The Pope is wrong to change the words of the Lord's Prayer

It has been reported on 8 December 2017 that Pope Francis would want to change the words of the Lord's Prayer, the traditional Christian prayer taught by our Lord Jesus Christ (St Matthew 6:9-13, St Luke 11:2-4). The Roman Catholic leader claimed that the words 'lead us not into temptation' is mistranslated and suggested that one should use the words 'let us not fall into temptation' instead. The Pope's reasoning is simple, God do not tempt man and it is man that falls into temptation. However, although such changes appear minor, they would not only change centuries of traditions but also change our understanding of the prayer.

The Almighty God do not tempt man (James 1:13) and 'But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.' (James 1:14, KJV). However, God allow man to be tempted because temptation can help man to grow in faith and therefore, able to benefit man. 'Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:' (1 Peter 1:6-7, KJV).

Meanwhile, the original English translation 'lead us not into temptation' confirms our belief that God direct all our steps. 'Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?' (Proverbs 20:24, KJV) Therefore, a man would not be tempted if God do not allow temptations to come in the man's way. The Pope's suggested translation however, suggests man is able to choose his own way and is praying in the hope of avoiding mistakes.

Considering Pope Francis is a man who justifies and admits to falling asleep during prayers, who allows Roman Catholics to believe in the unbiblical evolution and big bang, who supports an independent Palestine and is anti-Israel while clearly ignoring the truth that God have given the Jewish people the Holy Land, one cannot really trust the Pope.

Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the Pope is wrong to change the words of the Lord's Prayer.