No such thing as Godhead - Eliza Lino Abaya (Part 2)

This is part 2 of the same topic "No such thing as Godhead  with Eliza Lino Abaya" though this doesn't fully make a further explanation rather comparison of some commonly used Scripture from the Critics.

While most of INC used various of version to retain their doctrine and supports thier ideas. They also used some version as to justify their unitarian views.

Here in this article lets just dive in to its one of the main version that supports most of their doctrine. And lets try to compare that to some commonly used translation to see its differences. Here we go - 

Does the Lamsa version use the word "Godhead"?
The Lamsa Bible is a translation of the Peshitta, the Aramaic version of the Bible, into English by George M. Lamsa. It's known for some unique renderings and interpretations due to its source material. The term "Godhead" in many English translations of the Bible typically translates certain Greek words like "theotēs," "theiotēs," and "theios." Here are the key scriptures where "Godhead" is used in traditional translations (e.g., KJV):

• Acts 17:29
• Romans 1:20
• Colossians 2:9

Here’s how these verses read in the King James Version (KJV):

Acts 17:29 "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."

Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

Colossians 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

Now let's turn to the Lamsa version.

Lamsa Version Translation

Acts 17:29 In the Lamsa Bible, it translates as: "For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Deity is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."

Romans 1:20 In the Lamsa Bible, this verse reads: "For, from the very creation of the world, the invisible things of God have been clearly seen and understood by his creations, and through his eternal power, his Godhead, and so they are without excuse."

Colossians 2:9 This verse in the Lamsa reads: "For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."

So, while the Lamsa version does use terms similar to "Godhead," it also uses the phrase "the Deity" in some places, which reflects a different nuance from the Hebrew and Greek origins.

Concept of the "Godhead" in Lamsa vs. Other Versions
The concept of the "Godhead" in Christianity refers to the nature and essence of God, especially in relation to the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Lamsa Bible, like other translations, carries this concept but with slight linguistic variations. The Lamsa translation aims to reflect the Semitic mindset and idiomatic expressions found in the Aramaic Peshitta, potentially providing a different flavor of understanding.

The Norlie translation

Known as "The Simplified New Testament in Plain English" by Olaf M. Norlie, is another translation that aimed for simplicity and plain language. It's one of the version mostly quoted by the Iglesia ni Christo as to defend the used of the Church Name some other doctrines they used such as the Far East Movement of their so-called "Sugo" (Messenger from the Fareast Philippines) Now, let's see if this version uses the term "Godhead" and provide those verses if available.

The Term "Godhead" in the Norlie Version
Norlie Version Translation

Acts 17:29 In Norlie’s version, this verse reads: "Since we are God's children, we should not think that the divine nature is like an image made from gold, silver, or stone—an image made by human skill and imagination."

Romans 1:20 In Norlie’s version, this verse reads: "Ever since the creation of the world, His invisible qualities, His eternal power and His divine nature, have been fully seen, being understood by what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Colossians 2:9 In Norlie’s version, this verse reads: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."

And to be fair, it seems that the Norlie translation tends to use terms like “divine nature” and "Deity" rather than directly using the term “Godhead.” This is consistent with its aim to simplify and provide a clear understanding.

Concept of the "Godhead" in Norlie vs. Other Versions
The concept of the "Godhead" or divine nature in the Norlie version remains consistent with traditional teachings but uses language that is more accessible:

Traditional translations (like KJV, NIV, etc.) use "Godhead" to describe the essence of the divine.

Norlie Version prefers terms like "divine nature" and "Deity," which may make the concept clearer to contemporary readers.
This slight difference in wording doesn’t change the underlying doctrine, but it does affect the reading experience and understanding due to its emphasis on simplicity and plain language.

Moffat's Version of Godhead

And in James Moffat's version here are some words of the translation of the same passage to justify their doctrine. Anyways, Moffat's version also was one of their leading version in justifying their far east movements. Most of the passages like Isaiah as they love to quote since some passages clearly states as their doctrine. But somehow as their interpretation goes, this doesn't sounds fit if James Moffat has to say something about it. Moffat might disagree their doctrine as Philippines was one of Isaiah's prophesied place.

Moving on, we will just use some passage just to be fair since this version were the most common version of their ideology. Let's take a look

Acts 17:29 (James Moffatt) - Well, as the race of God, we ought not to imagine that the divine nature resembles gold or silver or stone, the product of human art and invention.

Romans 1:20 (James Moffatt) - For ever since the world was created, his invisible nature, his everlasting power and divine being, have been quite perceptible in what he has made. So they have no excuse.

Colossians 2:9 (James Moffatt) - It is in Christ that the entire Fulness of deity has settled bodily, 

And there's goes the James Moffat version. Almost as identical as Norlie's version though both Acts 17:29 and Romans 1:20 uses both 'divine nature' in Norlie's version while Moffat used it just in Act 17:29 the meaning remains intact as to significantly shows the very nature of Godhead.

In essence:

Traditional translations (like KJV, NIV, etc.) primarily use "Godhead" to describe the divine nature. Lamsa, Norlie and Moffat version of the Bible may use "Godhead" but also includes terms like "Deity" and 'divine being' to reflect either in Aramaic background and for simplification. This doesn't change the very nature of God as Supreme Being.