by Harper Collins Publishing, a company that publishes the satanist bible as well as many texts on the gay and lesbian lifestyle.
I knew they were going in a bad direction in 2002 when my, then, fiance and I went to our "Christian" college's chapel where they had delivered pallets of TNIV new testaments to promote and hand out free to students. (the TNIV is published by Zondervan). When my ever passionate fiance, now hubby, took one look at the gender neutral language of this supposed "bible" he stood up, ripped it in half and declared to the few students who had gathered there in the gym that this was absolute blasphemy to the Word of God. He was so angry that the Word of the Lord had been profaned in that way.
I have determined to teach our sons, and hopefully someday daughters, to live Biblically in this wretched world. Thank you Stacie, LAF and many others who have given me the resources and encouragement to do such.
In Christ,
Michelle
Isn't it dreadful that these messages are "disguised" by references to the Bible?
We need to be "wise as serpents"
Love
H
Oh how cute. Now we don't have to buy our teen a Bible afterall. We can trick them into thinking they're getting a magazine. And while they're reading the "Bible", they can also learn about all the temptations they should be facing if they are normal.
The whole concept just leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. Why isn't the message of the Bible enough, without having to disguise it and add a bunch of filth to boot!?
Oh dear, when i was around 17 I was given the NCV youth Bible- UK edition. I don't think it was anywhere as bad or shocking as this new edition, the stories were mainly object lessons or about christain youth if i remember rightly, they were a distraction though and one or two in paticulair put thoughs in my mind that wouldn't have been there otherwise: and i was in a secular school! my Dad encoraged me to go back to my RSV. But it is widly used in youth groups I sure hope this new edition doesn't become too wide spread, and that parents and leaders will take a stand for Biblical purity.
I confess myself surprised at the reactions of some of the ladies here. I read this magazine in a bookstore once and I found that all the answers were Biblically based. However, I also understand the concerns of parents who homeschool their children and I would defintely agree that it would be best for kids not to be introduced to intimate sex in such a way (whether public or home schooled). For older kids who are public-schooled, though, and may face these issues a lot, I think this magazine might be of some help. With plenty of parental supervision, of course.
Stacy, do you know anything about the boy's magazine, "Revolution"? I'd be eager to know your thoughts on that, since you have boys and I hope to have sons in the future. Many are super-protective of girls and their purity, but you don't hear about protecting boys that much, and I'd love some advice!
Jennifer - I haven't actually seen the boys' magazine, but from what I can tell from the reviews, and the general nature of having a Bible that's dressed up like a magazine, I can tell you I'm not in favor.
I'm not into gimmicks to "sell" people (even teens) on the Word of God. Part of the problem comes from a difference in theology. Since we are Reformed, we believe that God is in complete control of the salvation of man and while we are commanded to proclaim the Gospel, the salvation of others is not our responsibility. It's not a sales job. We're to obediently glorify God and share with others His goodness and Grace, but He does the work in their hearts. Whether that be in regards to salvation or growth as a Christian.
That means we don't have to have a clever marketing campaign and we certainly don't need to paint baubles and beads on the Word of God to make it "relevent" or attractive to a worldly crowd. God's Word is sufficient and His Spirit will call those whom He calls.
I find that sort of "Bible for teens" utterly ridiculous!
I don't know if it is blasphemous or not, since I'm starting to read the Bible (yes, I admit it, I almost never took it in my hand until now) and don't know it well enough, yet, but I think that it doesn't need any marketing operation at all, because it already is interesting and compelling as it is.
I hope you won't musunderstand me as unrespectful, I'm just a person seeking knowledge and truth, although I am not able to feel God nor faith in my heart.
Still, I must admire Mrs. McDonald's acumen and insight in her opinions.
Zondervan.....profits before principle.
Can you imagine Jesus talking to teens in such a manner? How sad that the bar continues to be lowered for our young people today.
I never knew such a thing existed; sickening! It is a great example of mixing the "world" (this God-less social system) with Christianity and trying to blur the distinct lines that God wants between Christians and the world.
Wow I never knew that there were Bibles like this...very shocking and innappropriate. I am really quite speechless....
When I first read this magazine, I had no idea the girls were fictional. I have a few questions for you, Stacy. Some of the dialogue in these articles was pretty tame. Do you think there's anything inherently wrong with these excerpts?
"Does it really matter what kind of music I listen to? I like the beat more than the words. (Their answer indicates that it's the lyrics and not the music that matters, and they suggest listening to Christian rock, rap, punk, music instead)."
Discussing her friend "Emma," Ashley says, "The story is that she had oral sex with a guy friend of ours last week. Just for fun. They're not dating, although they've always flirted with each other a lot. Emma took one look at my face this morning, and she knew I knew."
Emma goes on to claim that oral sex "is not even sex," but Ashley disagrees, saying, "God's definition of sexual purity covers much more than intercourse."
Following Ashley's narrative is a warning that "the physical and emotional effects of oral sex are similar to intercourse," along with tips for dealing with friends who are engaging in the practice.
Wedged into the pages of the book of Jeremiah is a profile by "Lorraine," in which she discusses finding Playboy and Penthouse magazines belonging to her father in the basement.
"I couldn't believe it when I found the box. Those horrible magazines!" Lorraine says. I couldn't even look at my dad after I found it. … My dad's a Christian! Yet he's got this porn stash. It's like he's got this secret life."
The feature then advises girls in Lorraine's situation to "talk with a trusted Christian adult about the issue. Pray together, and come up with a plan for what to do next."
Do you think, Stacy, that either the questions or the answers in the above excerpts are sinful?
Lastly, I thought that it would greatly behoove the writers of these magazines to actually feature REAL letters, problems, and questions of real girls. If these girls and their situations were real, Stacy, do you think they'd be wrong to be published and answered?
I think you're missing the point. The issue isn't whether or not the situations are real or fiction. In fact, the point isn't whether or not the advice is good or not either.
When I was in about 8th grade there was a magazine out - I think the name of it was "True Confessions." It was a magazine written for girls that had titillating stories of other teen girls doing things they shouldn't. It wasn't pornographic - exactly. There were make-up tips, personality tests, dating advice etc.
But the real focus was the fictional short stories (thus the name "True Confessions") that had various situations of "average high school girls." There was one story that went into the details of the life of a 16-year-old girl who had "gone too far" with her boyfriend. There were many more stories - all sexually focused. These stories were written to stir lust in the mind.
However, the editors of the magazine tried to give their sage advice to their young readers(in a secular way) as if that was the point of the magazine! We didn't read the magazine for advice - unless it was advice on how to attract a boy, we read the magazine because of the racy (dirty) stories!
I think there may be a similarity here, except it's far worse. This is supposed to be a Bible, but it's saturated with inappropriate stories, flaky dating advice, and other distractions. I don't remember all the details of the magazine I'm referring to - it's been MANY years ago, but I'm wondering if it was any worse than what I've seen in this Biblezine.
Call me a purist when it comes to the Word of God, but I think the Bible is enough - we don't need to entice girls to read it by giving them make-up tips and make out stories as bait.
Dear Elena,
Would you mind emailing me privately? I noticed you didn't leave an email address on your profile. I'd love to discuss your Bible reading with you. I'm so glad you've started reading God's Word. I will be praying for you that God would reveal Himself to you fully and give you saving faith in His precious Son, Jesus. My email address is in my profile. Just click on my picture.
My main point about whether the stories were fictional had to do with answering genuine problems that girls have. Perhaps I should put it differently: if real girls faced such problems, would they be wrong in asking for advice from a Christian source? What about girls who have found Christ, but don't have Christian parents? What if they do face these problems in public school and don't have anyone to turn to?
Some girls are struggling with this and IF the motives of the authors of this magazine are pure, I don't think these real life problems should be pushed into the shadows simply because they're not pleasant to read about. Less detail is better, but the issues themselves are real and important. It may not be appropriate for older homeschooled girls or thirteen-year-olds of any education to read about this, but some girls are not sheltered and/or protected and for them, there's no point in hiding these issues because they face them every single day.
Jennifer,
Sounds like pragmatism to me. "As long as there are girls out there facing these issues and the answers are good - the method doesn't really matter."
It's a slippery slope because where do you draw the line? There are all sorts of perversions going on in the world today. What about girls who are being molested. This is a truly wicked, horrible evil that is becoming more and more common. Should we have a few stories like that tucked in this Bible too?
I think a better answer for girls who are facing these very disturbing issues on a daily basis is to warn and equip parents to protect their children. However, if that isn't happening, then we should be reaching out to these girls in person as lights in their lives. Not entertaining them with the very evil that they already have to endure at school.
In other words, if they're having to have ugliness in their life all day, why not show them something beautiful and pure instead. Why must we dwell on the wickedness?
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NKJV)
Trust me, I'm no prude. I've lived the wickedness and filth up close and personal. When I was in the mire I needed someone to throw me a rope and pull me out of the pit. I didn't need someone to jump in with me to show me how relevent they were.
"I think a better answer for girls who are facing these very disturbing issues on a daily basis is to warn and equip parents to protect their children."
This isn't what I meant to say. It's getting late and I'm ready to go to bed! What I meant to say was that if girls are truly facing this on a daily basis this should be a wake up call to parents who aren't protecting their children. The answer isn't to give them a "relevent" Biblezine and send them back into the filth, the answer is to care enough about our children to remove them from the filth. To nurture and protect them as we train them up for His glory.
If they have questions, they should come to us for answers. If parents aren't there, Christians should be ready and available. God is in control. He is big enough to work it all out - we don't need to compromise by "forcing" those who won't read a Bible by tricking them into reading a Biblezine.
Then, when our children do go out into the world, unpolluted by the filth of a godless public school system, they will be strong and solid, without the stench of the world on them. They'll have a much better start than I did. I feel like I had to spend many years in spiritual "detox" before I could think biblically.
Thank you for the courage to post this. I had no idea there was a magazine like this. I am astonished.
We live in a time where the gospel is candy coated. Churches spend their time catering to teens to entertain them. Church has for the most part become concerts and entertainment. The Word of God has been left behind. How sad. This is truly a great falling away.
Nikki
Hi, Stacy. I agree, of course, that the method of presenting such matters is vital; I wasn't sure at first if it was the method or just the subject matter that bothered you.
I guess a lot of it depends on how girls take it: I was not enthralled or entertained when I read this magazine. I was merely curious how it would answer problems girls had. I do know that my youth pastor, one of the most conservative men you could meet, highly recommends this for the young women he knows (of course, these young women are all public schooled).
I agree passionately about obeying the Bible passage "think on these things". I think there's a time and a place for almost everything, but my reading material and art are almost always of a peaceful nature. My novels, of course, are often somewhat edgier; there are real and terrible struggles in life and the world, and we can't ignore these. I never choose books, however, that "dwell on the wickedness" as you put it. As for lesbianism and rape...ugh! Over the years, from middle school until now, I've collected what I think has come to over three hundred novels. Out of that number, I'm pretty sure only five or six of them include rape scenes or anything of the like. As for child abuse..ugh, I can't even think of it.
I guess what I meant to ask, in plainer language, is this: if young women were honestly struggling with these issues, would it be morally wrong for them to write to these magazines and describe in blunt detail what they're struggling with? Would it be wrong for the authors of the magazine to respond in like fashion?
Thanks for your thoughts
"When my ever passionate fiance, now hubby, took one look at the gender neutral language of this supposed "bible""
What exactly do you mean by gender neutral, anon?
I have seen this "Bible" in bookstores before and have skimmed through it. I agree whole heartedly with you Mrs. McDonald and thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Remembering to when I was a teenager I loved reading teen magazines. So had I received this "Bible" I probably would not have read the actual Bible part of it at all. There is too much distraction away from the Bible with the magazine along side with it. *I am not promoting teen magazines by the way*
13? Are you kidding me?
My girls are public-schooled, and I would not give this sort of thing to them at all. It's not a good idea to "mix" the word of God with anything, let alone something so shallow.
As an aside--I read that Britney Spears' mom had been going to write a book on parenting, but put it on hold when her younger daughter became pregnant.
The unbelievable thing is that her publisher was Thomas Nelson!!
Excuse my lack of knowledge, but who is Thomas Nelson, Marcia?
Great to see further proof that public-schooling moms protect their kids too! :)
(Stacy--I got an error message, so I'm sorry if this posts twice.)
Hi Jennifer--Thomas Nelson is a book publisher known for publishing Bibles and Christian books.
Apparently this depends on one's definition of "Christian."
Thomas Nelson is another Christian publisher.
I don't think anyone here is arguing that public school mothers don't strive to protect their children, Jennifer. It stands to reason, though, that a mother who spends considerably more time with her children will have a broader impact on their worldview. A public school child's education is supervised by a faculty and -beyond that -by our government, while a homeschooler's education is superviesed by their parents.
About the magazine: would it be better for a young woman with such a problem to solicit help from a wise, caring adult, or a magazine staff? And even if she should ask the magazine, should every lewd detail of her struggle be published, "just in case" someone else has the same question?
I personally think it is completely inappropriate to associate the Bible with something as silly and superficial as a teen magazine; God's word is timely enough to stand on its own.
Also, I had one of these Bibles when I was younger (an earlier, less "mature" edition), and I don't think I ever remembered reading the actual Scripture, because I was so distracted by the quizzes and "advice."
Warmly,
Jasmine
I have found it very interesting to read this post and the comments. I agree, Stacy, when you say . . .
"why not show them something beautiful and pure instead. Why must we dwell on the wickedness?"
I also agree that God's word is more than powerful enough on its own, and it is wrong to pollute it in this way.
However, I disagree that homeschooling protects daughters from the issues this magazine covers. It may do if, as you advocate, the parents have a strong relationship with their daughters and they talk frankly. There are a great many situations, nonetheless, where homeschooled teens are doing exactly the same things as their public schooled counterparts. I have vivid memories of the aftermath of my 13 year old friend dating and sleeping with an 18 year old, and bashing herself against things in an effort to cause abortion because she thought she was pregnant. Other memories involve witchcraft, oral sex, single parenthood, and homosexuality. Few of the six or so homeschooled girls I was friends with as a homeschooled teen are now following God. As a teenager I actually held the eroneous view of "Emma" that oral sex was not sex and was therefore OK.
My take home message from all this is something I often say about homeschooling (and I do hope to homeschool any children God gives us ) . . .
The home may be a better place to deal with sin, but it is not a protection from sin. Why? The worst sin we have to fear is within ourselves. It is not "out there" in public schools. The sin that will usually harm us most is the sin within our families. The only way parents can truly protect their children from sin is to teach them to flee it themselves, teach them to flee to the One who can give them strength to resist, and to model humility and repentance for them. Homeschooling gives great opportunities to do these things.
"I don't think anyone here is arguing that public school mothers don't strive to protect their children, Jennifer"
I know, Jasmine, I just thought it would be good to get more feedback from other public schooling families.
"would it be better for a young woman with such a problem to solicit help from a wise, caring adult"
Not every young girl has this. One thing I did notice was that every response I've seen the magazine give so far has been Biblical. As for lewdness, I dislike that, but a certain level of bluntness may be needed. I guess I figured that if girls are struggling with such blunt issues, they should be able to get blunt answers.
Jennifer - thought I'd answer your question. Stacie included my comment as anonymous because I kept getting errors when trying to post under my real profile.
Anyway, "What exactly do you mean by gender neutral, anon?"
The TNIV and several other modern texts have attempted to make the Bible more palitable to a feminist, PC culture and eliminated references regarding God being a HE, and blurred passages that refer to a man and woman's distinct roles. This is most evident in passages in Genesis where they have changed terminology from "Mankind" or "man" to "humankind", or "Person". This is in direct mis-translation of what is meant in most of those cases in which the Hebrew clearly indicates "MAN" in the fullest sense of the word.
IMO its disgusting when a Bible translator defiles the Bible in this way.
Jennifer, I so agree with Sherrin. I doesn't matter whether a girl is homeschooled or public schooled. She still lives in a fallen world. You should not seperate girls into different teams. Satan is after every one of them. Believe me, as the mother to five daughters and two sons, unless I cut out all means of communications in our home my kids are still exposed to the same evils. The difference though is that I get to discuss these issues in a Biblical view with them first as opposed tho others outside the family discussing these issues in a worldly view.
Sincerely,
Lake Norman, NC
I hope no one thought I was offended by Jennifer's comment. I was actually encouraged by it; it struck me as a homeschooling mom noticing that she did have something in common with a public-school mom.
Life, and especially parenting, in this world is challenging no matter what choices you make. It's nice that we can "chat" and share our experiences in a forum like this.
Jennifer
I do think it is highly inappropriate to air these girls' dirty laundry. I'm sorry. I have had things that have happened in my life -questions I needed answers to -that I didn't need plastered on the pages of a Bible magazine.
I'm not saying that these issues shouldn't be discussed, but in most situations I've found, there are responsible adults available to discuss these issues with, adults that have no need to post them in a magazine. Bluntness or directness isn't the issue, but appropriate etiquette regarding the answers of such questions is. For example, I'm sure any girl struggling with these issues could contact, say, Mrs. McDonald, who would be more than happy to give them candid answers, and would not post them here on her blog for all to see. There are many women like Mrs. McDonald who are right here -on the internet! -available to mentor young women in a way that is less inappropriate than a "Bible magazine."
I hope you understand that I'm not trying to say that these girls shouldn't seek help and guidance. But thirteen year old virgins -homeschooled or otherwise -who have been protected by their parents, just don't need to be exposed to these things. I wouldn't even *know* what some of these phrases meant at thirteen, and I'm pretty precocious! :)
Jennifer, I like the way you think. Just reading your comments, I can tell that you're a very intelligent young woman, eager to know and be known! God bless you and your family as you grow in grace. :)
Lynne
Lynne, thank you so much for your sweet words! :) I do agree about etiquette; the choice of words is important in such delicate matters. I have wondered if perhaps it would be beneficial for girls to have a magazine that's actually healthy to look to. Not all girls are raised to appreciate the Bible (or do so even if they're raised to) and once the magazine phase kicks in, at least with this one, they'd have a magazine with Godly advice. I haven't seen all the articles in "Revolve" and I do think they should refrain from putting letters in the middle of the Scripture, but I was happy to see that they gave Biblical advice. Maybe this could be a way to interest girls in reading the Bible more. Still, I'd probably recommend a student or teen Bible for that purpose, rather than a magazine.
Hi, Marcia. I certainly never got the impression that you were offended by my comment. I was public-schooled myself as a child and I know all too well that Christian moms of such schooling choices are just as protective as home-schooling parents (mine certainly were). I'm not sure what schooling my children will have. I'd love for them to have the same experience I did with public school, so long as I know it's a good and reliable school.
I agree, it's great for ladies to share with each other here :) We may be of different circumstances, but we're of the same faith.
I find it disturbing when we discuss, particularly in children's hearing, the wickedness that is so prevalent. Protecting their minds is a duty we have as parents, and one that carries much weight (for if, by titillating little ones we could even possibly lead them into sin - even of the mind - it would be better if a millstone was tied around our necks and we were cast into the sea).
Paul says it well in Ephesians 5:7-21
Therefore do not become partners with them [the sons of disobedience]; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. *For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.* But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
(Emphasis mine)
:-)
Karen
Last night, I had a discussion with my Pastor. He was saying (and scripture of course supports it-Hebrews 13:8) that God is unchanging. His word is just as relevant today as it was years and years ago. People and 'times' have changed...but God's word is a living word. THATS THE TRUTH!I'm going to put a link to your post for my (blog) readers...
what if you have a teen that doesn't want to read the Bible and has tough questions like the ones answered in the Q&A? What if your sons or daughters friends will read this Bible magazine and God will use it work in them and bring them to Him and then they start reading the Bible. I don't see this as a tool for Christians, but for those who are seeking God - I applaud Zondervan for trying to reach out to teens and bring them Biblical counsel as opposed to the counsel they receive from magazines today.
Jennifer, I completely agree with you. If girls are struggling with these issues, Christian or not, they need answers. And sometimes, parents aren't there to have the answers, or many teens don't feel comfortable going to their parents for the answers. Stacy, you make a good point about parents being given a wake up call to step up to the plate and provide Biblical foundations. BUT - we all know that there are going to be parents who ignore the warning and children who are left without guidance. It's time for Christians to talk about things and not be afraid to answer tough questions!
you quote "McDonald believes parents can better protect their children by schooling them at home. "If the 'real world' of public school exposes them to oral sex, pregnant 14-year-old friends, homosexuality, rape, fornication, etc., the answer isn't to 'talk about it' in some hip teen book," she said. "The answer is to protect them, which may mean homeschooling them."
Again, this isn't the option for many parents. Although it's a good idea, even then teens can come in contact with issues like this that they might not always want to talk to their parents about. Yes, the answer is protection and building a strong Biblical foundation - but MANY do not have that. There is no possible way that all Christian parents can nor want to homeschool.
Kristie,
I think the problem is that something that might have been originally intended to win lost teens (if you give Zondervan the benefit of the doubt, and I don't) will instead be read by believing teens and cause them to fall. These magazines are sold in Christian book stores, not on the rack with secular teen magazines at the grocery store.
The magazines sell (and a profit is made,) because teens want to read the titillating articles and Christian parents buy them thinking they are safe. They appeal to parents who would probably not buy the teen magazines at the grocery checkout anyway, so they are not replacing those, but opening up an entirely new market share.
"However, I disagree that homeschooling protects daughters from the issues this magazine covers. It may do if, as you advocate, the parents have a strong relationship with their daughters and they talk frankly."
Sherrin,
You are absolutely right. The sin isn't in the public school, the pornographic magazine, or the loaded gun. The sin is in the heart of man. And if we think homeschooling is THE answer to our children's sin, we are in idolatry.
Though homeschooling may be exactly what we need to do with our chilren (and I believe it is), homeschooling is NOT what saves our children. Jesus is.
Like you, I have seen some sad situations in homeschooling families. Parents who neglected their duties to train their children in up in the fear and admonition of the Lord because they thought homeschooling was enough. It's not.
We must be diligent to teach, train, love, nurture, protect, encourage, and model Christ to our children. This can happen best at home - but unfortunately it doesn't always actually happen at all.
"I think the problem is that something that might have been originally intended to win lost teens (if you give Zondervan the benefit of the doubt, and I don't) will instead be read by believing teens and cause them to fall."
Angela, you're exactly right. The ones who are buying this Biblezine are the youth group leaders (by the boxload) and the grandmothers, hoping to be relevent, looking for a "Christian" gift for their granddaughters. Moms are buying it thinking it will encourage daughters to read the Bible - with little effort from Mom and Dad.
The innocense of girls in Christian families should not be sacrificed in an attempt to entice those who refuse God's Word otherwise.
"The ones who are buying this Biblezine are the youth group leaders (by the boxload) and the grandmothers, hoping to be relevent, looking for a "Christian" gift for their granddaughters. Moms are buying it thinking it will encourage daughters to read the Bible - with little effort from Mom and Dad.
The innocense of girls in Christian families should not be sacrificed in an attempt to entice those who refuse God's Word otherwise." ----
Christian girls in youth group sometimes have the same questions as the ones posed in Biblezine. You would be ignorant to believe that kids in youth group do not face such issues in today's world. Yes, they are to be set apart and parents SHOULD teach their children about life and these issues, but obviously not every Christian teen is raised with such open communication and innocence. Christian teens who do go to public school ARE facing these issues, and they need someone to bring the issues up and not ignore them. I would encourage all parents and leaders to read it for themselves FIRST and then decide if it is something that would benefit their teen.
"Christian girls in youth group sometimes have the same questions as the ones posed in Biblezine."
I have no doubt that too many Christian girls (especially those in youth groups) are exposed to the wickedness talked about in this Biblezine, but again, that isn't the point. Pragmatism tells us that the method doesn't matter -as long as it seems like we're getting some results. Do you really believe that trivializing the Word of God with make-up tips, dating advice, and titillating stories, for teens, of oral sex and lesbianism is an appropriate answer to the dilemma? Giving them more ugliness to dwell on - along with a pat answer to their problem hardly seems profitable.
I wonder how many girls' minds were accidentally polluted by well-meaning parents and church leaders.
Asking the questions isn't sinful. Answering the questions isn't sinful. These are things that MUST be done.
Again, I am no prude. I've lived the wickedness and filth up close and personal. When I was in the mire I needed someone to throw me a rope and pull me out of the pit. I didn't need someone to jump in with me to show me how relevent they were. I didn't need to read stories of how other people are in the pit too. I knew that well enough. I needed the Word of God alright, but I didn't need it presented in the pages of something that was the antithesis of godliness.
Trivializing such things in a Bible dressed up like a fashion magazine is offensive to me.
I guess I'll have to agree to disagree with you. Yes, the Word of God is where we need to turn for help, but sometimes, especially as a teen (!) we have a hard time finding those answers on our own. IF a teen doesn't have parents or a mentor or good friend to turn to and the only thing that gives them GODLY answers to their questions is this format of writing, then we should be thankful!
"Do you really believe that trivializing the Word of God with make-up tips, dating advice, and titillating stories, for teens, of oral sex and lesbianism is an appropriate answer to the dilemma? Giving them more ugliness to dwell on - along with a pat answer to their problem hardly seems profitable." - Do you realize that the Bible contains just as many stories if not more about sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc. as some magazines do today? Do you realize the Bible is FULL of stories of others encounters with sin so that we can learn from their mistake? You said "I don't need to read others stories about being in the pit" but that's all that David writes about! Now, my point is - for us as Christians, we can read the accounts of David, Job, Ruth, Moses, etc. and get the answers about what to do when faced with certain sins, BUT as a non-Christian or young Christian, these stories are relevant to the issues they are facing and give them the answers that they have a hard time finding in the Bible. Resources like this are meant to pave the way to deeper Bible Study.
Hi Kristie,
I do think we'll have to agree to disagree here. You said:
"IF a teen doesn't have parents or a mentor or good friend to turn to and the only thing that gives them GODLY answers to their questions is this format of writing, then we should be thankful!"
You're basically saying that there may be a girl (Christian or not) who is 1. struggling with oral sex, lesbianism, lust, or other wickedness on a daily basis. 2. She has no parent or mentor to turn to. 3. She has no godly influence in her life. 4. She has no Christian friend to ask for help. 5. God has left her with no "real people" in her life to minister to her.
So the only hope she has is a flaky teen magazine that weaves Scripture within its pages - and actually calls itself a "Bible" in a bizarre kind of way.
I guess all I can say is that Jesus is in control. He is not limited to Biblezines. We are to do what we are supposed to do - regardless of what "might" happen. If we think we must sacrifice the purity of the Gospel (and the purity of our speech) to reach a lost soul, then we are highly mistaken. God can move mountains to do what needs to be done. He's not wringing His hands relying on Zondervan and their fashion mag to speak His Truth to young girls. If He can turn the heart of the king, he can certainly reach the heart of a young girl.
By the way, just out of curiosity, are you affiliated with either Zondervan or Thomas Nelson Publishers?
Hear, hear, Mrs McDonald! I, too, was once in the pit - and led deeper and deeper by Dolly magazine filling my head with new ways to sin, to boot! I didn't find the answers to my problems in a magazine. I went to church one time because my friend was being baptised and the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sinfulness and saved me in Jesus name. He's still sanctifying me from all the horribleness.
I'd always been wary of those Biblezines, almost expecting my MIL to buy one for my daughter. Fortunately, my daughter wants to keep herself pure. She asks me about possible reading material. I just hope that if something like this gets put into her hands that is not "the one time" she doesn't ask. Once you've got that stuff into your head, your sin nature takes it much further than you may want it to go!
Bless you for bringing this up.
In Him
Meredith_in_Aus
Stacey -
"So the only hope she has is a flaky teen magazine that weaves Scripture within its pages - and actually calls itself a "Bible" in a bizarre kind of way." - No, I did not say that the Biblezine is the ONLY way hope she has. I'm saying that if a girl sees this product and CHOOSES to read it and is brought to an understanding of repentance because of the Biblical principals the product speaks of, then we should rejoice that she has been reached.
I am in no way affiliated with Zondervan or T.N. I just hate when people judge products without knowing that some people have come to know Christ through them! I just believe that we shouldn't LIMIT the Holy Spirit and we should be thankful that some teens will pick this up because they think it looks interesting but then GOD works through it and the Holy Spirit speaks to them through the Scriptures included.
I did some research and you'll see that there are quite a few of these Biblezines out there - http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/dept.asp?dept_id=190900&TopLevel_id=190000
and as you'll see - none of them call themselves the Bible - they are simply magazines with articles relevant to christian living with Scripture applied. For example - "This BibleZine brings forth truth from Scripture which helps Boomers look at life from a Christian perspective, particularly as you begin to deal with the many facets of change life brings. With practical insights on a variety of topics, Redefine is a great gift for any Baby Boomer! " or
" the Revolve Devotional Bible
is the perfect gift for the teen girl wanting to dig deeper in the Word and develop the discipline of reading Scripture. This devotional Bible can be read as a daily Bible, or by the topic most interesting to the reader. Filled with fun story like descriptions of the women in the Bible, study sections for "digging deeper," and daily devotional readings discussing applicable topics, this Bible is a great resource for every teen girl! Includes both Old and New Testaments of the New Century Version." or
"the Becoming BibleZine is the perfect gift to help her on her spiritual journey. This second edition of Becoming offers practical insight on the Christian life through features such as: "Women & Men of the Bible", "Be still & Know", "Modern Worship", "Balancing Act", "Love", "Life Issues", "Health", "Relationships" and many more. Becoming is a wonderful gift for women between the ages of 22-35. "
So as you'll see, they claim to be devotionals, filled with topics and stories of Biblical women to provide daily Bible study. Again, I do not believe that these products should in anyway take the place of Bible reading. But for the purpose of Christian living articles and to supplement Bible study, I believe we shouldn't judge them so harsh! Who are we to say what can and cannot bring people closer to God!
Kristie, thank you for seeing my points and explaining yours so well. I agree totally with where you're coming from, though I also understand the concerns of others around here. Times have changed and kids know a lot more about sex than they did fifty years ago, but presenting answers and the method with which we do so are equally vital. The makers of Christian magazines should take every detail of their presentation and how it will sound to young minds into consideration
I saw this in the local 'Christian' store and read through it and was appalled to say the least.
Hi Stacy! I agree with most everything you say and I implement many of the same things as you in my family. I deeply respect you and your family. I just have one question, one thing I don't quite understand. I don't understand your views on music. If music is christian and the lyrics are devoted to God and giving Him glory, why do you feel it matters what the beat is? I hope this doesn't sound rude in any way, I just truly don't understand.
I'd probably rather not open this can of worms right now - it would be very off topic - but I did want to say that the only reference to a "beat" in the article (which I didn't write) was from the teen girl who was quoted as saying, "I like the beat more than the words."
Kind of reminds me of a conversation I had with my uncle when I was a kid - he caught my cousins and I singing "We don't need no education..." in his living room (a rock song by Pink Floyd). Our defense was, "We just like the music, not the words."
The thing is, music is a very powerful (and I think spiritual) thing - it can incite an army to battle, make you sad, cheer you up, make you want to march, stir lust or sensuality, or just make chaotic noise and make you crazy. Just because a band throws in the word "Jesus" now and then doesn't make it Christian. Just like beautiful, intelligent music doesn't need to use the word, "Jesus" for it to glorify God. In reality, I don't think there is any such thing as "Christian" music. Music either glorifies God or it doesn't.
Wow! Now that is quite a discussion! What points can I add? Well...the first that I would note is that no one and nothing can "LIMIT the Holy Spirit"; for God saves whom He will save. But there are many things that can cause stumbling blocks - lewd language, filthy images, etc. Rather than Christians trying to fit into the world for the purposes of trying to do the Spirit's job for him, we need to show those in the world that we are different. That we are a 'peculiar people'. Training our children to be excited about true scripture and be able to study it, glean wisdom from it AND discern when it has been perverted by different 'versions' is the only and the best way to raise this next generation.
Second, children can be neglected, misguided and left untrained whether they are homeschooled or public schooled. We must always lay the responsibilities at the feet of parents, Christian or not, for the children they have been given. As for parents who are actively responsible for the godly character their children will develop, homeschooling extends much more opportunity for solid relationships and spiritual growth, by far! Parents who utilize government funded systems will always have to fight against the secular tactics that bombard their children for the majority of their days.
Finally, I have never read these biblezines, and never plan to read them. I judge alot of things without actually experiencing them - and I thank God for the wisdom He gives me to make those judgements.
Excellent discussion!
Kim from Canada
Kim, I really liked how you described a parent's responsibilities - whether homeschooling or public schooling, Christian or non-Christian. It is so true that children in all kinds of situations can be neglected and untrained.
"None of them call themselves the Bible - they are simply magazines with articles relevant to christian living with Scripture applied."
This is what the publisher says about Revolve on Amazon:
"Girls will be thrilled to hear that the third edition of this best-selling Bible is available with all new sidebars, features, and images..."
It looks like they do call their magazines "Bibles."
I just wanted to add a few things... first, I do think that they call these "Biblezines". I have never seen the teen versions before. My husband bought the woman's one for our bathroom since I keep a Bible in the bathroom for reading and studying (I have four "littles", and it's the best way for me to get study in the Word daily...). He thought this might be a better alternative. (Since those littles use the bathroom too- and it isn't always the cleanest... ahem...) The woman's one is littered with feminist views!!! I would NOT recommend the woman's one either. I also want to add this, as an aside... I just finished "Passionate Housewives" given to me for my birthday... (Okay, it took but a day to read... I couldn't put the book down! To my credit though- I'm a "reader".) I plan on reading this book several times, and also buying copies for friends and family! Many books have come into my hands, but not many stay in my "treasury"! This is one which will stay! Thank you SOOOO much for your stand on so many of these issues. My husband and I are just now giving our family over into God's hand and seeking a Reformation in WHATEVER way He shows us! Isn't God's grace beyond description???!!!
I wanted to let your readers know that I was saved as a result of reading this magazine/Bible at 17. The answers to the questions that some may consider inflammatory pointed me straight to the cross and to grace. I was educated in both private and public schools, and the sexuality was so overt in each setting. I had no Titus 2 woman in my life to direct me, and was just so thankful that this version of the Bible was given to me. I will buy it for my daughter when she's old enough, and discuss purity with her even now, although she's just 5. The falsehoods from the enemy regarding sex can be so subtle, and so miry, and the shame of being trapped ensures that you suffer alone. It was a miserable season of my life, and there are still scars. Thanks to Zondervan for publishing this edition.
Blessings,
Mira
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