ESV – Trusted by Leaders (and trusted by Stan)
November 9, 2010 16 Comments
(HT: Justin Taylor)
Son of the King of Kings, husband of the most amazing woman on the planet and father of one incredible son.
16 Responses to ESV – Trusted by Leaders (and trusted by Stan)
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Stan McCullars
English Standard Version Bible Daily Verse
- Psalm 19:14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
NIV (2010) information
Stop the killing
I was going to rant against this video. I think it’s bad on many levels but maybe I should get your take on it first. I think the comments on TC’s post were pretty good.
Jeff
I don’t particularly like the video but I do like the ESV. I just wanted to show the ESV some love. There were some good comments at TC’s site but also some anti-ESV rhetoric. I’m over the translation wars. I like the ESV. I like my TNIV. I’ll probably like the updated NIV.
Truthfully, the video is probably worthy of a rant.
This morning I’m not so sure. The video has a number of respected Christian leaders telling others that they trust the ESV. Who is their intended audience? I’m not sure. I doubt it is intended to be a jab at those who don’t like the translation. Perhaps it is geared towards two groups: 1)those are either on the fence about the translation; 2)those who may have had their confidence in the ESV shaken by all of its critics. Just an idea.
I think what we’re looking at is some Christians encouraging their brothers and sisters in Christ. I think it’s admirable. Sure, the cynical side of me can come up with a few reasons to hate the video but I think my cynical side thinks more according to the flesh rather than the Spirit.
Thanks. Gives me a positive point of view. I still think it just looks weird for some reason. I was going to write a post about it but I think I’ll just let it go.
Jeff
I keep going back to D.A. Carson in his article The Debate over Gender-Inclusive Language:
If I was being very cynical I would say they’re being influenced by the people who were involved with translating the ESV. I wish they were more influenced by D.A. Carson. I’ve read that one and I think there may be others and like it a lot.
I just watched the video again and the two problems I have are a guy who thinks there is only “word for word” and paraphrastic translations and when Piper says this is the best ‘version’.
The TNIV was not good with timing and I don’t think this was good timing in the way they did it either. But then I’m not interested in either the ESV or the new NIV even though I think they’re both fine translations. (Don’t tell that to you know who.)
Jeff
I, too, like what Carson says (and how he says it)a lot.
I wish the ESV was marketed a bit differently, something like:
“The ESV is a translation similar in style to the KJV but with modern language and translated using the latest manuscript evidence and scholarship. We believe it would be easy to transition from the KJV. If you’re currently using the NIV or NLT (or any of the other more thought for thought translations) we think the ESV would nicely complement your existing translation as you explore the riches of God’s Word. Just as in an abundance of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14) so too there is safety in using several English translations.”
IMHO, something like that would work a lot better and would not alienate people.
What do you think?
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better. They wouldn’t mention other translations by name other than the KJV, but that would be great. I also think they’d want to stress having people use the ESV as their main translation (because it’s obviously the best in the world) and use others for comparison, but what you have would achieve your goal and sound much more humble and realistic.
Jeff
So what you’re saying is Crossway isn’t going to be paying me for my idea. ;)
Not exactly. I wish.
Jeff
I would even offer them a discount. I might even email them my suggestion.
I might use my example to post “an open letter to Crossway” to try to help them out.
Good idea.
what does carson say?
I haven’t seen any statements from Carson regarding the ESV. His quote on the Bible wars speaks to the holier translation than thine idea that comes through to a degree on the video.
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