A nicely done ad.

And, for some, yes. A friend of mine certainly falls into this category - and isn't 'environmental theology' a new(-er) variant of liberation theology?

Hilarious! Whoever made that one should be commended!

it makes a good point.

it's interesting how just one image or picture can provoke so much thought, or evoke so much.

ya know, these new ads are amazing, just like the last ones - these ad folks are pretty darn talented!!

This one hit me a little - being environmentally focused does feel like a moral issue, connected to the whole world, respecting the spirit of life and so on - starts coming close to a religion...

This really a good advt. Jesse

i personally didn't like the ad. Whats wrong with caring more about the environment? If we werent concerned then where are the future generations going to live? Global warming and the state of planet is a crisis, a moral crisis and its so important to care about how we are living and making better choices. more now than ever. It should be high in our priority list...but that doesnt mean you have to forget about your religious beliefs. Honour both...but keep in mind that the planet needs all the help it can get. If both religion and our planet important to you, than thats great. Nothing is being replaced.

m_b;
I don't understand why you (or this ad) think religion and environmentalism are somehow opposed to each other. There is a long tradition within Christianity that the world doesn't just belong to whoever has the most $$, but that is has been given to us to take care of (and look at the bad job we are doing of it). For many of us, environmentalism isn't a new religion, it's just part of one that's been there all along. Maybe the point of environmentalism as religion refers to the expectations one has of others. Perhaps just as religious people hold themselves and others to a certain standard (being kind and generous and not violent and greedy), is the expectation that others (ie. non-environmentalists) should act in an envrionmentally conscious way (recycle, cut back on energy use, buy less, eat local products) a reasonable one? Or is it only reasonable to hold those standards for oneself, because expecting that of others would be "forcing one's religion on others"?

hmm - its easy to see how Environmentalism is spreading, and it is like a passionate lifestyle for many. It is rejected by others. Christianity, in an apocalyptic form, says what do we care? Jesus is coming so it doesn't matter.
Christianity in other forms, says darn right we care - this planet is sacred and we should look after it.

The ad is important though because it is a window of environmentalism, not any Christianity. Where some see religion as irrelevant, and ignore it, being green is still relevant & pressing. People doubt the 2nd coming, but they don't doubt global warming.

I don't think the ad says one goes with the other, nor does it say they belong together, but it relies on the relevance of being green to make a very clear point - what do you value and how much? (as usual there is no right answer, just lots of discussion).

If Environmentalism is the only thing people believe in, then it can become a false idol, which is not progress in my mind. Clever ad!

I think this is my favorite of the new ads... because it draws an appropriate comparison. Environmentalism is both as good and as bad as religion, in many of the same ways.

Those familiar with the historical pitfalls of religion ought to apply the same standard of suspicion to new movements and ideologies. The church over time has seen subversion of basic values and principles by elites, who have variously invented nonsensical and elaborate doctrines to oppress and confuse the masses. In more recent centuries, for example, witness the co-opting of protestant theology by capitalist economics: parables are often understood through a "God rewards hard work and market exchange" lens.

Whether it be Dion's unqualified promise of the no-downside green economy, or uncritical trust in carbon credits, etc., one should expect that while environmentalism may contain great positive truth and worth, there will be the usual suspects as well: the eco-capitalists looking to cash in, the dogma, the fanaticism, the mythology.

This ad makes me wonder if we are pushing enviromentalism too far. Yes global warming is a terrible thing and everyone should do their part to live in more harmony with the earth, but what about the legacy of war we are leaving behind? what about the millions of people who dont have clean water or enough food or who are being forced to work in factories for pennies a day to supply us with the products we demand? is enviromentalism more important then them?

Neat ad. Having reflected quite a bit over the last couple of years on this very question personally and examining my belief system along with several first nation resources the same query has caught my attention. I think I have come to a realization that "environmentalism" is probably not the new religion. It is more like the resurgence of taking our responsibilities for the earth a little mor seriously. In Genesis we are reminded that the earth and all its gifts are ours to care for, not abuse. As a proud member of the United Church of Canada I take to heart our creed of "living with respect in creation". A respect that can only exist if care, compassion, and responsibility exists. Great ad and can't wait to read furher reactions.

I am reminded of the book Earth, by David Brin, which was released in 1990. The bulk of the story is not relevant, but the setting was the world of 2040, and one of the major interests was the North American Church of Gaia. In his author's notes, Brin theorized that the cause of environmentalism would eventually reach a level of fervour that would bring it to the status of organized religion.

In my own view, I believe that human-caused global climate change is one of the greatest threats to continuing civilization, and am very pleased to see the United Chuch bringing this issue to the pulpit.

When I saw this I laughed. I don't think God really cares what kind of light bulb we use, but I do think that God would want us to think about how we are impacting the earth. Christians and really all humans should be stewards of the earth. We need to be aware of how much we consume and how this consumption effects the environment. After all, all the creatures and plant on earth were created by God and it is our responsibility to take care of that creation.

by calling environmentalism a "religion" you're on a very slippery slope to calling all social, humanitarian, ecological or secular movements a religion.

I love your ad campaign. The ones thsat I have seen were in Harrowsimith magazine. I alsoi downloaded some from the internet to use as a discussion with my church friends. These ads really make me think and I believe that they are good in thast they will ultimately foster understanding and tolerance. Cooper

I agree with Spiritbear: Environmental responsibility is spiritual responsiblity!

This ad doesn't go far enough; it seems to be a parody on environmental responsiblity rather than depicting environmental responsibilty as spiritual responsibilty.

The greatest importance, which I think a lot of the respondents have touched on, is balance. The grand Human experiment is all a test and, God needs us to make the right choices in the time we have been provided (only God knows when that is). We need to choose to have a love-relationship with Jesus and, in doing so, we would naturally protect each other and, the environment we all dwell in. Unfortunately, our norm is terribly unbalanced.

We would have to be stupid to not realize that our responsibility, is to look after what God has given us; our own personal vessels, our family, our community and, our world. What we have done to the Earth is killing us, because we are of the world. We have created an inbalance, that has resulted in disease and illness that will not be resolved, until the balance of give-and-take is returned to our relationship with the world to which we are stewards. God is watching... I am not sure he cares who uses what light-bulb.

The interesting statement the ad raises is, we need to watch out for distractions. We need to focus on our relationship with both our environment and with our triune Lord. I am sure that our enemy is more than happy to consume our minds with environmental concerns, while missing the hidden evils of the folks that profit from the fad(s). Try going to your local car-retailer and ask to test-drive their Hybrid vehicles. Good luck... there aren't enough to go around. But it creates a great buzz about a manufacturer... The marketing machine sells us ad-space, packaging, flashy ads but, in the end there is little difference coming from the hype (yet). How much waste is created, going to the landfill while we conserve some energy at home? Yes, it will make a difference but, as stated... balance is important... we can't get wrapped up in fads. Unfortunately, my perception is that the less righteous of this world are making the greatest impact for worldy preservation (their imbalance distances them from God and consumes them with their concerns for humanity or for the environment). Pay attention to the details and ensure your environmental choices are not creating a greater problem for someone else or in some other area of your ecological footprint. Make sure that you are a steward... minimize your footprint, love your neighbour and be faithful to God. Eventually, we'll all make it on the list and glory be. God is just waiting for us... he wants us to succeed.

Brilliant ads... all of them.

Stewardship...taking care of the earth and each other. doing what is green should be integrated into every day living and should not be a separate part just as religion should be an everyday committment! Our small church has had a rejuvenated greening from both members and the community because of this common committment!

I love this ad--I almost ripped it out a a magazine at a hair salon but thought that might be tacky. We try to be energy efficient--not fanatically so but we do think it a stewardly way to care for creation. I do believe that for some, however, it has the flavour of "conversion" and following great environmental gurus. But the way the world is going, being a little fanatical for the envorinment may be what we need.

I joined this site because of this ad.

Fluorescent lighting is a good thing.... to a certain point

True, it saves a lot of energy when being used by consumers.

But when it wears out or quits working, where does all the mercury in these
lamps end up? In the landfill? Or will they be recycled?

In order to be good stewards of the earth that God would want us to be, let's hope that we have a good "game plan" for the use of these lamps.

Myself, I am merging my Christian world view with an environmental consciousness. I don't worship the environment, I worship God. Yet environmentalism and Christianity can go hand in hand. My understanding of environmental stewardship has been formed, in large part, through my upbringing in the United Church of Canada, and through United Church camps in particular. I have been working as an environmental educator for the past few years in a biodiversity hot spot and find myself drawing on my inner spiritual resources again and again to be an effective teacher and communicator of the need to care for the Earth, to both preserve and restore it, for the health not only of humankind but of all species that live here. The Bible verse that has kept coming to mind over the past few years is God's first instructions to us: "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." (from Genesis 1:28). I think we've forgotten this basic command. Some environmentalists would say that the earth would be better off without humans at all, or that we should aim for zero population growth, but I strongly disagree. God intended for us to live here, and intended for us to take care of the earth. Yet I think historically humanity has focussed on multiplying and filling the earth, and mostly ignored the bit about subduing it. What does it mean to subdue the earth? How can we live in harmony with nature? How can we, as the dominant species, change our hearts, minds and lifestyles so that we demonstrate respect for all living things? Christianity offers hope for change, because God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit is able to do what seems impossible to us - namely, change our hearts, minds and lifestyles.

Anyways, I do like the ad and I hope it gets more people thinking and talking about the relationship between God and the environment.

Recently there was an excellent e-mail that we received from others on Ben Stein and his confession that he shared (article attached to e-mail) with CBS Sun. Morning titled, "I can only hope we find God again before it is too late!!

Here is an excerpt of that article.

"Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'"

Does it seem that there is a human systematic approach to remove the Father in Heaven and His only begotten Son and their Names / Titles from every thing we call dear in our lives?
Everyone knows that the name and or title humankind has given our Father in Heaven has been God and or the Lord and as the Ben Stein article mentioned above that we are allowing even this man made name and or title (God / Lord) "to be removed from our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives."
If this isn't bad enough it just got worse.
Other people and institutions are now attempting to eliminate His real Name as well.
What does Scripture say about this; let us use two different translations to find out?
The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Shemoth (Exodus) 3:15
And Elohim said further to Mosheh, "Thus you are to say to the children of Yisra'el, "˜YHWH Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Yitshaq, and the Elohim of Ya'aqob, has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My remembrance to all generations.'
The true Name of the Father YAHUWEH (YHWH) actually means, "He will cause to become" and this is why we recognize Him as our very Creator.
The title ELOHIM is and its other uses are as follows;

o El, Eloah, Elohim, Elahin, Elyon:

o El: Mighty One, Strength

o Eloah: Singular form of Elohim, has same meaning as El.

o Elohim: Plural of Eloah, Rulers, Messengers.

o Elyon, El Elyon: The Most High El.

o The word "El" is a very ancient Semitic term. Among Semitic languages it is one of the most used terms for greatness, strength or deity. In Hebrew religious usage it does not denote a proper name but is used as a title.

King James Version / Exodus 3:15
And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Are we as a society suicidal when we allow others to strive and work so hard to eliminate the title and name we have given to our Father in Heaven let alone now the announcement of eliminating His real NAME out of worship services?

Please read the following six recent web based news articles of this next age old evolutionary ELIMINATION PROCESS used many times before of people and institutions that are systemically eliminating our Father in Heaven and His only begotten Son from everything in this world we hold dear and replacing it with age old traditions.

Vatican: Don't Use "YHWH" in Catholic Worship
The Vatican says

Catholics should not use the divine name in Catholic worship.

The Hebrew word yhwh, probably pronounced Yahweh, is God's revealed name. For most of their history, Jews refused to pronounce the name, which is why scholars are not 100% sure which vowels should even be used when pronouncing the name, because early Hebrew texts lack vowels and the exact pronunciation was lost. Over the years, Jews and Christians alike have used the word "Lord" as a euphemism for the divine name. Lord in Hebrew is adonai, in Greek, kurios, and in Latin, dominus.

I have never been comfortable pronouncing the divine name in liturgical settings. First, most of the songs that use the divine name are 70sish songs that aren't exactly my style. Second, Jewish concerns aside, we Christians have a long tradition of using the euphemism "Lord" in place of the divine name. I guess I don't fully understand why there was an emphasis on using the divine name in the 1960s and 1970s (perhaps the influential Jerusalem Bible, which uses the divine name in the Old Testament, is one reason). In our modern culture where "words are just words," this might not make sense, but there is a long history of reverance associated with the name of God.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vatican bans use of "˜YHWH'
Thursday, 4th September 2008. 1:37pm

By: Roberto Sanchez Guevara.

"The Hebrew name for God is not to be used or pronounced in liturgical celebrations, songs and prayers," said a letter addressed to the bishops' conferences of the world from Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The letter concerns the use of the "Tetragrammaton," the name which uses the four Hebrew letters YHWH. In English the name is pronounced "Yahweh." "The words of sacred Scripture contained in the Old and New Testament express truth which transcends the limits imposed by time and place," the letter explains. "They are the word of God expressed in human words, and by means of these words of life, the Holy Spirit introduces the faithful to knowledge of the truth whole and entire, and thus the word of Christ comes to dwell in the faithful in all its richness."

The Cardinal's letter teaches that, as an example, there are five acceptable translations of the title in five European languages: Lord, Signore, Seigneur, Herr, and Señor. He describes the term YHWH as "an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God," which he says "was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: Adonai, which means Lord."

Cardinal Arinze, citing the instruction Liturgiam Authenticam, explains that translators must use the "greatest faithfulness and respect" regarding the name of God.

This translation tradition has importance for understanding Christ, the Cardinal explains, since the title "Lord" in fact "becomes interchangeable between the God of Israel and the Messiah of the Christian faith." Cardinal Arinze particularly cites St Paul 's writings: "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name"¦ every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." Bishop Arthur Serratelli, chairman of the US bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, said that the orders might result in "some impact on the use of particular pieces of liturgical music in our country as well as in the composition of variable texts such as the general intercessions for the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments."

Contact our Europe Desk

Yahweh' not to be used in liturgy, songs and prayers, Cardinal

Arinze says Vatican City, Sep 3, 2008 / 05:30 am (CNA)

The Hebrew name for God is not to be used or pronounced in liturgical celebrations, songs and prayers, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has said in a letter addressed to the bishops' conferences of the world.

The letter concerns the use of the "Tetragrammaton," the name which uses the four Hebrew letters YHWH. In English the name is pronounced "Yahweh."

Cardinal Arinze's letter teaches that the Tetragrammaton is to be translated as the equivalent of the Hebrew title "Adonai" or the Greek title "Kyrios." He lists as examples five acceptable translations of the title in five European languages: Lord, Signore, Seigneur, Herr, and Señor.

Regarding translations in the liturgical context, the letter instructs, "Adonai" is to be translated in English as "Lord" and the Tetragrammaton YHWH is to be translated as "God."

"The words of sacred Scripture contained in the Old and New Testament express truth which transcends the limits imposed by time and place," the letter explains. "They are the word of God expressed in human words, and by means of these words of life, the Holy Spirit introduces the faithful to knowledge of the truth whole and entire, and thus the word of Christ comes to dwell in the faithful in all its richness."

Cardinal Arinze, citing the instruction Liturgiam Authenticam, explains that translators must use the "greatest faithfulness and respect" regarding the name of God.

He describes the YHWH as "an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God," which he says "was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: Adonai, which means Lord."

This translation tradition has importance for understanding Christ, the cardinal explains, since the title "Lord" in fact "becomes interchangeable between the God of Israel and the Messiah of the Christian faith."

Cardinal Arinze particularly cites St. Paul 's writings in the Letter to the Philippians, in which he wrote: "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name"¦ every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Bishop Arthur Serratelli, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, said in a note to U.S. Bishops that the instructions do not force any changes to "official liturgical texts" but might result in "some impact on the use of particular pieces of liturgical music in our country as well as in the composition of variable texts such as the general intercessions for the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments."

To fulfill the directive, songs with phrases such as "Yahweh, I know you are near" will need to be modified.

CBCP News
"˜Yahweh' not to be used in liturgy, songs and prayers, Cardinal Arinze says
VATICAN, Sept. 3, 2008

The Hebrew name for God is not to be used or pronounced in liturgical celebrations, songs and prayers, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has said in a letter addressed to the bishops' conferences of the world.

The letter concerns the use of the "Tetragrammaton," the name which uses the four Hebrew letters YHWH. In English the name is pronounced "Yahweh."

Cardinal Arinze's letter teaches that the Tetragrammaton is to be translated as the equivalent of the Hebrew title "Adonai" or the Greek title "Kyrios." He lists as examples five acceptable translations of the title in five European languages: Lord, Signore, Seigneur, Herr, and Señor.

Regarding translations in the liturgical context, the letter instructs, "Adonai" is to be translated in English as "Lord" and the Tetragrammaton YHWH is to be translated as "God."

"The words of sacred Scripture contained in the Old and New Testament express truth which transcends the limits imposed by time and place," the letter explains. "They are the word of God expressed in human words, and by means of these words of life, the Holy Spirit introduces the faithful to knowledge of the truth whole and entire, and thus the word of Christ comes to dwell in the faithful in all its richness."

Cardinal Arinze, citing the instruction Liturgiam Authenticam, explains that translators must use the "greatest faithfulness and respect" regarding the name of God.

He describes the YHWH as "an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God," which he says "was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: Adonai, which means Lord."

This translation tradition has importance for understanding Christ, the cardinal explains, since the title "Lord" in fact "becomes interchangeable between the God of Israel and the Messiah of the Christian faith."

Cardinal Arinze particularly cites St. Paul 's writings in the Letter to the Philippians, in which he wrote: "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name"¦ every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Bishop Arthur Serratelli, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, said in a note to U.S. Bishops that the instructions do not force any changes to "official liturgical texts" but might result in "some impact on the use of particular pieces of liturgical music in our country as well as in the composition of variable texts such as the general intercessions for the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments."

To fulfill the directive, songs with phrases such as "Yahweh, I know you are near" will need to be modified. (CNA)

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Rome: Ixnay on the "Yahweh"
Last Friday, the US bishops received their second summer communique from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, this one dated 29 June.

Bottom line: the Tetragrammaton -- the Hebrew notation for the name of God -- is now forbidden to be "used or pronounced" in worship.

From CNS:

Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson , N.J. , chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, announced the new Vatican "directives on the use of 'the name of God' in the sacred liturgy" in an Aug. 8 letter to his fellow bishops.

He said the directives would not "force any changes to official liturgical texts" or to the bishops' current missal translation project but would likely have "some impact on the use of particular pieces of liturgical music in our country as well as in the composition of variable texts such as the general intercessions for the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments."

John Limb, publisher of OCP in Portland , Ore. , said the most popular hymn in the OCP repertoire that would be affected was Dan Schutte's "You Are Near," which begins, "Yahweh, I know you are near."

He estimated that only "a handful" of other OCP hymns use the word "Yahweh," although a search of the OCP Web site turned up about a dozen examples of songs that included the word.

OCP is a nonprofit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources.

Limb said the company would be contacting composers to "ask them to try to come up with alternate language" for their hymns. But he said hymnals for 2009 had already been printed, so the affected hymns would not include the new wording for at least another year.

Even when the new hymnals are out, "it may take time for people to get used to singing something different," he added in an Aug. 11 telephone interview with Catholic News Service.

At Chicago-based GIA Publications, another major Catholic publisher of hymnals, no major revisions will be necessary, because of the company's longtime editorial policy against use of the word "Yahweh."...

Bishop Serratelli said the Vatican decision also would provide "an opportunity to offer catechesis for the faithful as an encouragement to show reverence for the name of God in daily life, emphasizing the power of language as an act of devotion and worship."

His letter to bishops came with a two-page letter from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, dated June 29 and addressed to episcopal conferences around the world.

"By directive of the Holy Father, in accord with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, this congregation ... deems it convenient to communicate to the bishops' conferences ... as regards the translation and the pronunciation, in a liturgical setting, of the divine name signified in the sacred Tetragrammaton," said the letter signed by Cardinal Francis Arinze and Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, congregation prefect and secretary, respectively.

The Tetragrammaton is YHWH, the four consonants of the ancient Hebrew name for God.

"As an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God, it was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: 'Adonai,' which means 'Lord,'" the Vatican letter said. Similarly, Greek translations of the Bible used the word "Kyrios" and Latin scholars translated it to "Dominus"; both also mean Lord.

"Avoiding pronouncing the Tetragrammaton of the name of God on the part of the church has therefore its own grounds," the letter said. "Apart from a motive of a purely philological order, there is also that of remaining faithful to the church's tradition, from the beginning, that the sacred Tetragrammaton was never pronounced in the Christian context nor translated into any of the languages into which the Bible was translated."

The two Vatican officials noted that "Liturgiam Authenticam," the congregation's 2001 document on liturgical translations, stated that "the name of almighty God expressed by the Hebrew Tetragrammaton and rendered in Latin by the word 'Dominus,' is to be rendered into any given vernacular by a word equivalent in meaning.

...but, thanks be to G-d, at least we still got this:

Vatican Says Yahweh Not to Be Pronounced

Calls on Practice Used by 1st Christians

WASHINGTON, D.C., AUG. 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- A note from the Vatican has reiterated a directive that the name of God revealed in the tetragrammaton YHWH is not to be pronounced in Catholic liturgy.

Bishop Arthur Serratelli, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, in a note informing prelates of the Vatican directive, said the indications "do not force any changes to official liturgical texts," but might cause "some impact on the use of particular pieces of liturgical music in our country as well as in the composition of variable texts such as the general intercessions for the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments."

Commonly used songs with phrases such as "Yahweh, I know you are near," will need to be modified.

The June 29 Vatican message, from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, clarified that the name of God revealed in YHWH was not pronounced by the first Christians, following the tradition already in use.

It explained: "The venerable biblical tradition of sacred Scripture, known as the Old Testament, displays a series of divine appellations, among which is the sacred name of God revealed in a tetragrammaton YHWH -- hwhw. As an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God, it was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: 'Adonai,' which means 'Lord.'

"The Greek translation of the Old Testament, the so called Septuagint, dating back to the last centuries prior to the Christian era, had regularly rendered the Hebrew tetragrammaton with the Greek word Kyrios, which means 'Lord.' Since the text of the Septuagint constituted the Bible of the first generation of Greek speaking Christians, in which language all the books of the New Testament were also written, these Christians, too, from the beginning never pronounced the divine tetragrammaton."

Theology

The Vatican goes on to note that this practice had "important implications" for New Testament Christology.

"When in fact, St. Paul, with regard to the crucifixion, writes that 'God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name" (Phil 2:9), he does not mean any other name than 'Lord,' for he continues by saying, 'and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord' (Phil 2:11; cf. Isaiah 42:8: 'I am the Lord; that is my name')," the Vatican note explained.

"The attribution of this title to the risen Christ corresponds exactly to the proclamation of his divinity," it continued. "The title in fact becomes interchangeable between the God of Israel and the Messiah of the Christian faith, even though it is not in fact one of the titles used for the Messiah of Israel ."

"Avoiding pronouncing the tetragrammaton of the name of God on the part of the Church has therefore its own grounds," the Vatican concluded. "Apart from a motive of a purely philogical order, there is also that of remaining faithful to the Church's tradition, from the beginning, that the sacred tetragrammaton was never pronounced in the Christian context, nor translated into any of the languages into which the Bible was translated."

DO NOT BE SURPRIZED AT THE ANNOUNCMENT, THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES BEFORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do we have "the LORD" in our Scriptures (Bibles) rather than YHWH?

This is a very common question. It can all be traced to a Jewish tradition called the "Ineffable Name" doctrine.

(Ineffable meaning "unspeakable, too great for words.)

Jewish tradition, for fear that YHWH's Name be blasphemed, started to substitute His Name with the Hebrew title"Adonai" when reading the Scriptures. Adonai is the Hebrew word for "lord" or "master". You can verify this information in many various encyclopedias and Bible dictionaries such as the Britannica which states:"Yahweh the God of the Israelites, His Name being revealed to Moses as four Hebrew consonants (YHWH) called the tetragrammaton. After the Exile (6th century BC), and especially from the 3rd century BC on, Jews ceased to use the Name Yahuweh for two reasons. As Judaism became a universal religion through its proselytizing in the Greco-Roman world, the more common noun Elohim whis is plural for Eloah which means Rulers and or Messengers tended to replace Yahweh to demonstrate the universal sovereignty of Israel 's god over all others. At the same time, the divineName was increasingly regarded as too sacred to be uttered; it was thus replaced vocally in the synagogue ritual bythe Hebrew word Adonai ("My Lord"), which was translated as Kyrios ("Lord") in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament."

By the 4th century CE, this doctrine, "Ineffable Name", had become recognized as established Church Doctrine as welland the practice of calling our Creator "the Lord" continues even to this day. Therefore the translators (whenever theysee YHWH in the text) substitute His true Name with "the LORD" or "the Lord". More information on this can be found in the prefaces or introductions of many translations of most modern bibles.

The "Ineffable Name Doctrine" widely believed by Christians

The "Ineffable Name" doctrine appears in Christianity as early as the 150 CE in the works of Justin Martyr, a Samaritanconvert to Christianity. Justin made a special point about his many discussions with the Jews, discussions which apparently greatly influenced his own thinking in regard to the use of the name YHWH:

Who Started This Confusion?

"And all the Jews even now teach that the nameless God spoke to Moses. "
(Justin's "First Apology", chap. 63) Justin also voices these opinions:

"For God cannot be called by any proper name" (Justin's "Hortatory Address to the Greeks", chap. 21)

"For no one can utter the name of the ineffable God; and if any one dare to say that there is a name, he raves with a hopeless madness." (Justin's "First Apology", chap. 61)

Question, did YHWH Himself rave with hopeless madness when He said "This is my Name for ever, and this is My remembrance unto all generations." in Shemoth (Exodus) 3:15? This were among many doctrines creeping into Christianity during that era. We should return to the doctrine found in the Scriptures, to call upon His Name, YHWH.

The official stand of the Roman Church after the time of Constantine (324-337 CE), who for all intents and purposes established his form of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman empire, is best illustrated by the texts composed by Origen (mid-third Century CE) and Jerome (mid-fifth century CE). In Origen "Hexapla"

(edition of the Old Testament in Hebrew and Greek), the Greek versions produced by Aquila, Symmachus, and the Septuagint (LXX) (Old Testament translation in Greek) all represented the Aramaic view of the four Hebrew letters for YHWH with four Greek letters that looked similar to the Hebrew. Later copies of the Septuagint used the generic Greek term "kyrios" (lord) for His name.

Jerome, a 4th century CE "Church Father" who authored the Latin Vulgate version (which was translated directly from the Hebrew and which became the authorized Latin version used by the Roman Catholic church), substituted the Name of our Father in Heaven throughout with the Latin word "Dominus" ("Lord"). All official Greek and Latin texts of scriptures developed after Jerome's time followed his lead and few have thought to question it since.

Let us hope and pray that the next step is that these people and organizations do not allow us to even say, sing or pray using the term, "HalleluYAH" anymore which means Praise YAH or as used in some denominations today, Praise God. But as we all know some human institutions are trying to eliminate this title (God) for our Father in Heaven as well.

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Tehillim (Psalms) 68:4

Sing to Elohim, sing praises to His Name. Raise up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts, By His Name Yah, And exult before Him.

King James Version / Tehillim (Psalms) 68:4

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

Note: The letter "J" was not introduced into the English language until the 14th century and not fully adopted into the English language until the 16th century.

Will it possibly get to the point that we may be persecuted for using the real Name?

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Mattithyahu (Matthew) 24:9

"Then they shall deliver you up to affliction and kill you, and you shall be hated by all nations for My Name's sake.

King James Version / Mattithyahu (Matthew) 24:9

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Is this why so many people have trouble accepting the true Son as their personal Savior?

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Yohanan (John) 5:43

"I have come in My Father's Name and you do not receive Me, if another comes in his own name, him you Would receive.

King James Version / Yohanan (John) 5:43

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Most folks are not aware that the Messiah's true Name was never "Jesus" and that the name "Jesus" is actually an invention of man. In the King James Version of the scriptures, we find an interesting problem in its translation:

Acts 7:45(KJV)

45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

The Scriptures 1998 Version

45which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Yehoshua into the land possessed by the gentiles, whom Elohim drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David,

Isn't this scripture referring to Joshua (Yehoshua), son of Nun rather than the Savior? Yes. Here is another instance... Again compare the translations!

IBRIM (Hebrews) 4:7-8 (KJV)

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

The Scriptures 1998 Version

7He again defines a certain day, "Today," saying through David so much later, as it has been said, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." 8For if Yehoshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day

after that.

Again, the context reveals that this scripture is referring to Joshua (Yehoshua), the son of Nun and not the Messiah. All other translations put "Joshua" here. Why then is it translated 'Jesus'? The answer lies in the Greek/Latin corruption of the Messiah's original Hebrew name. Originally, the name of the Messiah was , pronounced Yahushua. This is the Messiah's original name. When the Gentiles tried to transliterate His name into Greek, they came up with ihsoun or "Iesous". But originally, this word was from #3091 in the Hebrew which is . When Iesous was transliterated into Latin, it became "Iesus", which was then carried over into English it became our modern day "Jesus" when the letter "J" developed.

YAHUSHUA actually means in English YAHUWEH is Salvation. (YAH = YHWH and SHUA = Salvation)

Scripture once again provides the truth that He indeed came in is His Father's Name and we till this day are not receiving Him, and that others that have come in their own names and we have received them instead.

Is there any reference in the Scriptures that state there is only one Name you can be saved under?

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Acts 4:12

"And there is no deliverance in anyone else, for there is no other Name under the heaven given among men by which we need to be saved."

King James Version / Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

YAH is the Heavenly majestic family Name of salvation and humankind constantly attempts to wipe it off the map including even the titles we even create for our Father in Heaven and His Son.

So there indeed is a battle raging and starting once again and if you do not believe this please read 1 Kings Chapter 18 specifically verse 21 and we will all see once again that the more that things change the more they stay the same.

So in Summary and as a Case in Point!

Would you personally let someone or an institution in your house and tell your children that from now on they are not allowed to call you dad or daddy which is your title as an earthly father to your children?
And then to make matters worse, this same person and or institution tell and demand from your children that we are now not going to allow them meaning your very children they are not to use, say or write your real name anymore as well? This means your first and last name will be eliminated from the memory of your children?
Would you be upset just with the elimination and demand that your children could not call you dad anymore or worse yet, your entire name to be blotted out, would you allow this to happen?

Obviously our Father in Heaven is truly merciful and patient with us!

HalleluYAH! Praise YAH!

Is this why he commanded us in the third command not to fool around with his real Name?

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Shemoth (Exodus) 20:7

"You do not bring the Name of Yahuweh your Elohim to naught, for Yahuweh does not leave the one unpunished who brings His Name to naught.

King James Version / Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

What does it mean to take His true Name to naught and or in vain?

vain

having no real value : IDLE, WORTHLESS
marked by futility or ineffectualness : UNSUCCESSFUL, USELESS
archaic : FOOLISH, SILLY
naught

NOTHINGNESS, NONEXISTENCE

ZERO
By calling our Father in Heaven by incorrect Names let alone attempting to eliminate it do we in fact make his name idle, worthless, unsuccessful, useless, foolish, silly, nothingness, nonexistent while ultimately making the importance of His Name valued at a numerical value of zero?

Is this why our Savior had to teach us how to pray and notice the firSt and foremost teaching in this prayer?

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Mattithyahu (Matthew) 6: 9

"This, then, is the way you should pray: "˜Our Father who is in the heavens, let Your Name be set-apart,

King James Version / Mattithyahu (Matthew) 6:9 to 15

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Everyone knows that hallowed actually means "set apart".

So lets pray together that this nonsense of removing the titles and the actual true Names stops before it is to late and as Ben Stein shared with us, "How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'"

(LET ALONE THE REAL NAME OF YHWH Elohim AND HIS SON)

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Mattithyahu (Matthew) 18:20

"For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there I am in their midst."

King James Version / Mattithyahu (Matthew) 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Did our Father in Heaven let alone His Son know that this would all come about?

King James Version / Mishle (Proverbs) 30:4

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

The Scriptures, 1998 Version / Mishle (Proverbs) 30:4

Who has gone up to the heavens and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, And what is His Son's Name, If you know it?

The Name of YHWH is a strong tower; The righteous run into it and are safe.

mc, quit spamming the boards with this 'ben stein said' crap, okay??

posting it once is MORE than enough. especially when it comes to stuff that ben stein did or did not say.

Sighsnooties, the intent was to get some real dialogue going.

I guess the Way does cause controversy as experienced in Acts.

The site is now yours, as requested.

You have spoken on behalf of your belief.

This will be the last posting.

All the best and may Elohim bless and keep you,

--- origionally posted by mc ---

Sighsnooties, the intent was to get some real dialogue going.
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real dialogue does not mean that you simply cut and paste the same thing in as many threads as possible. real dialogue means you actually speak to the topic at hand in an intelligent way.

--- origionally posted by mc ---

I guess the Way does cause controversy as experienced in Acts.
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it definetly does, however what you posted here has nothing to do with 'the way'. it has to do with ben steins opinion, which is something completely different.

--- origionally posted by mc ---

The site is now yours, as requested.
______________

it's not mine. it belongs to all of us. i simply requested that you quit spamming the board. that you interpreted it as me telling you to go away says a lot about how you deal with opinions that are not the same as yours.

--- origionally posted by mc ---

You have spoken on behalf of your belief.
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i have spoken on behalf of common courtesy on the internet.

--- origionally posted by mc ---

This will be the last posting.
________________

thats too bad... i would have been interested to read what you had to say, rather than what ben stein is thinking.

--- origionally posted by mc ---

All the best and may Elohim bless and keep you,
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thank you, and to you as well.

I like this one. Funny, multiple sided, popinionative, qwerky. And MC, if you were to slap a title on that comment,  I'm sure you could publish it as a novel.