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!
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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'd be willing to bet that unless you're a woman under the age of 40, you have no idea how the gender exclusivity of the KJV and NIV New Testament affects the mindset of women and girls today. Especially in more traditional churches of Christ, where women are hardly, if ever, seen in an "up front" role in a worship service, the additional exclusivity of always having to think, "Oh, yeah. That also means me there." when a man reads an unnecessarily gender exclusive passage, is both tiresome and has a cumulative negative effect on women. Ok, so I should speak in first person here. On me. And many of my female friends (with whom this has been discussed for the last decade).
ReplyDeleteI'm really tired of well-meaning men reminding me that "he" can be historically gender "neutral." Really? I could name a few (hundred) other historical things in language that have been allowed to evolve. He and man are no longer neutral. They're exclusive. No, we should not change all "he's" to "she's" via the find and replace function in Word, but to read gender inclusive words when they are appropriate is a HUGE blessing.
In about the only place left in the United States where women do not have equal freedom and representation as men, many churches, it's a breath of fresh air to have a man read from the TNIV.
Please, Tim, get the gender inclusive version and never look back.
As an under-40 female and a teacher I just want to state that any child who knows pronouns also knows that some pronouns are sometimes used as generic. I know females who resent this, but I also know many who are thankful for God's plan of male spiritual leadership. Whatever version you use is your choice, but to give in to "political pressure" is something you need to look at closely before you do it.
ReplyDeleteI can remember as a child making pronoun corrections in my head as I read scripture. No one told me to do that, nor was it a response to political pressure. I just wanted so badly to be included in God's will and I wanted what I was learning to apply to me.
ReplyDeleteI don't resent this. I just think that if we can remove this step in understanding God's word, why not do it? What a blessing for little girls to never have to question their inclusion in God's plan.
To the previous poster, I believe a woman can welcome gender inclusive language and also be thankful for God's plan of male spiritual leadership. They are not mutually exclusive.
Tim, as a 50-something male I don't quite fit into your target demographic, but I am the father of a 26 year old daughter...
ReplyDeleteFirst, I appreciate that you are giving conscious thought to something that wouldn't even occur to most of us.
Second, I encourage you to make the switch - not in response to 'political pressure' nor to try to be culturally relevant, but to more accurately portray the message of the gospel to your audience in a way that does not create barriers to their understanding that are not inherent within the text.
So many young and new Christians are scared away from Church and thus a relationship with Him becuase they hear exclusive words from leadership. Combine this with what they hear on the news and from the popular press, and you have a big wall to break down to even reach new Christians.
ReplyDeleteI'm to new to fully understand the he vs. she issues, but from a basic perspective, we are all His children, and He wants to have a relationship with each of us regardless of gender... my point, as a leader... I would do everything I could to communicate this to those who are seeking Him.
In a traditional sense, the language of the exclusion of women is what kept my wife away from so many Churches and thus away from a relationship with Him.