tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875966.post-46852062748767801162008-03-18T07:36:00.000-07:002008-03-18T08:09:59.581-07:00Are you using the "right" Bible? Maslow claimed that one of the most <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs">basic human needs</a> is the desire to belong, to be part of a group. I have noticed that one of the marks of religious solidarity is often what version of the Bible is used. In some churches it is a requirement that only the King James Version be used. In others it is the NASB. It appears that there is a recent movement toward using the ESV as a mark of group solidarity and doctrinal purity. I suspect that there is a reaction among some to use the TNIV as a mark of group identity.<br /><br />We often create shibboleths which are "keys to the kingdom", social doors through which applicants must pass in order to be fully accepted within the group or church. Some Bible translation shibboleths which have developed are:<br /><ol><li>Does this Bible say "young woman" or "virgin" in Is. 7:14?</li><li>Does this Bible say "blood of Christ" or is it sometimes translated as "death of Christ"?<br /></li><li>Does this Bible retain "theological terms" such as "grace", "righteousness", and "sanctification"?</li><li>Was this Bible version translated according to the <a href="http://www.bible-researcher.com/csguidelines.html">Colorado Springs Guidelines</a>?</li><li>Is this Bible version gender inclusive?</li><li>Does this version use "church" or "assembly"?</li><li>Does this version use the name of God, "Yahweh" or "Jehovah"?</li><li>Does this version retain literal translations of biblical idioms, such as "doing what is right in God's eyes", "son of perdition"?<br /></li></ol>I just came across a blog post titled <a href="http://www.opensourcetheology.net/node/1478#comment-7189">“Proper” and “Rightly”: How Conservative Evangelicals Creatively Manage the Scriptures</a>. Although this post is not directly about what Bible version we use, we can find within the post the idea that the use of certain "Bible" words can divide us into factions.<br /><br />Paul noted a problem like this in the Corinthian church:<br /><blockquote>10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,* by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe's household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,*” or “I follow only Christ.”<br /><br />13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don't remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn't send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power. (1 Cor. 1:10-17, NLT)<br /></blockquote>What are some Bible version shibboleths you are aware of? Which ones are used in your faith community? Which ones do you yourself tend to use?<br /><br />What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Bible translation shibboleths for group identity?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/11875966-4685206274876780116?l=englishbibles.blogspot.com'/></div>Wayne Lemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18024771201561767893wayne.leman@gmail.com45