Hi everyone, sorry for the confusion about the comments on the last post. I changed the blog software so that anonymous comments are allowed. Before any comments are publicly viewable on the site one of the administrators has to manually approve it.
Even though you can, I’d encourage everyone to not be anonymous. But whatever you choose, remember you’re not anonymous to God and if you are a Christian your virtual identity represents Christ.
Just wanted everyone to know how the comments are working. And if we need to change it again, we will, but we’ll post again so you know what’s going on.
Hey Builders!
Really enjoying following your conversations. Am limited as to time to jump in due to extra workload until Depue’s arrive and settle in and I hit my June 1st deadline for doctoral thesis first draft. Appreciate your prayer for Sue and me on this.
I remember participating in the debates as the NIV was introduced and marketed to the evangelical community. The KJV and in many circles the Scoffield reference edition of the KJV was absolutely dominant (that is the history of KSBC, some of our older members still carry and use scoffield KJV). The discussions, passions, proof texting, fears, divisions and newsletters (fewer communication tools in those days) were equal to if not greater than the fussing over the intro of the TNIV. 20 or so years later the fears and concerns do not seem as captivating. Just a few summary thoughts to gratefully respond to your insightful and kingdom advancing converstaion.
1. I like the tone of DA Carson in his 03 essay that Adam refers to and provides a link. Whether it is that article or somewhere else, I am learning that translation has inherent complexities and it is necessary then to recognize the approach or philosophy behind the translation that is being used. There is a dynamic present that should be understood and appreciated in teaching, reading and reasoning. My current preference is that along with agreeing to disagree we agree that translations are what they are and commit ourselves to a lifelong quest of humbly seeking greater understanding of truth.
2. The continued release of translations and updated translations does stimulate concern about the vast marketing/commercial power that resides in the evangelical community along with the reality of taking these discussions to a global context. I read recently that if the population of the world was reduced to 100 people, 2 would be American and 70 would be unable to read. Some of you need to contextualize this discussion globaly for our benefit. There is a real sense where the debates and translation efforts serve the kingdom by providing both the tension and spotlight for this crucial issue of the dependability of translations of God’s words to be continually elevated.
3. KSBC switched in 1989 to NIV. That change was not nearly as difficult or complex as the nuances of NIV to TNIV. Even in 1989 blessed few wanted to hear “kick against the pricks (Acts 9:5)” said in church. We did not make it a huge ’stay away from KJV’ issue as much as it was driven by our mission to communicate clearly, accurately and relevantly to people in our culture. We recognize the limitations of dynamic equivalency while struggling to spell it right. We did not get involved with TNIV issues simply because we were busy with other ministry issues and admittedly influenced by World and the various articles on gender neutral issues. We may have warned folks to look at the articles, waved a flag for gender accuracy, but the larger issue passed on by as we continued with NIV. The most serious effort to begin learning and evaluating again was about three years ago when I purchased copies of ESV for every member of the AC leadership team and asked them to read/use it for a while and we will come back to discuss it later. Later has not come yet as I took my road less traveled in 05. If I were king and could wave a wand, I would prefer NASB or ESV in the pew rack. I thoroughly enjoyed reading NKJV in 2005 as I traveled. Preferred translation will be an issue that our leadership/elders address in the next 3-5 I imagine.
4. Out of time here . . . check out an older book – I have found it helpful. “Is My Bible The Inspired Word of God” by Edward Goodrick. Multnomah pub. Only about 100 pages but does a profoundly simple (in my opinion) job of tracking the dynamics or ‘levels of pollution’ from the original autographs through translation through interpretation.
Room for another question or issue? Perhaps you have talked about this already . . . how can blogging be used to accomplish the mission of making disciples locally and globally? Does it have a particular strength, leverage or focus that advances the gospel? I just spent close to an hour reading and writing . . . I feel good about it but am not sure why. Remember I am older and wired to communicate orally without much response! don
By: Don Whipple on May 3, 2007
at 9:47 am