tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875966.post115294149922218742..comments2023-10-20T07:28:50.948-07:00Comments on Better Bibles Blog: Bertrand on Bible translationWayne Lemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18024771201561767893noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875966.post-1153014111488175092006-07-15T18:41:00.000-07:002006-07-15T18:41:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00471792031082544671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875966.post-1153009133108706192006-07-15T17:18:00.000-07:002006-07-15T17:18:00.000-07:00Mark,Sorry if I sounded too one-sided, I was typin...Mark,<BR/><BR/>Sorry if I sounded too one-sided, I was typing as I listened. I am a great fan of Augustine, so I hesitated before writing that - and then I thought, oh what the heck!<BR/><BR/><BR/><I>I regret the infelicities that inclusivity sometimes requires, but I don't think it's inaccurate to translate passages that refer to men and women in English that does the same. What I have trouble seeing, actually, is the opposite: that the traditional usage is inaccurate and ought to be abandoned. (Still, I think I did state the case for abandoning it.)</I><BR/><BR/>I am not quite sure I get your point. I must be thick today. <BR/><BR/><I>I didn't mention the TNIV controversy to dismiss the translation; after all, the KJV is more controversial by far, and I think it's wonderful.</I><BR/><BR/>Yes, I completely get your point here. You did not mention the controversy to dismiss the TNIV, but time had run out. I understand that. Not really on topic either. But it was a 'leading' comment - tantalizing. <BR/><BR/>Lots of good remarks about Fiztgerald and Lattimore, physical nature of books, etc. Thanks, I did enjoy your podcast very much.Suzanne McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033350578895908993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875966.post-1153003733855552042006-07-15T15:48:00.000-07:002006-07-15T15:48:00.000-07:00Thanks for the kind words, Wayne -- they're much a...Thanks for the kind words, Wayne -- they're much appreciated. Just to clarify something Suzanne mentions: I don't actually have "trouble seeing gender inclusive language as accurate," and if I gave that impression, I'm sorry. Over the past six weeks I've been on the road, living out of a suitcase, and the two Bibles I've traveled with are the ESV and the NRSV, both of which use gender inclusive language to one degree or another. I regret the infelicities that inclusivity sometimes requires, but I don't think it's inaccurate to translate passages that refer to men and women in English that does the same. What I have trouble seeing, actually, is the opposite: that the traditional usage is inaccurate and ought to be abandoned. (Still, I think I <I>did</I> state the case for abandoning it.)<BR/><BR/>On my remark about the TNIV, you have to remember that I mention it only in passing while answering a question about how the various translations might be 'ranked' on the spectrum, and the main point I tried to make is that in some cases the TNIV chooses more literal readings than the NIV -- which from my point of view, constitutes praise. I didn't mention the TNIV controversy to dismiss the translation; after all, the KJV is more controversial by far, and I think it's wonderful. <BR/><BR/>One translation I mentioned only briefly and could have gone into more detail about is the REB, which I happen to like. But this interview was recorded just before midnight after a long day of lectures -- which is why I made such a big deal out of Augustine's first bit of advice and seem to have forgotten the other two: comparing translations and reading in context.J. Mark Bertrandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07252756914207435460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875966.post-1152999597669653242006-07-15T14:39:00.000-07:002006-07-15T14:39:00.000-07:00First, I really enjoyed Mark's podcast. However, h...First, I really enjoyed Mark's podcast. However, he comments that 'the tools exist now to learn at least a smattering of Greek' 'students do this all the time, having to acquire a minimum proficiency.' With all due respect to Augustine whom Mark references here, I would suggest, <BR/><BR/>"A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again."<BR/><BR/>I think this is why Mark has trouble seeing gender inclusive language as accurate. However, he is careful to say that he is not qualified to decide.<BR/><BR/>I can see that I was brought up in a similar environment to Mark, and understand his appreciation of the KJV as a cultural artefact. He talks about a new Penguin King James with original translation choices that is worth noting.<BR/><BR/>Mark refers to a loyalty to the RSV on the part of his professors. While he prefers the ESV, he also recommends the New Living, although, oddly, he refers only to the TNIV as 'controversial.' I don't know why the TNIV is controversial and the NLT is not. Hmm. Maybe he'll respond. Good talk, Mark.Suzanne McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033350578895908993noreply@blogger.com