Focus on the Family Press Release:
June 3, 1997

Focus on the Family Recalls "Odyssey Bible" For Children

Colorado Springs - Today Focus on the Family announced that it has withdrawn the Adventures in Odyssey Bible from distribution. The "Odyssey Bible" uses the International Children's Bible translation published by Word Publishing and is intended for use by young children. This Bible version contains some "gender inclusive" language which is not consistent with Scripture texts. Word Publishing has made a commitment to make revisions eliminating even the perception that this Bible "degenderizes" God's Word. We regret that the preface or foreword did not properly inform parents of the use of "gender-inclusive" language in certain Scriptures. That oversight has just come to our attention and is regrettable.

"Upon our realization that the 'Odyssey Bible' contained some unnecessary gender changes, we moved immediately to remove this Bible version from our resources for the family," said Focus on the Family president James C. Dobson, Ph.D. "It is our desire, of course, to place the Word of God into the hands of as many people as possible. But our zeal towards that objective will not override our concern for accuracy in Biblical translation." In addressing children's special need for readability in an understandable Bible version, Dr. Dobson added: "Focus on the Family will fulfill its mission to reach children with God's Word. We will use the most accurate and readable translation for children. But we must resist even the subtlest forms of language which would serve a particular cultural agenda."

"We are now working with Word Publishing to develop an understandable translation for children that remains completely faithful to the language of Scripture," said Dr. Dobson. "Upon request, Focus will reimburse parents who have ordered the 'Odyssey Bible' through our ministry."

"Word and Focus on the Family are working in a cooperative spirit, fully depending on God's leadership, to revise the Odyssey Bible and eliminate concerns over gender translations. We are determined to publish Bibles that are accurate as well as readable," said Byron Williamson, president and CEO of Word, Inc.