I appreciate the comments from the last post. (Craig, good to connect with an "old" college chum again.) Would love to hear even more comments.
The first anonymous commenter raised a couple of valid concerns. Would such a switch be a threat to male servant/leadership? Would it be brought on because of an unhealthy acquiescence to culture? Those are both legitimate questions to raise. I don't think I am motivated by either, but I appreciate the reminder. (BTW: June 6 I will begin a series of lessons about living Christian lives in our culture. For those not around, it will be available online here. Just don't listen while driving or operating heavy equipment.)
I see two strong reasons to begin using the TNIV in my preaching. I already mentioned one in the last post. I don't want to place an obstacle to the hearing of the gospel before anyone, especially those who might not have heard it before. The other reason has to do with accuracy.
Here's an example from the text I will use this Sunday, Mt. 6:14,15.
NIV: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
TNIV: For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
The word translated as "men" in the NIV and "others" in the TNIV is anthropos. The standard Greek Lexicon (BDAG) lists as the first usage: "a person of either sex... a human being." In the language of our day, "men" has come to communicate something to a lot of people that doesn't accurately reflect what Jesus said.
So I guess the question for me is this: IF there is a translation that is more accurate than the one I have used the last 30 years and IF that translation will present the gospel in our time in ways that are less offensive and more likely to be heard, why wouldn't I switch?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thinking About a Change
I saw a great bumper sticker on a lady's car in Austin: "Don't make me bring out the flying monkeys." I laughed out loud!
* * * * *
I have two identical Bibles (NIV) that I use for my own reading and for preaching. Both are just about worn out. The first few chapters of Genesis are falling out of one and the last few pages of the concordance out of the other. Does the latter qualify as "taking away"?
Since I am going to have to buy a new Bible, I am thinking about switching translations. For several years I have occasionally used the Today's New International Version (TNIV); I am thinking about making that my "go to" Bible. Even though much of the wording is the same as the NIV, it's still not an easy thing to do. I have been using the NIV since switching from the NASB in about 1975. Here's why I'm thinking about making the switch.
When I preach and publicly read scripture, I am concerned about those listeners who might not be Christians. I have been especially concerned for several years about what women hear. Now, before we go any further, let me say that I do not believe the message of the Bible should be watered down for any of us. The gospel is offensive at times, and that offense, when it is from God, needs to stand. But that offense needs to come from the gospel itself, not from our presentation of it or even our human translations of divine scripture.
The TNIV, when possible, uses gender inclusive language. They do not call God "she" or anything like that, but they do frequently translate passages so that they are not speaking just to men. Here is an example from a text I will use this Sunday, Mk. 8:34
NIV: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
TNIV: "Those who would be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
You can read more about this translation at www.tniv.com. The specific section that address gender inclusive language is here. It's very informative, brief and easy to understand. The overview on translating the Bible is also very good. Click here.
I would like to hear from some of you, especially, but not exclusively, from women . Is this an issue for you? Do you think it will be for your daughters and granddaughters? As I said, I'm also concerned about non-Christians. Should we expect them to look past male dominated language?
My mind isn't made up on this switch, so I really do welcome your input. I would suggest you read the above link first, just to better understand the translators' thinking.
It really is amazing that we have inspired documents that were written over two millennia ago, to a culture that was radically different than our own, yet it speaks a relevant word from God today, not just to us, but to people all over the world. I'm thankful that we have access to it.
* * * * *
I have two identical Bibles (NIV) that I use for my own reading and for preaching. Both are just about worn out. The first few chapters of Genesis are falling out of one and the last few pages of the concordance out of the other. Does the latter qualify as "taking away"?
Since I am going to have to buy a new Bible, I am thinking about switching translations. For several years I have occasionally used the Today's New International Version (TNIV); I am thinking about making that my "go to" Bible. Even though much of the wording is the same as the NIV, it's still not an easy thing to do. I have been using the NIV since switching from the NASB in about 1975. Here's why I'm thinking about making the switch.
When I preach and publicly read scripture, I am concerned about those listeners who might not be Christians. I have been especially concerned for several years about what women hear. Now, before we go any further, let me say that I do not believe the message of the Bible should be watered down for any of us. The gospel is offensive at times, and that offense, when it is from God, needs to stand. But that offense needs to come from the gospel itself, not from our presentation of it or even our human translations of divine scripture.
The TNIV, when possible, uses gender inclusive language. They do not call God "she" or anything like that, but they do frequently translate passages so that they are not speaking just to men. Here is an example from a text I will use this Sunday, Mk. 8:34
NIV: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
TNIV: "Those who would be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
You can read more about this translation at www.tniv.com. The specific section that address gender inclusive language is here. It's very informative, brief and easy to understand. The overview on translating the Bible is also very good. Click here.
I would like to hear from some of you, especially, but not exclusively, from women . Is this an issue for you? Do you think it will be for your daughters and granddaughters? As I said, I'm also concerned about non-Christians. Should we expect them to look past male dominated language?
My mind isn't made up on this switch, so I really do welcome your input. I would suggest you read the above link first, just to better understand the translators' thinking.
It really is amazing that we have inspired documents that were written over two millennia ago, to a culture that was radically different than our own, yet it speaks a relevant word from God today, not just to us, but to people all over the world. I'm thankful that we have access to it.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Back in the Groove
My one week hiatus from blogging while at Pepperdine turned out to be a little longer. I came down with the flu the Monday after we got back. Not swine, just the common garden variety, but it kept me down most of last week. I'm finally getting caught up.
Speaking of Pepperdine, go to your calendar right now and mark May 4-7, 2010. Those are the dates for next year. It is such an enriching event, and in such a beautiful location; you really ought to consider going next year. It's cheap too. Airfare to L.A. is usually reasonable (cost us $140 non-stop from Austin!), and the cost to stay on campus is inexpensive too. To get an idea of what went on this year, you can click here.
I am always blessed at Pepperdine by the speakers, classes, times of worship, and visiting with old friends, but what I think I enjoy most is just being with kindred spirits. There are no "they's" at Pepperdine, or if they are there, they don't draw much attention to themselves. You know, "they" might not like it; "they" might be offended; "they" can't worship if some else raises their hands. I love the "they's" but, honestly, it's nice to have a break from them every now and then.
Belinda and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary the opening night of the lectures. We spent it in separate rooms on campus! Yes, it's come to that. Actually, we went out early and spent a few days in the Central Coast area (San Luis Obispo). BTW: I've already called dibs on Hearst Castle for my mansion over the hilltop! If you're nice to me, I might let you stay in one of the guest houses.
I'm blessed to have married "above" myself. I keep over my desk a picture, several pictures actually, of times and places Belinda and I have shared, with the words from a Michael Card song, "There is a joy in the journey." Our 30 years have not been without challenges, but every year has been better than the one before. I think it all comes from the fact that we too are kindred spirits in the Lord. If 30 years qualifies me to give advice it would be this: Walk together in the Lord and everything else will come together.
Speaking of Pepperdine, go to your calendar right now and mark May 4-7, 2010. Those are the dates for next year. It is such an enriching event, and in such a beautiful location; you really ought to consider going next year. It's cheap too. Airfare to L.A. is usually reasonable (cost us $140 non-stop from Austin!), and the cost to stay on campus is inexpensive too. To get an idea of what went on this year, you can click here.
I am always blessed at Pepperdine by the speakers, classes, times of worship, and visiting with old friends, but what I think I enjoy most is just being with kindred spirits. There are no "they's" at Pepperdine, or if they are there, they don't draw much attention to themselves. You know, "they" might not like it; "they" might be offended; "they" can't worship if some else raises their hands. I love the "they's" but, honestly, it's nice to have a break from them every now and then.
Belinda and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary the opening night of the lectures. We spent it in separate rooms on campus! Yes, it's come to that. Actually, we went out early and spent a few days in the Central Coast area (San Luis Obispo). BTW: I've already called dibs on Hearst Castle for my mansion over the hilltop! If you're nice to me, I might let you stay in one of the guest houses.
I'm blessed to have married "above" myself. I keep over my desk a picture, several pictures actually, of times and places Belinda and I have shared, with the words from a Michael Card song, "There is a joy in the journey." Our 30 years have not been without challenges, but every year has been better than the one before. I think it all comes from the fact that we too are kindred spirits in the Lord. If 30 years qualifies me to give advice it would be this: Walk together in the Lord and everything else will come together.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Nicholas Winton
We are minutes from leaving for the airport. Off to the Pepperdine Lectures.
Since I won't be able to write anything next week, I wanted to get in a quick note about Nicholas Winton, the subject of the video I mentioned in my last post.
I think the most remarkable thing about this guy is that for 50 years, he never told anyone about what he had done. His wife didn't even know the story until she came across a scrapbook of letters and records about the 669 Jewish children who had been rescued.
You can see a video about Winton here.
More later.
Since I won't be able to write anything next week, I wanted to get in a quick note about Nicholas Winton, the subject of the video I mentioned in my last post.
I think the most remarkable thing about this guy is that for 50 years, he never told anyone about what he had done. His wife didn't even know the story until she came across a scrapbook of letters and records about the 669 Jewish children who had been rescued.
You can see a video about Winton here.
More later.
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