If I am confused about the meaning of a passage, I'll often look up several different translations. The Internet makes this an easy task.
Yeah. The Bibles I own are a Message (because it's actually kinda fun to read and get the gist of it more readily, though I wouldn't use this independently to untangle tough theological questions) and an NKJV (given to me as a child). My biggest thing is that I
don't believe in using any one translation exclusively. When I see something that makes me scratch my head (either because it doesn't seem to square with other things the Bible has taught me or because it's just plain impenetrable), I check other translations to see what makes the most sense. I often find that even scholars aren't completely settled on it. So I'm extremely cautious about telling others what's what on those kinds of issues.
I do not believe any of this of course. I'm just saying that in the context of a faith that is very uncomfortable with the notion of a God who leaves us, well, uncomfortable, uncertain, and unable to stand on our own two feet but can instead only be lifted by Him, it's actually not that surprising of a belief. It's stupid, but not the kind of stupid that happens for no reason.
Unfortunately, you are right here. it looks like wacky logic on the outside, but the frustrating thing is that it is all somewhat consistent with itself. The conclusion follows from the premise, and the premise is taken purely on faith. Very hard to argue your way out of someone seeing it that way.
NP: "You Can't Take It with You", As Tall as Lions
