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"What do we mean by gender accurate? Where the ancient texts indicate specific gender that's how the text is translated," Haddad told CT. "Where the intention of the original author is gender inclusivity, that's how it's translated."

"The TNIV does not distort Scripture," says Mark Strauss, a professor at Bethel Seminary-San Diego and author of Distorting Scripture. "Every word in Greek, as in English, has a range of potential meanings. The biggest issue for opponents is the generic he. They're imposing English meaning on Greek words."

Strauss says TNIV critics wrongly assert that a Greek pronoun may impose "its gender on the noun that precedes it."

On the day after the release of the TNIV, Bible translation was national news on CNN for about four minutes. Grudem and Scott Munger, an IBS vice president, debated during a short segment. They agreed on the TNIV translation of Romans 3:28 and disagreed on James 1:12 and Luke 17:3.

"The [TNIV] does not in any way cater to a political, social, or religious agenda of any kind," Munger said.

Grudem countered, "I'm concerned about the International Bible Society reneging on a promise that it made."

But, just as the debate got rolling, the anchor cut it off, saying, "I'm sorry. I've got to step in here and stop this just because we've got to move the program forward."

Zondervan says the TNIV New Testament will be available in bookstores nationwide this month.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also appearing on our site today:

Why the TNIV Draws IreNo translation is perfect, and each must be read with a careful exegetical eye. A Christianity Today editorial

Which Version Should We Use?What we said when the NIV was first published. A Christianity Today editorial

For coverage of the TNIV debate, see these articles from Christianity Today:

Christian History Corner: Translation WarsSharp as debate over the TNIV may be, the version's translators are getting off easy compared to John Wycliffe and William Tyndale. (March 1, 2002)

Weblog: The TNIV Battle ContinuesDobson and others launch "Kept the Faith" to accuse TNIV creators of violating their word and God's (Feb. 11, 2002)

Comparing the Three NIVsHow does the TNIV treat verses that were earlier criticized as theologically incorrect? (Jan. 31, 2002)

Weblog: Southern Baptist Leaders So Upset About TNIV That Denomination May Abandon NIV (Jan. 29, 2002)

Revised NIV Makes Its DebutTranslators alter 7 percent of the text to update style and gender issues. (Jan. 28, 2002)

The TNIV Web site offers the full New Testament text (in Adobe Acrobat format), a questions and answers section, endorsements, and other promotional material. Zondervan is also providing free copies of the translation.

Criticisms of the TNIV are available at KeptTheFaith.org and the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Christianity Today coverage of gender-inclusive Bible translation includes:

The Battle for the Inclusive BibleConflicts over "gender-neutral" versions are not really about translation issues. (Nov. 15, 1999)

Do Inclusive-Language Bibles Distort Scripture?He Said, They Said (October 27, 1997)

The Great Translation DebateThe divide over gender-inclusive Bibles hides what unites us. (Oct. 27, 1997)

Hands Off My NIV!Bible society cancels plans for 'gender-accurate' Bible after public outcry. (June 16, 1997)

Bible Translators Deny Gender AgendaFocus on the Family yanks children's Bible; NIV translator loses seminary job. (July 14, 19997)

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April 1 2002, Vol. 46, No. 4