From The Observer, 3/13/05:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1436392,00.html

No getting stoned in new Bible

Jamie Doward
Sunday March 13, 2005
The Observer

For centuries scholars have argued over the most delicate nuances of
biblical texts, passionately debating whether key words should be
tweaked to reflect cultural changes.

But, despite the fervent exchange of such learned views, there has
been no fretting about whether the Bible endorses dope-smoking.

Until now.

A 15-strong panel of eminent theologians and linguists was so
concerned that young people reading the Bible today are confusing the
phrase 'stoned' not with Old Testament executions but with drugs, that
it has suggested a radical clarification to a forthcoming edition of
the sacred text.

In an attempt to clear up any confusion on the part of Britain's
youth, Today's New International Version Bible, published by Hodder &
Stoughton on Tuesday, updates the original edition, published 27 years
ago, so that people are 'stoned to death', rather than 'stoned'.

'We wanted to keep it from being confused with drug addiction,'
Professor Ronald Youngblood, who chaired the panel, told the Church
Times newspaper.

________________________________________________________________

Let him who is without sin cast the first joint.

Harry

In an attempt to clear up any confusion on the part of Britain's youth,
Today's New International Version Bible, published by Hodder & Stoughton
on Tuesday, updates the original edition, published 27 years ago, so that
people are 'stoned to death', rather than 'stoned'.

From The Observer, 3/13/05:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1436392,00.html

No getting stoned in new Bible

Jamie Doward
Sunday March 13, 2005
The Observer

For centuries scholars have argued over the most delicate nuances of
biblical texts, passionately debating whether key words should be
tweaked to reflect cultural changes.

But, despite the fervent exchange of such learned views, there has
been no fretting about whether the Bible endorses dope-smoking.

Until now.

A 15-strong panel of eminent theologians and linguists was so
concerned that young people reading the Bible today are confusing the
phrase 'stoned' not with Old Testament executions but with drugs, that
it has suggested a radical clarification to a forthcoming edition of
the sacred text.

In an attempt to clear up any confusion on the part of Britain's
youth, Today's New International Version Bible, published by Hodder &
Stoughton on Tuesday, updates the original edition, published 27 years
ago, so that people are 'stoned to death', rather than 'stoned'.

'We wanted to keep it from being confused with drug addiction,'
Professor Ronald Youngblood, who chaired the panel, told the Church
Times newspaper.

________________________________________________________________

Let him who is without sin cast the first joint.

Harry