Intercultural Gospeling and a Literal Translation of Scripture

[PeaceHopeJoyLove]

With somewhat of an understanding of cultural differences, I am of the belief that a literal word-for-word translation of Scripture will cause people to misunderstand the gospel. With so many differing perceptions from the many traditions and values people have, it seems that a translation requires significantly more work than first thought. For example, the verse that states that Jesus stands at the door and knocks would be perceived in some African cultures that Jesus is a thief, as in their culture a thief knocks on the door to see if anyone is inside. If one wished to engage in a friendly visit, then one must call out the name and await an answer. Hence, this verse ought to be translated as "Jesus stands at the door and calls."
Another point is that when on mission trips, many people are not highly educated and cannot understand scholarly works that explain the grammatical and historical context of Scripture, so how would one explain things to them in a literal manner and convey the message of the gospel?

 

[maxwel]

Have you ever been on a mission trip to another country where you did personal evangelism?

..

 

[dcontroversal]

With somewhat of an understanding of cultural differences, I am of the belief that a literal word-for-word translation of Scripture will cause people to misunderstand the gospel. With so many differing perceptions from the many traditions and values people have, it seems that a translation requires significantly more work than first thought. For example, the verse that states that Jesus stands at the door and knocks would be perceived in some African cultures that Jesus is a thief, as in their culture a thief knocks on the door to see if anyone is inside. If one wished to engage in a friendly visit, then one must call out the name and await an answer. Hence, this verse ought to be translated as "Jesus stands at the door and calls."
Another point is that when on mission trips, many people are not highly educated and cannot understand scholarly works that explain the grammatical and historical context of Scripture, so how would one explain things to them in a literal manner and convey the message of the gospel?

Does this underestimate the ability of God and the Holy Spirit to give understanding? God created the tongue, mind and all languages....can he not open one's ability to perceive a truth or all truths from the word?

 

[JaumeJ]

With somewhat of an understanding of cultural differences, I am of the belief that a literal word-for-word translation of Scripture will cause people to misunderstand the gospel. With so many differing perceptions from the many traditions and values people have, it seems that a translation requires significantly more work than first thought. For example, the verse that states that Jesus stands at the door and knocks would be perceived in some African cultures that Jesus is a thief, as in their culture a thief knocks on the door to see if anyone is inside. If one wished to engage in a friendly visit, then one must call out the name and await an answer. Hence, this verse ought to be translated as "Jesus stands at the door and calls."
Another point is that when on mission trips, many people are not highly educated and cannot understand scholarly works that explain the grammatical and historical context of Scripture, so how would one explain things to them in a literal manner and convey the message of the gospel?

All sharing of understanding must be in the Holy Spirit, not literal, and never intellectual. Let us approach the Father as children.

 

[Lanolin]

I read the cockney Bible but I dont know if it made much sense to me, as I kinda believe Jesus was orignally from Nazareth and not from south of the bow bells.
Theres also the Kiwi Bible and the lolcat bible. It seems a few people like to read the Message bible where God is referred to as a dude and Jesus as like his hipster pastor type trying to be relevant.

 

[JohnRH]

With somewhat of an understanding of cultural differences, I am of the belief that a literal word-for-word translation of Scripture will cause people to misunderstand the gospel. With so many differing perceptions from the many traditions and values people have, it seems that a translation requires significantly more work than first thought. For example, the verse that states that Jesus stands at the door and knocks would be perceived in some African cultures that Jesus is a thief, as in their culture a thief knocks on the door to see if anyone is inside. If one wished to engage in a friendly visit, then one must call out the name and await an answer. Hence, this verse ought to be translated as "Jesus stands at the door and calls."
Another point is that when on mission trips, many people are not highly educated and cannot understand scholarly works that explain the grammatical and historical context of Scripture, so how would one explain things to them in a literal manner and convey the message of the gospel?

I think a non-literal attempt like that on the text of Scripture would end up butchering the entire Bible. An unfamiliar "knock" on the door of an African will accomplish what God pleases and prosper in the thing whereto God sent it. We have to trust His Word as it actually is.
In Tyndale's time the religionists were "afraid" that many of the plow boys in England would gouge out their eye and cast it from them if they had their own Bibles.
Footnotes, margin notes, & Bible teachers explaining things on the side is good. But access to the unadulterated text of Scripture is necessary to test what the explainers are explaining.

 

[JaumeJ]

I read the cockney Bible but I dont know if it made much sense to me, as I kinda believe Jesus was orignally from Nazareth and not from south of the bow bells.
Theres also the Kiwi Bible and the lolcat bible. It seems a few people like to read the Message bible where God is referred to as a dude and Jesus as like his hipster pastor type trying to be relevant.

An interesting and prophetic note about Jesus the Nazarite or the Nazar, it is written He is the Branch......Nazar is the word for Branch.

By the way, for your files, I believe the Cockney accent is loacted with the bells' range of sounding............

 

[Hungry]

What was the method of evangelism in the hundreds of years prior to the completed text? Personally, I questioned the Bible’s legitimacy as a non-Christian. It was the kind acts, fellowship and explanation of salvation from a pastor that inspired my commitment to Christ. Since then I have been grappling with the Bible’s teachings, daily discovering new wisdom for twenty years....and counting.

 

[JaumeJ]

What was the method of evangelism in the hundreds of years prior to the completed text? Personally, I questioned the Bible’s legitimacy as a non-Christian. It was the kind acts, fellowship and explanation of salvation from a pastor that inspired my commitment to Christ. Since then I have been grappling with the Bible’s teachings, daily discovering new wisdom for twenty years....and counting.

Jesus Christ, Yeshua, declared openly within His words on the signs of the end times that aspostasy shall aboound. Reading all of the Word in prayer repeatedly we find it has been around since Paul but now it certainly is global..........

With this in mind, there is no need to complain about the doctrines of others, learn from Jesus Christ, Himself. He has invited yo to do so....

When yo do, and you hear odd counding teachings, you will then know why. God bless you and may Jesus, Himself, teach you all you need know.

 

[Hungry]

Jesus Christ, Yeshua, declared openly within His words on the signs of the end times that aspostasy shall aboound. Reading all of the Word in prayer repeatedly we find it has been around since Paul but now it certainly is global..........

With this in mind, there is no need to complain about the doctrines of others, learn from Jesus Christ, Himself. He has invited yo to do so....

When yo do, and you hear odd counding teachings, you will then know why. God bless you and may Jesus, Himself, teach you all you need know.

I agree wholeheartedly that Christ, teaches us directly. My greatest breakthroughs in comprehension have been in silent meditation. However, if I think I am correct and directed by the Holy Spirit, and everybody else does with equal fervour, when our opinions are in contradiction, who or what determines accuracy?

 

[JaumeJ]

I agree wholeheartedly that Christ, teaches us directly. My greatest breakthroughs in comprehension have been in silent meditation. However, if I think I am correct and directed by the Holy Spirit, and everybody else does with equal fervour, when our opinions are in contradiction, who or what determines accuracy?

Keep whatever the issue is in your heart until understanding is given, and it will be. I know. I have always waited for understanding, I have wated decadess at times.

Alsoalwayskeep in mind the words given to Daniel to write down where he foretells in the last heartbeats of what we call time there will be few with undersanding, those with understanding will be scattered and finally when the beast does come on the scene he will be allowed to wage war on the saints and prevail.

Now, knowing this, it should be obvious what your faith leads to.

 

[tanakh]

An interesting and prophetic note about Jesus the Nazarite or the Nazar, it is written He is the Branch......Nazar is the word for Branch.

By the way, for your files, I believe the Cockney accent is loacted with the bells' range of sounding............

Being a Cockney is more about knowing rhyming slang than an accent although most have an East London Accent. To be one you had to be born within the sound of the Bells of Bow Church. I think the Cockney Bible was more of a joke than a serious translation. My Brother in Law was a real Cockney. There are not many left now as most have climbed the Apples and Pears for the last time.

 

[JaumeJ]

Are they not between the "oranges and lemons? I believe now it is within the sound of St. Mary's but you know, so let us know.

 

[tanakh]

Are they not between the "oranges and lemons? I believe now it is within the sound of St. Mary's but you know, so let us know.

The old Nursery Rhyme ''Oranges and Lemons'' mentions all the Bells of the old London Churches. It goes like this

Oranges and Lemons
Say the Bells of St Clements
You owe me five Farthings
Say the Bells of Saint Martins
When will you pay me?
Say the Bells of Old Bailey
When I grow rich
Say the Bells of Shoreditch
When will that be?
Say the Bells of Stepney
I'm sure I don't know
Says the great bell of Bow

 

[Exegete]

As surprising as this may sound to some, the bible itself is a very cultural book. Meaning, that at the time the various books were written, they were composed in a manner and language that the people for whom the books were written understood readily by simply by hearing (not reading) the text. This also includes the use of metaphors and idioms that they understood instantly but when literally translated into English today makes little sense without taking these things into consideration. But, that is simply the text.

Your OP questioned whether "a literal word-for-word translation of Scripture will cause people to misunderstand the gospel." One thing I find amazing is that the Gospel (literally: "good news") can transcend any culture. I don't have to do anything (sacrifice an animal, offer up fruits of the field, do good works, etc) to be accepted by God or show myself worthy - all of that has already been accomplished by the work of Christ who made peace between myself and the Father (Eph 2:13-18)

 

[PeaceHopeJoyLove]

Have you ever been on a mission trip to another country where you did personal evangelism?

..

No, it is something I have been studying and reading about from others who have been on such trips. Also, I have had close friends from different cultures that I have worked with in similar matters.

 

[PeaceHopeJoyLove]

Does this underestimate the ability of God and the Holy Spirit to give understanding? God created the tongue, mind and all languages....can he not open one's ability to perceive a truth or all truths from the word?

No. The Bible was written for specific cultures. The Apostle Paul modified the gospel message depending on where he taught. When he approached the Roman leaders, he used things they would understand. When he approached the Greeks, he again adopted to their culture to increase their ability to understand. He was not doubting the Spirit, but rather explaining things in a way that they might understand better. I am not inclined to believe that the Spirit generally gives complete understanding to all people, but likely draws people to the gospel. It is up to us to study in order to teach in a manner that is effective.

 

[PeaceHopeJoyLove]

All sharing of understanding must be in the Holy Spirit, not literal, and never intellectual. Let us approach the Father as children.

Mmm, yeah, but God gave us a mind to think, so I believe we ought to engage in studying and understanding the word.

 

[JaumeJ]

Mmm, yeah, but God gave us a mind to think, so I believe we ought to engage in studying and understanding the word.

Faith, something you cannot see, tells all who have it that understanding only comes from our Father.

No man has the mind of God, His way are not man's ways. To even entertain that anyone may seize understanding of truth and truth itself from a human mind is spiritually unsound and impossible.

All may attmpt to approach our Father as intellectuals, scientists, philosophers or whatever other great minds one may dream up, but no man is going to be able to discuss the etrnal trut of our Fagther with anything other than the approach of a child who honestly is aware he does not have any preconceived notions. He must hear by the Holy Spirit. If answers do not come , wait.

 

[PeaceHopeJoyLove]

. ț,

I think a non-literal attempt like that on the text of Scripture would end up butchering the entire Bible. An unfamiliar "knock" on the door of an African will accomplish what God pleases and prosper in the thing whereto God sent it. We have to trust His Word as it actually is.
In Tyndale's time the religionists were "afraid" that many of the plow boys in England would gouge out their eye and cast it from them if they had their own Bibles.
Footnotes, margin notes, & Bible teachers explaining things on the side is good. But access to the unadulterated text of Scripture is necessary to test what the explainers are explaining.

Hmm, then perhaps we should oppose translations in even the English language. I have done some translating from languages such as French, Spanish, and Romanian and have found that many things are based on culture. For example, if I stated the phrase " Dă-i, Doamne, mintea românului din urma." A literal word for word translation would read, "Please Lord, give him the mind of a Romanian!" which is confusing to English people, but a better translation would be "If only I knew then what I know now." Word for word fails us.