The translators of the New International Version (NIV) bible recently revised their translation to rid it of supposed sexist language. This was a concession to feminists, who argue, by the way, that God is a woman anyway. That is what happens with paraphrases. Because they are not actually translations of scripture, but what a group of editors tries to explain they understand, the editors become the authors, or god.
As aspiring gods, it can be understood why the NIV editors are easily flattered when homage is paid to them.
Now, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have requested that they also remove speciesist language form the NIV as they removed sexist language. And the editors are actually spending time and energy seriously considering the request. So far, they don’t see the point. But that will probably change after they are helped to envision there NIV moniker appearing on dog food bags everywhere.
But PETA, an activist animals’ rights group, doesn’t need to employ that bribe at all.
PETA is barking up the wrong tree. They should simply approach the animals and ask for a copy of their bible. Certainly, they would possess a version that portrayed them in their highest ideals, and include special promises and blessings for them. Then PETA could herald the animals’ bible alongside the animals’ Declaration of Independence, and Constitution wherein the actual Animals’ Rights are listed. Oh, that’s right: they never authored those documents to secure any “rights.”
