Have you heard of Bradley LaShawn Fowler?
Earlier this month, he sued Zondervan Publishers and Thomas Nelson Publishing for $60 million and $10 million, respectively.
Why, you ask?
Fowler says the two major Christian publishers are violating his constitutional rights and causing emotional pain because the Bible versions they publish refer to homosexuality as a sin. I thought all of them did.
He alleges that the references to homosexuality as a sin has made him an outcast from his family and contributed to physical discomfort and periods of “demoralization, chaos and bewilderment”. I’m not even going to say anything about that one.
This illustrates just how litigious American society has become. What I find interesting is that Fowler is suing the Bible distributors not the translators. On top of that, how is he going to prove that the Bible is responsible for his problems?
According to Fowler, both Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, with its King James Bibles, manipulated scripture without informing the public by using the term “homosexuals” in a New Testament passage— 1 Corinthians 6:9.
He wants to be compensated for the past 20 years of emotional duress and mental instability and has been representing himself in both lawsuits after a judge refused to appoint an attorney to represent him saying the court “has some very genuine concerns about the nature and efficacy of these claims”. In addition to the money, Fowler is also seeking an apology.
I’m sure he’ll receive neither. Then again, I probably would have said the same about this.
Post Title Download
Weezer - “Say It Ain’t So” from Weezer (Blue Album)
5 Comments
WOW! So pretty much this Young man is saying he doesn’t believe in GOD & that the words of the Bible are written by man. This is an impossible case to even try - can you imagine being the Judge over this case? Or even the defense lawyer? You’re agreeing with this man and pretty much saying the same thing.
This case is almost as bad as the dude who tried suing Michael Jordan because he looked like him! (Story)
True signs that our life on this Earth will be ending soon, the World is just so self evolved. *le sigh*
-CathrynMarie myspace.com/cathryn79
[Reply]
My coworkers and I were just talking about how litigious people are in society. It’s a shame if you ask me. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t you supposed to gather your own opinions and understanding from the scriptures? The way I see it, it seems as if dude is suing the companies because of their interpretation of what the scriptures, when in all actuality neither company have done anything to him. Sounds like he should sue the people that seem to be taking issue with his lifestyle (i.e. his family) because they are the ones that are causing him stress. NOT the publishing companies.
[Reply]
I don’t think he should be suing anyone. He needs to learn to deal with his own life. Whether or not he feels he was born homosexual or whatever, you can’t sue society or a group because they don’t agree. Religion is subjective, have faith in what you want believe what you want. We could pick the bible apart to find things we don’t like or agree with, that doesn’t mean we get to sue. If you’re lifestyle(or how people view your lifestyle) is causing you stress, deal with the people in your life.
[Reply]
He Should be suing himself. Shouldnt he be suing the writers of the BIBLE? Good Luck with that La-Shawn- According to the Bible in any translation Homosexuality is a Sin. There is no way around it. You dont like it, dont read it.
[Reply]
after reading the different translations of that one scripture I can see why ol’ boy was upset. although i dont think its enough to sue.
going from the oldest translation to the newest, you can tell that the translators are trying to make the scripture hip to the lingo we use today. maybe im wrong.
and while i do believe that we should try and interpret the Bible as we personally see fit, i believe that the Bible shouldn’t be constantly changed to what the translators see fit.
all im saying is when i was in high school, while reading shakespere i don’t remember reading a version that was a translated in todays lingo.
i know when i read the Bible i look for the big old dusty family bible that hasnt been chopped and screwed.
go to your local bookstore and try and buy a bible, theres like a billion different versions to choose from.
[Reply]