- a framework of liberal bias. This includes the presence of John 8:53ff (the woman taken in adultery), the inclusion of verses not found in the best manuscripts, socialism (as evidenced by terms like comrade) and questioning the use of "shrewdly" in regard to the dishonest manager in the Gospels.
- not emasculated, a reference to the unisex of the NIV and other translations.
- not dumbing down the language of Scripture in translations. They complain that the NIV is written for a 7th grade reading level. This begs the question of how difficult the language of Scripture should be. Since the NT was written in koine Greek, which was the common language of the people, it seems right to translate the NT into a language which its readers can understand. Martin Luther recognized this when he produced a Bible in German for common people to read.
- using language that hides addictions. Their example here is "casting lots" instead of gambling. However, the Roman soldiers were not gambling when they cast lots for Jesus' clothing. Casting lots was a common practice in the ancient world and in the Bible.
- not understanding the free market language of Jesus' parables. Jesus's parables were not economic lessons, but lessons about the kingdom of God.
- being wordy.
- not translating Word (logos) in John 1:1 by the word truth.
This project only makes sense as another way in which people reject the revelation of God. Rather than being challenged and transformed by God's inerrant and infallible Word, this project seeks to judge God's Word to fit their own categories. No doubt this kind of bible will have its appeal, but it will not be the Word of God. Just because liberals do this kind of translation does not justify its practice by political and economic conservatives.
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