Alphabet Soup

AV, KJV, NKJV, RSV, NRSV, ASB, NASB, TLB, NLT, ESV, HCSB, NET . . . on and on and on it goes. Abbreviations for the different translations, updates, paraphrases of the Bible seem to continue endlessly. Then, once someone has selected a translation, the choice in the type of bible to get seems so broad that it is nearly impossible to select the "right" bible for reading and study. In a not-so-scientific study, I did a search at www.christianbook.com, the web site for Christian Book Distributors and found 2969 choices in 38 different versions. By reducing the search to a single version (KJV) for adults, there are a mere 225 choices.

The question I am asked most often about bible versions is "Which version should I read?" The short answer, while sounding more like a put-off than an answer is "Whichever one you will read." To me, this is the primary issue. Before you can start to see the whole picture of the Bible, you need to read it. Not piecemeal; not in devotional books; but the Bible itself. From Genesis to Revelation (not necessarily in order, but the Bible itself). In order to do this, you need to read a version written in a language that you can understand. So, a modern English language translation, written the way you are accustomed to reading is the most logical.

Most people I know are interested in the most accurate translation they can get. So what does this mean? David Dewey, in his book A User's Guide to Bible Translations defines accuracy as communicating to today's readers the same meaning that the original author's text conveyed to his original readers.

In this regard, he makes two critical statements:

1. No translation, however good, will ever be 100 percent accurate.
2. Most modern versions are highly accurate and very trustworthy.

Having studied both Hebrew and Greek and translated portions of both the Old and New Testaments, I can attest that both these statements are true. Further, Dewey expresses a corollary to these two statements in identifying three reasons why older translations may not be the most accurate:

1. Better Hebrew and Greek manuscripts have come to light.
2. Our understanding of Bible languages is constantly improving.
3. The English language is constantly changing.

So, since modern English translations are fairly trustworthy, the decision should be more related to style and individual reading ability. Some bible translations are prepared for children, others for young adults, some for people for whom English is a second language, and some for those with an excellent grasp of the language. Many versions have been evaluated and given a score that roughly relates to the "reading grade level" of the text. For instance, a Flesch-Kincaid Test comparison of several versions has been conducted on selected passages of Scripture and an overall score was given. The table below, except for the bottom row "Average for Passage" is found in Dewey, p. 75. The grade level results of the Flesch-Kincaid Test on these passages were as follows:



From this data, a couple of trends may be observed. First, some passages are much simpler to read across the board. For instance, Psalm 40 averages 4.0 in all versions whereas Ephesians 1 averages 9.9. Second, an average reading grade level for a particular version, though not necessarily the same across all passages of Scripture, seems to fall within a specific range compared with other versions for any given passage. Ephesians 1 is a complex passage in the Greek, and therefore, it will be a difficult passage in a good English translation. It also appears to me that the modern English translations seem to cluster together between about 6.5 and 7.0. (Just for fun, I ran the Flesch-Kincaid Test as programmed into Microsoft Word against this document and received a school year/grade score of 10.8.) Dewey reports that most adults read comfortably at a grade level between 5.5 and 7.0 [p. 73].

In addition to reading level, the style of the writing may be just as important. Some versions are conversational others are very formal; some are written for personal study and others for worship; some versions attempt to be consistent with historically-biblical phrases and others seek to use better and more understandable language. Finally, some versions of the Bible are better for being read aloud.

Today, perhaps, more than at any other time in history, there is a concern for gender-inclusiveness. I think this trend stems more from the dumbing-down of our primary and secondary education than from a need to identify a more open approach to gender issues within translations. Certainly, there are many places within the Scriptures where the word "man" is intended to speak of both men and women, but there are other places where the text speaks strictly of men. In this forum, I'll debate neither the appropriateness of gender inclusiveness or whether some passages are restricted just to men or are inclusive of both sexes. I will note that there are places in the original languages that do not speak of men and women together that get translated as both. Also, gender-inclusive language in English can sometimes make for mixing singular pronouns with plural verbs or vice versa. This makes both personal study and liturgical reading difficult.

Additionally, there are 626 different study bibles listed at christianbook.com. Although selection of a specific study bible should not drive the translation you choose, some study bibles are copyrighted with the publishers of specific translations and therefore are not available in all translations. Study bibles vary widely in the type of information and the theological perspective they present; and therefore, should be the subject of an entirely new study.

If you're just starting out it doesn't matter much whether your translation is a precise "word for word" translation, a paraphrase, or something in between. If you're already in a Bible study group, you may want to choose the version that the leader uses, the one that is most common within the group, or perhaps one that is different than most of the group uses for the sake of comparison. If you've been reading and studying the Scriptures for years, you may want to move from what you've been reading toward something a little more literal, or maybe not. Without a basic understanding of the original languages, perhaps it is best to read from several versions and seek to understand how the various translations render a thought. If you are looking for a new Bible, go to a Christian book store and browse the versions available. Read some of the passages listed above. Seek the guidance of the bookseller's staff and spend some real time shopping. Or you may find a wide variety of versions online at sites like BibleGateway.com or SearchGodsWord.org. I assure you time spent up front evaluating different bibles will pay off in the end. Meanwhile, in regard to the best translation for you, a copy of Dewey's book may help you put all these pieces together.

Yet the bottom line remains, that "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).

More on the Compass

In my last post, Pointing to Truth? Really?, I made some comments in regard to the current film, The Golden Compass. I hope, however, that I was clear that I had not then seen the film and could only report second-hand information. Now I've seen the film and I have to say it is not as overtly anti-Christian as some would have you believe. It is a fantasy film with very good special effects and a somewhat predictable story to tell. And unlike some films, this movie sets the stage for the sequel. But the story itself makes few direct attacks on faith – perhaps no more than other fantasy or science fiction films.

The movie begins with an unnamed narrator addressing the audience identifying the setting as a parallel universe to this one – a universe where people's souls, referred to as "demons," live in the form of animals outside their bodies. Apparently in this universe children's demons have the ability to change shape until some age when their innocence is lost and the soul then takes on its permanent form which seems to represent something of the person's personality. This universe is controlled by a council known as the "Magisterium" which is the most direct attack against the church and seems to be directed toward the Roman Catholics. In an interview with Peter Chattaway, Philip Pullman notes that the use of the Magisterium is in effect a statement against "the political exercise of religious authority. . . and the regrettable tendency of humankind to believe in 'one size fits all' answers: to cling to the extreme of dogmatic fundamentalism whether religious or not." This does seem to be the case in the film and frankly a challenge which must be made. As Christians, we shouldn't be expected to "check our brains at the door of the church" and take everything we are taught as absolute. Luke applauded the Berean church for "examining the Scriptures" to see if Paul's teaching was true. This is the way error and heresy in the church begins and something Peter warned against in 2 Peter 2:1-3, 10-13. We should learn to think and not to fear a challenge to our beliefs, but to use the challenges to test and strengthen that which we do believe and to explain that belief to others (1 Peter 3:15).

The other aspect which seems up for discussion is this remarkable substance in the film called "dust." In the same interview noted above, Pullman writes, "Dust is my metaphor for all the things that your atheist materialist friend no doubt believes in as firmly as I do: human wisdom, science and art, all the accumulated and transmissible achievements of the human mind. This is both material (located in books, etc, and in living people who can talk about it) and, like consciousness, seemingly non-material. But without matter, it wouldn't be there at all. Everything that is Dust is the result of the amorous inclinations of matter." Please note that except for its presence, and the substance which one of the characters in the film seeks, dust is neither explained nor really questioned in the movie. It is interesting to note that when a character dies, his soul, or demon, explodes in a cloud of dust yet the body remains. Otherwise, the significance of dust is left for the next installment.

So returning to Albert Mohler's Blog and his question, "So, what should Christians do?", I recommend re-reading the first couple of paragraphs:

A good first step would be to take a deep breath. The Christian faith is not about to be toppled by a film, nor by a series of fantasy books. Pullman has an agenda that is clear, and Christians need to inform themselves of what this agenda is and what it means. At the same time, nothing would serve his agenda better than to have Christians speaking recklessly or unintelligently about the film or the books.

This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews. While Christians will not celebrate the release of this film, we should recognize the mixture of challenge and opportunity that comes with millions of persons watching this film and talking about the issues it raises. When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas.

In summary, the worldview of The Golden Compass, is not the same as mine. But very few films are. As entertainment, it is sufficient. As theology, this film is no more damaging that the worldview of hundreds of others, including the entire Star Wars collection or the treasure hunting archaeologists such as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. As I said before, we can use conversation about the film as an opportunity to demonstrate that Christ is truth and that truth cannot be found in a golden "alethiometer."

Pointing to Truth? Really?

I'm certain that many of you are wondering about all the publicity surrounding the new film "The Golden Compass." Although I have not yet seen the film, I plan to so that I am able to answer clearly the questions which I may get in regard to its worldview. Until then, there is a very well-written statement on the movie at Albert Mohler's Blog and I suggest that you read the post and carefully consider what it says. Dr. Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I particularly like the following from that page:

So, what should Christians do?

A good first step would be to take a deep breath. The Christian faith is not about to be toppled by a film, nor by a series of fantasy books. Pullman has an agenda that is clear, and Christians need to inform themselves of what this agenda is and what it means. At the same time, nothing would serve his agenda better than to have Christians speaking recklessly or unintelligently about the film or the books.

This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews. While Christians will not celebrate the release of this film, we should recognize the mixture of challenge and opportunity that comes with millions of persons watching this film and talking about the issues it raises. When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas.

We should recognize that the Christian Church has some very embarrassing moments in its history - moments when it has failed to represent the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ. Authors like Philip Pullman take advantage of these failures in order to paint the entire Christian Church as a conspiracy against human happiness and freedom. Of course, that charge will not stand close scrutiny, and we can face it head-on with a thoughtful response.

Some Christians have also held very unhelpful views of human sexuality. These, we must admit, would include figures as great and influential as Augustine and, alas, C. S. Lewis. But these figures, rightly influential in other areas of the faith, are not representative in this case of biblical sexuality. We can set the record straight.

Should we be concerned that people, young and old, will be confused by this movie? Of course. But I do not believe that a boycott will dissuade the general public from seeing the film. I am very concerned when I think of so many people being entertained by such a subversive message delivered by such a seductive medium. We are responsible to show them, in so far as we are able, that the Magisterium of The Golden Compass is not a fair or accurate representation of the Christian Church.

I can only wonder how many parents and grandparents will allow children and young people to see the movie and then buy them the books -- blissfully unaware of what is coming in books two and three.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has enemies; this we know. Christian parents must be informed about His Dark Materials and inform others. We must take the responsibility to use interest in this film to teach our own children to think biblically and to be discerning in their engagement with the media in all forms. We should arm our children to be able to talk about this project with their classmates without fear or rancor.

Philip Pullman has an agenda, but so do we. Our agenda is the Gospel of Christ -- a message infinitely more powerful than that of The Golden Compass. Pullman's worldview of unrestricted human autonomy would be nightmarish if ever achieved. His story promises liberation but would enslave human beings to themselves and destroy all transcendent value.

Dr. Mohler explains that this golden compass or "alethiometer" (apparently derived from the Greek words aletheia or "truth" and metron or "measure") will reveal the truth to anyone who knows how to operate it. Yet as believers, we already know the truth. His name is Jesus and He told us in John 14:6 that "I am the way and the truth and the life." Further, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

If we really believe this is so, then we shouldn't fear the film, but use conversation about it as an opportunity to demonstrate that the Christ is truth. In short, recall that Jesus told His disciples that the gates of Hades cannot prevail against the Church (Matthew 16:18). So, about the compass, we should realize that rather than point to truth, it's more like Captain Jack Sparrow's compass in the "Pirates of the Caribbean," never pointing north; never true. Let's all be aware of its message; and be sure of ours.

Coming Attractions

In my first post, Class Q&A, I noted that I'd maintain a page so that as you study during the week, you can access this site and post your thoughts and/or questions. Since then, I've decided that it would be better to keep a list of future topics and retain a link to that post in the sidebar. Then, if you have suggestions or questions, you can click on that link and comment on this post.

So what are the "coming attractions?" In no particular order they are:

A series on what I believe and why.
What happens when we die?

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Recently I received a phone call from a friend. We had been discussing the resurrection and judgments in class and he had some questions regarding when and how I thought the resurrection and judgment of believers and non-believers took place. His interest was in three specific passages:

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

In evaluation of these three passages, I think it prudent to recognize that the verses from Ecclesiastes were written by King Solomon during the 10th Century BC whereas the New Testament passages were written by Paul to the 1st Century Church. However, it is clear from these three and other passages (cf. Job 19:29, Ecc 3:17, Jer 16:17, Matt 10:26, etc.) that nothing is hidden from God and all men will be judged according to their deeds. The difference between Ecclesiastes and the two passages from Paul is that Paul is addressing New Testament believers. Thus, in 2 Cor 5:10 where "we must all appear before the judgment seat (Greek: bema, βῆμα, see photo) of Christ," Paul is speaking to Christians of Christians. The bema here is a word representative of a judicial bench where Christ will sit in judgment of believers. Bema is used a dozen times in the New Testament (Matt 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 7:5, 12:21, 18:12, 18:16, 18:17, 25:6, 25:10, 25:17, Rom 14:10 and 2 Cor 5:10), only two of which are not in the context of a tribunal.

This judgment, however, is not a judgment of whether we are worthy to enter into heaven. That takes place through the acceptance or rejection of Christ's shed blood, and that alone. Paul notes in this regard that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The bema judgment is designed so "that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." This is a passage which speaks of reward, not of salvation. Likewise, my friend was clever enough to connect the 2 Corinthians passage to the 1 Corinthians passage. In 1 Corinthians, Paul (again addressing the Church) speaks of that which believers do in recognition of the salvation and grace afforded the believer in Christ. Here he uses an analogy of building things of gold, silver, stone, wood, hay or straw on the foundation which is Christ (not unlike the houses of the "Three Little Pigs" who built their homes of straw, sticks and bricks that were ultimately shown to be either temporary or lasting). The evaluation of "each man's work," of that which was built on the Christ, will be the refining fire of judgment. Those who take the time and effort to build durable works will be rewarded, but those whose work is of lesser quality will be shown to be fleeting. Yet even those who build of wood, hay or straw will be saved, but only as "escaping through the flames."

These passages do not teach that we are saved by that which we do, but only that there are degrees of reward to be granted to believers in heaven.

Class Q&A

Those of you who regularly attend my Sunday School class know that I'm not a stickler for completing a study in tidy little blocks of eight or twelve weeks; however, even with the limited topics we tackle, it's difficult in the hour we have for class every week to cover the huge volume of information I want to share. Likewise, it's even more difficult for some of you to absorb what I have to say and as the week progresses, perhaps you think of questions or comments that are relevant to our discussion (see my post on The Judgment Seat of Christ). One day, I hope to have the discipline to post outlines or notes of the class on this site, but until then, I'll maintain a Class Q&A page so that as you study during the week, you can access this site and post your thoughts. Like any blog, you can choose to remain anonymous if you like; I'll answer just the same. And although I welcome opposing views, I will review the comments before they are posted and eliminate any which are clearly opposed to this page or the intent of the class.