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A letter arrives at the Radically Christian Cafe Missions Office. This letter has good news that is written in Greek. Nobody in the office understands Greek.
As a steward to your boss, do you have this letter translated into words predating the 1800s, King James Only? Do you translate this letter with some of those words, KJL, King James Lukewarm, because most of these words are understood anyway. Or is this letter radically translated MVO, Modern Version Only?
Born in 1956, I was very active at church in Emmaus, PA. Earning scholarships to church camp was done by memorizing the King James Version. At camp, Youth for Christ, Campus Crusade for Christ, etc., I'd sometimes hear that having a personal relationship with God through Jesus made Christianity fulfilling. While at camp, I recognized my sinful life and need of Jesus as my Savior. But I never wanted a lord whom played Shakespeare with his followers. So, I avoided Christian fellowship when I left for college. If it doesn't matter to you, are you just more spiritually mature than I was?
On Facebook, I have begun Stewards of the living Word, http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=78598293746, for those that want their fellowship with God to be as timely as it is with the world. Shouldn't we also be stewards that translate Scriptures as timely as we translate worldly literature?
-------------------- From death he did rise and will come again. Move on with him now to be ready for then. the gruvster
posted
If it were an important letter I would have it translated using words commensurate with the author's station in life. If he were a hippy the translation might includes words like groovy, cool, far-out and such. If he were a street rapper then something more hip-hop might be more appropriate. But I doubt they would have anything important to say. However, if He were a King then I would instruct the translators to use Royal language reserved for kings and queens. To put words of the common street urchin in the mouth of a King would cause the message to be treated with contempt and its importance may well be lost.
I like using literal translations in the modern tongue which preserve the dignity of Jesus, the Son of God, King of kings, and Lord of lords.
posted
The difference lies not in the language employed but rather in the careful consideration given to its proper and judicious employment.
For example, I am not referring to "Queen's English" (RP - received pronunciation) but rather the English of the Queen. There are words we would never expect to hear come out of the mouth of the Queen. How much less the mouth of the King of kings? Though garbed in human flesh Jesus was Divine. He was not a hipster, He was and is the King.
"Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince." Prov 17:7 (KJV)
"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness." Prov 15:2 (KJV)
posted
I think I would translate it into the language of the common people. Those with little education who have no time or inclination to squabble over 50 cent words and thesis of interpretations. People like prostitutes, thieves, tax collectors, carpenters, lepers and those who hold no esteem with the earths lords and religious rulers. I would use the vulgar (understood in or having the ordinary sense) and vernacular (using a language or dialect native to a region or country rather than a literary, cultured, or foreign language) interpretation that befuddles learned scholars.
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Is it possible to deal with this situation as asked? First of all, as a good office steward, how do we translate a letter in a foreign language to our boss and coworkers, KJO, KJL, or MVO?
Then I asked, "Shouldn't we also be stewards that translate Scriptures as timely as we translate worldly literature?"
Remember that after treating Jesus as their King on Palm Sunday that it wasn't too long until Calvary. How likely is that to happen to someone whom is always personal the people of the day?
-------------------- From death he did rise and will come again. Move on with him now to be ready for then. the gruvster
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Hi everyone, I just found out that the KJV translators purposefully translated the same Greek word in several different ways for the sake of beauty, cadence, and ability to memorize as opposed to maybe, boredom. Just a you might call your spouse by several different affectionate names.
This fact somewhat softens the criticism that they translated some words in different ways as if that had been an oversight on their part.
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I doubted that the answer would come back that we should translate for our coworkers KJV or KJL when I asked how we should translate for the office. "Shouldn't we (also) be stewards that translate Scriptures as timely as we translate worldly literature?"
As Christ's kingdom is not of this world, is it correct to treat him like an earthly King? Are you going to crucify him since that is not his choice?
btw - tarheel: You and I seem to be in agreement.
-------------------- From death he did rise and will come again. Move on with him now to be ready for then. the gruvster
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