Why Your Bible Sucks
I am reading this book for my masters:
Excellent translation and commentary on the book of Genesis. The introduction sets the stage by explaining why modern translations do a great disservice to the Biblical Hebrew, and how the KJV in many ways does a much better (not perfect) job of bringing the nuance and beauty of the org text to life.
Of course I am happy about anything that will discredit the likes of the NIV and advance the KJV, but this gives wonderful examples in the introduction alone which will make you question how well you knew these very familiar stories.
There is a wealth of information, beauty and theology which is lost when reading these passages in English. We already know this; we are encouraged by even the most marginal of preachers to go back to the org Hebrew (through a Strong’s Concordance, or well written commentary) to seek answers. However, how many of us do that?
Yes, I am a theology/English nerd, and I personally do look up such things for my own edification, or when preparing for a sermon, however, even I was shocked and amazed by the level of literary and religious beauty which is in this text.
Buy this book. Read the Introduction. Read all of the notes. Readjust your thinking.
However, a warning is given with this recommendation: once you are finished you will be confronted with the reality of how pitiful English translations (yes, including the KJV) are in comparison to the richness of the org Hebrew. You will have to choose to either seek out the nuances which were not lost on the org readers/hearers of the Word, or to ignore it. If you choose the latter, I can assure you that it will not be a blissful ignorance.
Quick Layover
- Back in CO. Leaving tomorrow. Starting Masters of Fine Arts in New Mexico, though through Seattle Pacific University. Not ready. That’s a whole other story.
- Good day today with my lady in Denver.
- Haven’t posted details of my last sermon, but my father said it was the best sermon he has ever heard me preach, and one of the best on that subject in general (on Acts 17 - Mars Hill Discourse, and the concept of reaching out to others in ways they can understand).
- My apartment and car are still standing.
That is all for now. Don’t know when I’ll be back on.
Peace out(side)
Changing Things Up Again.
Because I can. Colors. Aren’t they nice?
I’m preaching tomorrow and in preparing I’ve relearned something: People are really, really, really stupid, seriously flawed, and need more than our little minds can come up with to get through the day.
That is all.
Night Shots Of Boston
Clicky clicky for the rest in Imaging . . .
A Video Re-telling Of Job
Warning: contains some ‘bad words’ and ‘bad theology’ at times, but is a very interesting, secular take on a tough passage of the Bible.
Brings up the problem of Theodicy again (why is there evil, esp in light of a ‘loving’ and ‘all powerful’ God), in a profound way.
Had me thinking at least.