My name is
Brian. And I read the New Living Translation Bible.
Brian. And I read the New Living Translation Bible.
Whew! Feels
good to finally get that out.
good to finally get that out.
After
reading that confession, many are gasping in utter shock. Others are looking
down at me with disappointment. Some feel sorry for me. And all of these
responses encompass what I’d like to call “Bible Translation Snobbery”.
reading that confession, many are gasping in utter shock. Others are looking
down at me with disappointment. Some feel sorry for me. And all of these
responses encompass what I’d like to call “Bible Translation Snobbery”.
This problemhas been developing for years. Inquiring Christians have been asking their
pastors which Bible translation is the “best”. Being compelled by peer
pressure and their own theological training, they typically give the same
answer. Right now, the generally agreed upon “best” translations seem to be the
English Standard Version and the New American Standard. Why? Because they’re
the most literal translations of the original text. Which also makes them
among the most difficult to read and understand.
Don’t get me
wrong. There’s nothing bad about the English Standard or the New American
Standard translations. I’ve read the NASB for years. But the awkward emphasis
on these two has created a snobby sub-culture within the church. Those who don’t
read them are made to feel less spiritual or generally inferior.
wrong. There’s nothing bad about the English Standard or the New American
Standard translations. I’ve read the NASB for years. But the awkward emphasis
on these two has created a snobby sub-culture within the church. Those who don’t
read them are made to feel less spiritual or generally inferior.
Bottom line:
the snobbery needs to stop. Here’s four reasons why:
the snobbery needs to stop. Here’s four reasons why:
·
Some
people read for relationship, not scholarship. I’ve battled with literal
translations for years. I’ve worked through challenging sentence structure,
vocabulary and phrasing. This has great value. However, I’m in a place now
where I’m seeking relationship over scholarship. I want an easier read that
makes me feel more like I’m reading a letter from a friend. What’s wrong with
that? Nothing.
Some
people read for relationship, not scholarship. I’ve battled with literal
translations for years. I’ve worked through challenging sentence structure,
vocabulary and phrasing. This has great value. However, I’m in a place now
where I’m seeking relationship over scholarship. I want an easier read that
makes me feel more like I’m reading a letter from a friend. What’s wrong with
that? Nothing.
·
I don’t
want new believers to get frustrated. The mature Christian can take time to
dig through a passage to grasp deeper meaning. But aren’t we doing a disservice
to new believers when we press them toward the most difficult translations to
read? I think we should encourage new believers to read translations that
contain the most accessible language and phrasing. I want them to fall in love
with Jesus – not get frustrated by complicated texts.
I don’t
want new believers to get frustrated. The mature Christian can take time to
dig through a passage to grasp deeper meaning. But aren’t we doing a disservice
to new believers when we press them toward the most difficult translations to
read? I think we should encourage new believers to read translations that
contain the most accessible language and phrasing. I want them to fall in love
with Jesus – not get frustrated by complicated texts.
·
Spiritual
arrogance hurts others. I’ve encountered Christians who are literally
embarrassed that they don’t read the “best” translations. They awkwardly make
excuses for choosing a “lesser” version, or hide the exterior label on their
Bible with a fancy cover. These are symptoms of a serious problem in Christian
culture. Nobody should ever feel embarrassed about reading the Bible.
Spiritual
arrogance hurts others. I’ve encountered Christians who are literally
embarrassed that they don’t read the “best” translations. They awkwardly make
excuses for choosing a “lesser” version, or hide the exterior label on their
Bible with a fancy cover. These are symptoms of a serious problem in Christian
culture. Nobody should ever feel embarrassed about reading the Bible.
·
Pride is
a sin. My skin crawls every time I hear someone boast about what
translation they read. Did you choose your Bible because it’s the best translation for
you, or because it will make you look good to others? If you’re an intellectual
who loves a good challenge and deep analysis, select your Bible translation
accordingly. If you prefer relational reading with more accessible language,
select yours accordingly as well. Either way – don’t assume that what’s best
for you is best for everyone else.
Pride is
a sin. My skin crawls every time I hear someone boast about what
translation they read. Did you choose your Bible because it’s the best translation for
you, or because it will make you look good to others? If you’re an intellectual
who loves a good challenge and deep analysis, select your Bible translation
accordingly. If you prefer relational reading with more accessible language,
select yours accordingly as well. Either way – don’t assume that what’s best
for you is best for everyone else.
Why don’t we
all just agree to focus on encouraging each other to read God’s Word. Let’s
celebrate the idea of knowing God more deeply, regardless of which English translation
is used in the process.
all just agree to focus on encouraging each other to read God’s Word. Let’s
celebrate the idea of knowing God more deeply, regardless of which English translation
is used in the process.
Plus, being
a translation snob is just plain annoying. And it’s generally advisable not to
be annoying.
a translation snob is just plain annoying. And it’s generally advisable not to
be annoying.
True…True..
Great post. The science of sociolinguistics even predicts the snobbish reaction. http://heartlanguage.org/2011/08/19/great-style/
Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement. I also enjoyed your post – thanks for sharing!
This is a great post! I agree wholeheartedly. Congrats to you on the new podcast. I'm excited for you all!