An Open Letter to Bishop Trautman
Posted by: tony on 07/10/2008 03:45 PM
Updated by: tony on 07/10/2008 03:45 PM
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Expires: 08/10/2008 12:00 AM
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Dear Bishop Trautman
I have been waiting longingly for a new translation of the Holy Mass that I as a "John Catholic" would be able to understand. I have been having a problem with the Our Father as it's written. I really don't understand what a lot of the words mean.
"Our Father who art in heaven..."
I know what art is. It's paintings and sculptures, maybe even music. Is this telling me that God is a painting or a sculpture in heaven? Aren't we told we aren't to worship statues and paintings?
"...hallowed be thy name"
What is hallowed? I know what Halloween is, it's a day that people dress up like someone else. Does this mean God's name is supposed to be dressed up as someone else?
"...thy kingdom come..."
I know you had problems with "dew of the spirit" bringing to mind "doo doo". What exactly do you think "come" brings to mind? The "thy" is problematic. We English speakers don't use that word any more.
"...thy will be done.."
I always thought God was finished, but if he will be done (finish some time in the future), I guess he's not finished yet.
"...on earth as it is in heaven..."
Does this mean God is not finished with either Earth or heaven?
"...give us this day our daily bread..."
I don't eat bread every day (trying to watch those carbs, you know), and some people have gluten intolerances so they can't eat any kind of bread at all. If all God gave them were bread, they'd be real sick puppies.
"...and forgive us our trespasses..."
I make it a point never to tresspass, because I'm on the lookout for the "Posted" signs on any land I want to hunt on and I don't go there. If I'm asked to leave someone's property I always leave immediately so I'm never trespassing, so I have nothing to be forgiven for.
...as we forgive those who trespass against us...
All folks are welcome on my property so I don't have to forgive any trespassers.
...and lead us not into temptation...
God leads us into temptation? I thought that was the Devil's job. I guess I have my theology all messed up.
...and deliver us from evil...
God is going to put us in a box and ship us away from evil? That's what deliver means. But it could also mean deliver us like a baby. But that doesn't make sense. Delivering a baby takes them from where they are safe and warm and brings them into a harsh and cruel world. We need to be a lot clearer with this one.
...amen...
What about the women? And the proper English is a man, not a men.
I have a suggestion for the new translation of the Our Father that gets the point across.
Our Daddy, who lives in heaven.
Holy is your name.
I hope your kingdom arrives, and everyone does what your want both here on earth and in heaven.
Feed us every day, and forgive our screw ups, as we forgive those whose screw ups affect us.
Help us do the right thing and protect us from evil.
And that's the truth!
I think this is translated so that John and Mary Catholic can understand it. Feel free to include it in the new translation with or without attribution.
Sincerely,
-Tony
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