By Heather Graf
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The very latest translation of the Bible has roots right here in Music City. Nashville-based Abingdon Press oversaw the project and helped publish it.
The Common English Bible seeks to make the Bible a bit easier to understand. It also includes big changes to some well-known pieces of scripture.
"The very first word of Genesis can be translated a couple of different ways," said project director and associate publisher Paul Franklyn.
In this version, the phrase, "In the beginning," is replaced with, "When God began to create the heavens and the earth." Another difference is that every reference to, "Son of Man," has been replaced with, "the Human One."
"It's different, but it's also accurate. A lot of the time, people hear the phrase 'Son of Man' in church, and they don't really know what they're hearing. Folks seem to forget that Jesus was a human being," said Franklyn.
He said The Common English Bible stresses the humanity of Jesus. He also recognizes the decision to make that change could be met with some criticism.
"I guess I'm less fond of taking away the phrase 'Son of Man,'" said Nashville resident Mark Adams, who we met at a religious bookstore. "That's a phrase that draws very heavily from some Old Testament passages."
At one of Nashville's oldest Catholic churches, this latest translation is viewed as different, but Father David Perkin said that's not always a bad thing.
"They might raise an eyebrow to hear this version, and they might wonder, ‘Why is that new expression being used? And what does it mean?'" Perkin said. "But it might spark a conversation."
Publishers like Franklyn said that's all they really want.
"They get to engage in it again, almost like they've never read it before, when they read a new translation," said Franklyn.
He said that's why being part of a new translation is exciting.
"It's an awesome feeling to touch words that are special, and the Bible is that kind of a book. I think everyone who participated in it had that sense of awe," he said.
In all, publishers said nearly 500 people from 24 denominations had a hand in writing this particular translation. They also said the team got it finished in record time. It took about three years and $3 million to complete.
Franklyn's employer, Abingdon Press, is the publishing distribution arm of the United Methodist Publishing House.
The Common English Bible should be on the shelves of most bookstores by the end of the month. It's already available on E-readers like the Kindle and Nook.
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