The Inclusive Language NIV

Have you heard about the debate over the inclusive language edition of the New International Translation of the Bible but are still confused about the details? If so, you are not alone. For many, this debate seems arcane and pointless. However, it is far from that. Ultimately, what is at stake in this issue is far more than mere pronouns: in the end, this is an issue of Biblical authority and integrity.

 
Timeline of Events

• 1995   -   The International Bible Society (IBS) copyrights an Inclusive Language Edition of the New International Version (NIV). Hodder and Stoughton, British rights holder to the NIV, publishes the Inclusive Language Edition in Great Britain. Click here to view the cover of this edition.
   
   
• Fall, 1996   -   Priscilla Papers, the journal of Christians for Biblical Equality, publishes a lead article by David Scholer calling for Zondervan and the IBS to release the Inclusive Language Edition of the NIV in the United States as it has done in Breat Britain.
   
   

• March 29,1997   -   World Magazine publishes "The Stealth Bible" detailing IBS and NIV Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) plans to put out an inclusive language edition of the NIV in the United States.   Click here to read the article
   
   
   
• First week of April, 1997   -   Zondervan and IBS responds to the World article with the following information that was posted on the Zondervan web site (all of which have since been removed).
   
  1. Questions About the World Article - Zondervan denies the validity of the World article in this question and answer format.
      
  2. A Letter to the Publisher of World - Zondervan's Vice President, Tom Mockabee, expresses his concerns about the claims of the article in this public letter to the editor of World Magazine.
      
  3. A Letter to Readers - Tom Mockabee wrote this letter to their readers defending the NIV.
      
  4. The Response of IBS - The International Bible Society also responds to the article in their own question and answer page.
  
   
• April 19, 1997   -   World Magazine publishes a follow-up to their original article on the Inclusive Language NIV. This issue contained the following three articles about the debate:
   
  1. The Battle for the Bible - by Susan Olasky
      
  2. The Ultimate Journalistic Sin - by publisher Joel Belz.
      
  3. NIV Comparison Chart - Wayne Grudem compares the inclusive language NIV with the original NIV and comments on the changes.
  
   

• April 19, 1997   -   The winter 1997 issue of Priscilla Papers is sent out containing a letter from IBS president Lars Dunberg in response to their fall 1996 article calling for a U.S. release of the Inclusive Language Edition of the NIV. In the letter Mr. Dunberg states, "Zondervan and IBS will publish an inclusive version of the NIV in the American market." Click here to see a scanned copy of the letter.
   
   
   
• Late April, 1997   -   Zondervan replaces its original strongly worded web pages on the controversy with this a circumspect frequently asked questions page.
   
   
• May 3, 1997   -   The following two articles are published in World Magazine:
   
  1. Guest editorial by James Dobson - "Frankly, I find it breathtaking that the CBT or any other group would feel justified in editing the utterances of the Holy One of Israel...."
      
  2. Farewell to Freelancers by publisher Joel Belz. He asks if part of the problem with today's Bible translations is the translators' lack of accountability to the church.
      
   
• May 27, 1997   -   In the early-morning hours prior to a meeting at headquarters of Focus on the Family called by Dr. James Dobson to discuss NIV Inclusive Language Edition, Zondervan and IBS call a press conference at which they issue the following press release: IBS-Zondervan Press Release
   
   
• May 27, 1997   -   A meeting called by Dr. James Dobson is held at Focus on the Family to discuss NIVI. Participants in this meeting include Zondervan president Bruce Ryskamp, IBS president Lars Dunberg, representatives of WORLD Magazine and CBMW and Dr. Dobson.
   
  • Account of meeting by Wayne Grudem (CBMW President at the time).
     
  • Focus on the Family Press Release about this meeting.
     
  • Statement and guidelines for translation of gender language in Scripture is issued following the meeting and is signed by all participants.
   
   
• June 3, 1997   -   Focus on the Family makes a press release about recalling the Adventures In Odyssey Bible due to inclusive language contained in Word Publishing's International Children's Bible.
   
   
• June 11, 1997   -   The egalitarian group Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) criticize IBS and Zondervan for canceling the release of the inclusive language edition of the NIV in the following two letters:
   
  1. An Open Letter to IBS
      
  2. A Memo to CBE Members