Myth #1: Translation is all about Words pt.2
Welcome back to Myth #1 of our translation myths. In part 1, we found that languages have different ways to express the same meaning. In the last part we used the set phrase “what is your name” in French and English to demonstrate this point.
While some people may be convinced by this, many others feel that outside of such phrases and maybe a few idioms, you should always stick to the wording of the original. Let’s try another example to see if this works. Here is a sentence that can be translated several ways
I don’t like that man – Je ne l’aime pas, cet homme-là.
Moi, je n’aime pas cet homme.
Je n’aime pas cet homme.
How would a translator know which one to pick? All three French phrases have the same meaning as the English phrase. Which one is correct?
The truth is that any of the three may be right. In spoken language, the choice of phrase would be fairly easy.
You see, in English, we often emphasise something by saying it slightly louder or with slightly more force. So if I said “I don’t like that man,” the emphasis is on me. Perhaps I might say this if someone else does like him. If I said “I don’t like that man,” the emphasis is on that particular man rather than a man I do like. Of course, I can also just say “I don’t like that man” with no particular emphasis.
In French, they tend to emphasise things by changing the wording of the phrase. In our first example, the stress would be on that particular man, much like if you said “I don’t like that man” in English. The second phrase emphasises the person speaking, just like “I don’t like that man” in English and the last phrase is the same as using no particular emphasis in English.
If translation were all about words, we would only need one way to express this English meaning in French yet, as we have seen, there are at least three choices, depending on which part of the sentence you want to emphasise. Since translation isn’t about meaning, translators need to take care choosing the correct way of translating a phrase, taking into account many different factors. It is not simply a case of looking each word up in a dictionary and writing down the first translation of it you find.
It is clear then that since languages have so many different ways to express similar meanings, there is no way that we can assume that using dictionary equivalents of the same words will necessarily mean that we create the same meaning. We also have to abandon the idea that translation is all about words. If it were then learning a language would simply mean memorising a bilingual dictionary and, as we all know, that is simply not the case. Translation is all about meaning not words.
Monday 21 December 2009
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Translation Myths pt.1.1
Myth #1: Translation is all about words pt. 1
The first translation myth we will look at is possibly the most common. Most people, when they think of translation, will think that translators take the WORDS from one language and turn them into WORDS in another. Following this logic, all a translator really needs is a good dictionary and they can translate pretty much anything. Learning translation then is really all about learning the words and grammar of both languages and making one fit the other.
So, why is this a myth? Well, here is one solid reason which should be obvious to anyone who has ever learned a second language.
REASON
Different languages use different ways to express the same meaning.
If you have ever tried to learn another language, you will have probably started with some set phrases so that you can ask someone’s name, find out where they are from, how they are and so forth. These set phrases are commonly taken to express similar meanings. Let’s take a common example that you might find in a French phrase book.
What is your name? – Comment vous-appelez vous?
Now, if you go up to a French person and say that phrase to them, the likelihood is that they will respond to you by giving you their name. Yet, the French word for “name” does not appear anywhere in that sentence. In fact, of the four words in the French phrase, only one would be found by looking up one of the English words in a dictionary.
If translation were all about words, this would be a bad translation, yet this translation is accepted and used all the time. If you ask a French teacher to translate “what is your name?” into French, you will be given the exact French sentence we find above.
So why has this French phrase become accepted as a good translation of “what is your name?” The answer is simple: translation is about meaning, not words. In this case, the meaning of “what is your name?” is best expressed using the French phrase which, if literally translated would be something like “what do you call yourself?” Put another way, the effect of asking an English person “What is your name?” is equivalent to the effect of asking a French person “Comment vous-appelez vous?”
This equivalence of effect is often what translators aim for. Understanding how this works and how to find out the meaning of what is said is a key skill for translators. Next tiem, we will look at this in more detail.
The first translation myth we will look at is possibly the most common. Most people, when they think of translation, will think that translators take the WORDS from one language and turn them into WORDS in another. Following this logic, all a translator really needs is a good dictionary and they can translate pretty much anything. Learning translation then is really all about learning the words and grammar of both languages and making one fit the other.
So, why is this a myth? Well, here is one solid reason which should be obvious to anyone who has ever learned a second language.
REASON
Different languages use different ways to express the same meaning.
If you have ever tried to learn another language, you will have probably started with some set phrases so that you can ask someone’s name, find out where they are from, how they are and so forth. These set phrases are commonly taken to express similar meanings. Let’s take a common example that you might find in a French phrase book.
What is your name? – Comment vous-appelez vous?
Now, if you go up to a French person and say that phrase to them, the likelihood is that they will respond to you by giving you their name. Yet, the French word for “name” does not appear anywhere in that sentence. In fact, of the four words in the French phrase, only one would be found by looking up one of the English words in a dictionary.
If translation were all about words, this would be a bad translation, yet this translation is accepted and used all the time. If you ask a French teacher to translate “what is your name?” into French, you will be given the exact French sentence we find above.
So why has this French phrase become accepted as a good translation of “what is your name?” The answer is simple: translation is about meaning, not words. In this case, the meaning of “what is your name?” is best expressed using the French phrase which, if literally translated would be something like “what do you call yourself?” Put another way, the effect of asking an English person “What is your name?” is equivalent to the effect of asking a French person “Comment vous-appelez vous?”
This equivalence of effect is often what translators aim for. Understanding how this works and how to find out the meaning of what is said is a key skill for translators. Next tiem, we will look at this in more detail.
Friday 4 December 2009
More Posts Coming Soon
Sorry for not posting a lot recently. This has mostly been due to work commitments. The "Future of Interpreting in Church" series is going to go on the back burner for now and instead, the next few posts will examine some common translation myths. More on Monday.
Jonathan
Jonathan
Wednesday 28 October 2009
The Future of Interpreting in Church pt.1
I have recently discovered the "Unprofessional Translation" blog. In this blog, the writer examines a lot of different places where those who are not professionally trained carry out translation or interpreting. For me, the most interest part of this blog has been his sensitive discussion of interpreting in church.
He concludes, like many others, that church interpreting is widespread and is often done by talented amateurs rather than professionals. On this point, there can be little argument. While a quick google search is likely to turn up some interpreters who are paid for church work, the vast majority of these seem to be sign language interpreters. Spoken language interpreters, it would seem, are much less likely to be paid. Similarly, while course for sign language interpreting in church seem to be available from one or two US Universities, nothing similar is available for spoken language interpreters.
I might talk about pay later, but let's deal with training for now.
Personally, I feel that we really do need specific training for church interpreters. Along with the blog above, research by Alev Balci and my own work in the ITI Bulletin has pointed out that church interpreters work under entirely different constraints than those working in other settings. So, while training on performance and stage presence might be completely unnecessary for interpreters working at a political conference, it is a must for church interpreters. Similarly, theology is useless for work in court interpreting but is desperately needed in interpreting.
It is essential that spoken language church interpreting follow the lead set by its sign language cousin. We really do need more research, we really do need more courses. What form these might take is open for debate but, with church interpreting reported on all continents (except Antarctica), perhaps web-based delivery holds the most promise.
To Be Continued
He concludes, like many others, that church interpreting is widespread and is often done by talented amateurs rather than professionals. On this point, there can be little argument. While a quick google search is likely to turn up some interpreters who are paid for church work, the vast majority of these seem to be sign language interpreters. Spoken language interpreters, it would seem, are much less likely to be paid. Similarly, while course for sign language interpreting in church seem to be available from one or two US Universities, nothing similar is available for spoken language interpreters.
I might talk about pay later, but let's deal with training for now.
Personally, I feel that we really do need specific training for church interpreters. Along with the blog above, research by Alev Balci and my own work in the ITI Bulletin has pointed out that church interpreters work under entirely different constraints than those working in other settings. So, while training on performance and stage presence might be completely unnecessary for interpreters working at a political conference, it is a must for church interpreters. Similarly, theology is useless for work in court interpreting but is desperately needed in interpreting.
It is essential that spoken language church interpreting follow the lead set by its sign language cousin. We really do need more research, we really do need more courses. What form these might take is open for debate but, with church interpreting reported on all continents (except Antarctica), perhaps web-based delivery holds the most promise.
To Be Continued
Tuesday 13 October 2009
It's all in your head
"It's all in your head," have you ever heard someone say that? It's the kind of phrase that seems to have the power to annoy and educate in equal measure. On the one hand, nothing is more annoying than someone trying to tell you that your problem is not that serious. On the other hand, we all know that often we can make things out to be worse than they really are.
The truth is that a lot of the things that happen to us in life start out as thoughts in our head. Who hasn't imagined having an argument with someone before they even see them? Who has never worried about money to pay bills or buy clothes?
The problem is that, while all that might seem natural, worry has never been good for us. In Matthew 6, Jesus asks a few questions that should give us pause. Here are verses 25 to 30 from the New Living Translation.
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Why do we have so little faith? Why do we worry more naturally than we pray?
The real issue is trust. Do we trust God to look after us? Do we trust Him when He tells us not to worry? Do we know just how damaging worry is?
So, this week, no matter what goes on, ask yourself these questions: is my worry doing me any good? Do I have such a close relationship with God that I can trust Him to look after my needs?
Your mind is important - use it wisely.
The truth is that a lot of the things that happen to us in life start out as thoughts in our head. Who hasn't imagined having an argument with someone before they even see them? Who has never worried about money to pay bills or buy clothes?
The problem is that, while all that might seem natural, worry has never been good for us. In Matthew 6, Jesus asks a few questions that should give us pause. Here are verses 25 to 30 from the New Living Translation.
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Why do we have so little faith? Why do we worry more naturally than we pray?
The real issue is trust. Do we trust God to look after us? Do we trust Him when He tells us not to worry? Do we know just how damaging worry is?
So, this week, no matter what goes on, ask yourself these questions: is my worry doing me any good? Do I have such a close relationship with God that I can trust Him to look after my needs?
Your mind is important - use it wisely.
Friday 21 August 2009
The Blessings of Thankfulness
Yes, the blog is back after a Summer break. Articles will now be posted at more regular intervals. This week, we will be looking at a simple principle that can really change your life: thankfulness.
"Thank you," two small words that make a huge difference. Whether it is by email, by phone or even with a small gift, people love to be appreciated. However, in our rush to "get things done" we often miss small but nonetheless crucial ways of showing people we care.
Maybe our attitude would be different if you we realise how much thankfulness benefits us, as well as others. As selfish as it might seem, people tend to be more apt to help others when they can see it is in their interests too. If we knew just how amazing thankfulness is, maybe we might thank people more often.
Well then, what are the benefits of thankfulness?
The first benefit is by far the most important. The Bible tells us that we enter God's presence with thankfulness in our hearts. As we demonstrate our gratefulness to God, we are able to experience more of who He is. This is simple enough to understand: who would you rather be around, those who recognise your efforts and are truly grateful or those who take you for granted?
Another benefit is that thankfulness opens doors. By appreciating the little things people do, you create a connection with them. After all, who would you rather talk to, the person who notices the difference you make or the person who couldn't careless.
There is, of course, one last benefit. Being thankful gives you a better outlook on life. At a time when there are so many negative messages going around, the simple acts of noticing the good things people do and giving appreciation keeps you positive and ready to see the good things that are going on.
So there you are. Go looking for things to be thankful for. Go looking for people to appreciate. You'll be surprised at the real difference it makes.
"Thank you," two small words that make a huge difference. Whether it is by email, by phone or even with a small gift, people love to be appreciated. However, in our rush to "get things done" we often miss small but nonetheless crucial ways of showing people we care.
Maybe our attitude would be different if you we realise how much thankfulness benefits us, as well as others. As selfish as it might seem, people tend to be more apt to help others when they can see it is in their interests too. If we knew just how amazing thankfulness is, maybe we might thank people more often.
Well then, what are the benefits of thankfulness?
The first benefit is by far the most important. The Bible tells us that we enter God's presence with thankfulness in our hearts. As we demonstrate our gratefulness to God, we are able to experience more of who He is. This is simple enough to understand: who would you rather be around, those who recognise your efforts and are truly grateful or those who take you for granted?
Another benefit is that thankfulness opens doors. By appreciating the little things people do, you create a connection with them. After all, who would you rather talk to, the person who notices the difference you make or the person who couldn't careless.
There is, of course, one last benefit. Being thankful gives you a better outlook on life. At a time when there are so many negative messages going around, the simple acts of noticing the good things people do and giving appreciation keeps you positive and ready to see the good things that are going on.
So there you are. Go looking for things to be thankful for. Go looking for people to appreciate. You'll be surprised at the real difference it makes.
Saturday 4 July 2009
Taking Teamwork Further
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote the only post that I have ever advertised elsewhere: "Why you should never preach THROUGH an interpreter." The comments and response to this post have more than justified my self-promotion, even though I don't intend to repeat it.
The response to it has been incredibly positive. Interpreters especially seem to have welcomed the idea that, if the gospel is to be proclaimed across cultural boundaries, it will take teamwork. Even more, one colleague pointed out that the principle can be taken even further to where interpreters actually engage in training preachers in this "with" approach.
But what if we take this further? Who else can we preach "with?" Would it be too much to ask that, instead of churches concentrating on our points of difference, we work "with" each other to gather in the harvest? Returning to cross-cultural discussion, what if we were to work "with" people who occupy analogous roles to interpreters. This might begin with giving more recognition to those working with the Deaf and supporting projects like the translation of the Bible into sign languages (by Wycliffe). Going further, we could also benefit from working "with" those who have expertise in working amongst young people, old people, businesspeople etc by supporting ad helping their ministries.
There really is no end to what could be achieved. The key is to set aside feelings of competition and to start by asking "what can I do to help?" If nothing more, we can at least pray.
Who can you work "with?"
The response to it has been incredibly positive. Interpreters especially seem to have welcomed the idea that, if the gospel is to be proclaimed across cultural boundaries, it will take teamwork. Even more, one colleague pointed out that the principle can be taken even further to where interpreters actually engage in training preachers in this "with" approach.
But what if we take this further? Who else can we preach "with?" Would it be too much to ask that, instead of churches concentrating on our points of difference, we work "with" each other to gather in the harvest? Returning to cross-cultural discussion, what if we were to work "with" people who occupy analogous roles to interpreters. This might begin with giving more recognition to those working with the Deaf and supporting projects like the translation of the Bible into sign languages (by Wycliffe). Going further, we could also benefit from working "with" those who have expertise in working amongst young people, old people, businesspeople etc by supporting ad helping their ministries.
There really is no end to what could be achieved. The key is to set aside feelings of competition and to start by asking "what can I do to help?" If nothing more, we can at least pray.
Who can you work "with?"
Comments
Just a short post before today's main post. I have changed the comments settings so that any can leave a comment, providing you can pass a word verification test, similar to the ones used for registering on many different sites. If there is any spam, I will have to change this but it should make things easier and more open for now.
Friday 26 June 2009
Living a Life of Integrity
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
Psalm 101:2b New Living Translation
How's your character? When noone else is watching, how disciplined are you? When you know you won't get caught, how do you behave?
As we see politicians lose their careers and reputations over their expenses claims, we should look at our own lives before we condemn others. We might not be able to take advantage of generous expense accounts but do we "bend the rules" in our workplaces to get what we want?
We might look bright and pure on the outside but if there was a secret camera filming us at home, how would we look?
I believe that one of the hardest tests that Christians face is their own self-discipline. To remember to spend quality time with God each day can be hard. To show the same grace and love to your family on Monday as you do from the pulpit on Sunday is not always easy.
The truth is that we can easily forget that the qualifications God looks for are not found on scrolls or diplomas but are written on our hearts (read Titus 7-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-12 etc). God is far more interested in what we do at home than He is in the show we try to put on in church.
So, whether you are at home or at work, keep working hard and remain self-disciplined. Even Paul, the most well-known of the apostles knew that, without self-discipline, we become easy targets for the enemy. He said:
"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
(1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT)
To some of you reading this, your self-discipline could be a matter of life and death. Choosing wrongly could cost you your health, your happiness or even worse, your eternal salvation. If Paul needed to keep himself under control and disciplined so as not to be disqualified, so do we.
So, where is it you need more self-discipline? Is it in your time? Is it in how you spend your money? Is it the TV shows you watch or the websites you visit? Do you need to exercise more regularly? What about smoking? Wherever you need more discipline, it is worth it. In my next post I will look at how we can help each other with this.
Until then, stay the course!
Jonathan
in my own home.
Psalm 101:2b New Living Translation
How's your character? When noone else is watching, how disciplined are you? When you know you won't get caught, how do you behave?
As we see politicians lose their careers and reputations over their expenses claims, we should look at our own lives before we condemn others. We might not be able to take advantage of generous expense accounts but do we "bend the rules" in our workplaces to get what we want?
We might look bright and pure on the outside but if there was a secret camera filming us at home, how would we look?
I believe that one of the hardest tests that Christians face is their own self-discipline. To remember to spend quality time with God each day can be hard. To show the same grace and love to your family on Monday as you do from the pulpit on Sunday is not always easy.
The truth is that we can easily forget that the qualifications God looks for are not found on scrolls or diplomas but are written on our hearts (read Titus 7-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-12 etc). God is far more interested in what we do at home than He is in the show we try to put on in church.
So, whether you are at home or at work, keep working hard and remain self-disciplined. Even Paul, the most well-known of the apostles knew that, without self-discipline, we become easy targets for the enemy. He said:
"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
(1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT)
To some of you reading this, your self-discipline could be a matter of life and death. Choosing wrongly could cost you your health, your happiness or even worse, your eternal salvation. If Paul needed to keep himself under control and disciplined so as not to be disqualified, so do we.
So, where is it you need more self-discipline? Is it in your time? Is it in how you spend your money? Is it the TV shows you watch or the websites you visit? Do you need to exercise more regularly? What about smoking? Wherever you need more discipline, it is worth it. In my next post I will look at how we can help each other with this.
Until then, stay the course!
Jonathan
Friday 19 June 2009
Why you should never preach THROUGH an interpreter
But you should always preach with one!
Imagine this, you have been asked to travel abroad to speak in a church where almost no one speaks any English at all. You finish your notes and your packing and start to think about what is ahead of you.
“Great,” you think. “I’ll get to speak through an interpreter. I’ve never done that before.”
You start to speak and everything seems to be going well. People seem to be giving you their undivided attention and you are flowing really well. But suddenly, disaster strikes! In the middle of your funniest, but most touching story, the interpreter stops and tells you that they don’t understand. Now you find yourself in the middle of explaining what you meant to the interpreter as the congregation starts getting fidgety and your precious flow flies out of the window.
“Typical,” you think. “Maybe I should just stay at home next time.”
Sad to say, stories like this one are not uncommon. It is true that even the most skilfully interpreted sermon will never quite match a monolingual sermon for flow and naturalness. It is also true that even the best interpreters will find themselves lost at times and will have trouble catching what the speaker said.
However, there is still hope. We don’t need to give up on interpreting altogether. After all, with the rise in immigration and the growth of international travel, being able to speak to people whose first language is not the same as yours is becoming essential if the church is to grow.
I believe that, in this case, one small change can make a world of a difference. Change a preposition and you will see an incredible improvement in the quality, flow and even impact of your interpreted sermons. If we stop saying and thinking about “preaching through an interpreter” and instead begin to speak and think about “preaching with an interpreter,” we are sure to see amazing results.
Why should one word make such a world of a difference? Well, it’s all down to attitude. Preaching “through” an interpreter gives us the impression that interpreters are language machines – nothing more than a piece of necessary equipment to get the job done. In this view, it might even be better if they were machines. After all, being human means that we are all prone to mistakes. The idea of preaching “through” someone means that we see interpreters as a barrier between us and the congregation. It is as if language is a wall or barrier between us and the congregation and interpreters are some kind of tunnel inserted into the wall. While the “tunnel” might let sound through, it is inevitable that it will also cause echoes and distortions. The sound that “comes out” might not accurately reflect what “went in.”
This leads us to the subject of mistakes. If we start from that view that we are preaching “through” an interpreter, then any mistakes will necessarily be the fault of the interpreter. If interpreters are “language machines” then it is the fault of the machine if the interpreting goes wrong or if the wrong meaning is communicated.
What happens when we shift out perspective and talk about preaching “with” an interpreter? The first, and most obvious, change is in how we see the interpreter. “With” automatically creates a feeling of cooperation and teamwork. Instead of the interpreter being a “language machine,” they are now seen as a teammate or an ally. Instead of the previous image of a tunnel through a wall, we now might imagine interpreters more like a guide. Working as our communication partners, they allow us to stay away from the traps and enjoy the views, as well as helping the congregation to understand and explore what we preach.
What about mistakes? Well, if we truly do see ourselves as preaching “with” an interpreter, we will want to minimise mistakes by spending some time beforehand discussing the likely problems ahead. These precious ten or fifteen minutes before we stand up to preach could quite easily pay dividends later on. If mistakes do still happen, seeing the interpreter as a communication partner gives us the humility to admit that we might be at fault. No matter who might have caused the problem, preaching “with” an interpreter will lead us to work together to find a solution.
So there you have it: one word can really make a world of a difference. The next time you are invited to speak in another country or even to people in your country whose first language is not English, spend a few minutes thinking about how you can really preach “with” the interpreter. You may be surprised at the results!
Imagine this, you have been asked to travel abroad to speak in a church where almost no one speaks any English at all. You finish your notes and your packing and start to think about what is ahead of you.
“Great,” you think. “I’ll get to speak through an interpreter. I’ve never done that before.”
You start to speak and everything seems to be going well. People seem to be giving you their undivided attention and you are flowing really well. But suddenly, disaster strikes! In the middle of your funniest, but most touching story, the interpreter stops and tells you that they don’t understand. Now you find yourself in the middle of explaining what you meant to the interpreter as the congregation starts getting fidgety and your precious flow flies out of the window.
“Typical,” you think. “Maybe I should just stay at home next time.”
Sad to say, stories like this one are not uncommon. It is true that even the most skilfully interpreted sermon will never quite match a monolingual sermon for flow and naturalness. It is also true that even the best interpreters will find themselves lost at times and will have trouble catching what the speaker said.
However, there is still hope. We don’t need to give up on interpreting altogether. After all, with the rise in immigration and the growth of international travel, being able to speak to people whose first language is not the same as yours is becoming essential if the church is to grow.
I believe that, in this case, one small change can make a world of a difference. Change a preposition and you will see an incredible improvement in the quality, flow and even impact of your interpreted sermons. If we stop saying and thinking about “preaching through an interpreter” and instead begin to speak and think about “preaching with an interpreter,” we are sure to see amazing results.
Why should one word make such a world of a difference? Well, it’s all down to attitude. Preaching “through” an interpreter gives us the impression that interpreters are language machines – nothing more than a piece of necessary equipment to get the job done. In this view, it might even be better if they were machines. After all, being human means that we are all prone to mistakes. The idea of preaching “through” someone means that we see interpreters as a barrier between us and the congregation. It is as if language is a wall or barrier between us and the congregation and interpreters are some kind of tunnel inserted into the wall. While the “tunnel” might let sound through, it is inevitable that it will also cause echoes and distortions. The sound that “comes out” might not accurately reflect what “went in.”
This leads us to the subject of mistakes. If we start from that view that we are preaching “through” an interpreter, then any mistakes will necessarily be the fault of the interpreter. If interpreters are “language machines” then it is the fault of the machine if the interpreting goes wrong or if the wrong meaning is communicated.
What happens when we shift out perspective and talk about preaching “with” an interpreter? The first, and most obvious, change is in how we see the interpreter. “With” automatically creates a feeling of cooperation and teamwork. Instead of the interpreter being a “language machine,” they are now seen as a teammate or an ally. Instead of the previous image of a tunnel through a wall, we now might imagine interpreters more like a guide. Working as our communication partners, they allow us to stay away from the traps and enjoy the views, as well as helping the congregation to understand and explore what we preach.
What about mistakes? Well, if we truly do see ourselves as preaching “with” an interpreter, we will want to minimise mistakes by spending some time beforehand discussing the likely problems ahead. These precious ten or fifteen minutes before we stand up to preach could quite easily pay dividends later on. If mistakes do still happen, seeing the interpreter as a communication partner gives us the humility to admit that we might be at fault. No matter who might have caused the problem, preaching “with” an interpreter will lead us to work together to find a solution.
So there you have it: one word can really make a world of a difference. The next time you are invited to speak in another country or even to people in your country whose first language is not English, spend a few minutes thinking about how you can really preach “with” the interpreter. You may be surprised at the results!
Thursday 18 June 2009
First Impressions
Here’s a little experiment. Think about the first of each pair of statements for a few seconds and take note of the images that your mind conjures up. Next, read the second statement in the pair and note whether your impressions have changed. Here goes:
A. 1. During a short stay in Paris, I ate in a restaurant on the famous Champs-Elysées.
A. 2. The restaurant I visited there was McDonalds.
B. 1. On many occasions, I have left restaurants without paying for my meal.
B. 2. On all those occasions, one of my friends paid for my meal.
C. 1. During the speech, four people left the room.
C. 2. Two of them ran to the toilets and one woman left to feed her baby.
It’s very easy to make quick judgments that simply do not reflect the whole truth. We judge people based on the few hours we spend with them on Sundays. We judge people based on their job or where they stay and we judge ourselves based on our failures and successes.
The problem is that many of these quick judgments can be very damaging. Falsely judging ourselves can end in pride or low self-esteem. Wrong judgments in others can lead to subtle or not so subtle prejudice.
If we really are to break the barriers between each other and between us and God, we need to start with awareness of the wrong judgments that can so easily turn into prejudice or pride.
For the next week, take note of your first impressions when you meet people in the street or at work. How often do you tend to judge people based on very little evidence? Do you judge based on clothing, skin colour or gender? If you do, ask God to root out and deal with those things in your heart.
A. 1. During a short stay in Paris, I ate in a restaurant on the famous Champs-Elysées.
A. 2. The restaurant I visited there was McDonalds.
B. 1. On many occasions, I have left restaurants without paying for my meal.
B. 2. On all those occasions, one of my friends paid for my meal.
C. 1. During the speech, four people left the room.
C. 2. Two of them ran to the toilets and one woman left to feed her baby.
It’s very easy to make quick judgments that simply do not reflect the whole truth. We judge people based on the few hours we spend with them on Sundays. We judge people based on their job or where they stay and we judge ourselves based on our failures and successes.
The problem is that many of these quick judgments can be very damaging. Falsely judging ourselves can end in pride or low self-esteem. Wrong judgments in others can lead to subtle or not so subtle prejudice.
If we really are to break the barriers between each other and between us and God, we need to start with awareness of the wrong judgments that can so easily turn into prejudice or pride.
For the next week, take note of your first impressions when you meet people in the street or at work. How often do you tend to judge people based on very little evidence? Do you judge based on clothing, skin colour or gender? If you do, ask God to root out and deal with those things in your heart.
Friday 12 June 2009
Breaking the Barriers
I have never before been overtly political on this blog. I have done my best to keep it out of the kinds of controversy that are the usual domain of shock jocks and megaphone toting demagogues. However, the very aim of this blog has what some people might call a political edge.
But before we go there, here’s a minor segue to set the scene.
I believe that some of the greatest discoveries in life begin with a question. The question “who is Jesus?” can bring us closer to salvation. The question “does God really care?” if answered sensitively, can help to illustrate just how much God really does love us. The question “why am I here?” is the starting point for finding out that unique role that God has called us to play in the history of this planet.
On a personal level, God gave me an answer to this last question several months ago, when I was reading a book by John C Maxwell called “Your Roadmap to Success.” He made a single statement that has launched me and fired me up with more passion than I knew I could ever have. The statement was this:
Write your epitaph now or someone else will.
And so I asked God and I asked myself, “how do I want people to remember me?” There was a single phrase that came into my head. When people think of me, I want them to be able to say, “he broke down the barriers.”
What barriers? That’s a good question. The barriers I meant then and still think of now are the kinds of barriers that keep people from hearing the gospel in a language and method that speaks to their heart and stops them gathering with a group of believers who can encourage and strengthen them. So, these barriers range from the obvious barriers like those of language, culture, money and class; to the more insidious: barriers of racism, fear, hatred and suspicion.
What do I mean by breaking these barriers? Do I mean that I want to somehow “break” language or culture? No! But these things should no longer be able to hold people back from hearing a relevant, heart-changing gospel and living it out every day. The more insidious barriers will indeed need to be broken and rendered powerless. The more obvious ones will require time, effort and more than anything else, groups of people who care enough to lay their lives on the line to help people find God and relate to each other.
And so, of course, this is political. There is simply no way to talk about breaking down these barriers without talking about issues like people trafficking, immigration, racism, civil and human rights and what the Bible has to say about all these things. No matter how we feel about immigration, the Bible tells us strongly to take care of the foreigner residing in our land. No matter where we stand on the asylum debate, the Bible reminds us that we too dwell in this world as temporary residents. So who are we to do anything but offer the hand of friendship and a caring word or deed?
One way or another that is what this blog is about. This is why I will write articles on translation and interpreting: because they are the quickest means to begin to break through the barriers of language. This is why I will talk about purpose, discipline and using your talents: because it is only by bringing these three areas together that we can all break down the barriers that separate us from the things God has for us. This is why I will talk time and time again about what the Word of God has to say on a range of issues: because it is the Word that has the power to stimulate people to action and turn families, cities and even entire nations to God.
So, that’s why I started this blog. At times, things might get a little heated but it is heat that has the power to soften us enough for God to reshape us. At times, the things I write might seem uncomfortably close to home. Well, all the better for all of us. We all need God to shine a light in the dark places of our heart so that the barriers that have kept us back can be dismantled and we can live in glorious, spacious freedom in Him.
But before we go there, here’s a minor segue to set the scene.
I believe that some of the greatest discoveries in life begin with a question. The question “who is Jesus?” can bring us closer to salvation. The question “does God really care?” if answered sensitively, can help to illustrate just how much God really does love us. The question “why am I here?” is the starting point for finding out that unique role that God has called us to play in the history of this planet.
On a personal level, God gave me an answer to this last question several months ago, when I was reading a book by John C Maxwell called “Your Roadmap to Success.” He made a single statement that has launched me and fired me up with more passion than I knew I could ever have. The statement was this:
Write your epitaph now or someone else will.
And so I asked God and I asked myself, “how do I want people to remember me?” There was a single phrase that came into my head. When people think of me, I want them to be able to say, “he broke down the barriers.”
What barriers? That’s a good question. The barriers I meant then and still think of now are the kinds of barriers that keep people from hearing the gospel in a language and method that speaks to their heart and stops them gathering with a group of believers who can encourage and strengthen them. So, these barriers range from the obvious barriers like those of language, culture, money and class; to the more insidious: barriers of racism, fear, hatred and suspicion.
What do I mean by breaking these barriers? Do I mean that I want to somehow “break” language or culture? No! But these things should no longer be able to hold people back from hearing a relevant, heart-changing gospel and living it out every day. The more insidious barriers will indeed need to be broken and rendered powerless. The more obvious ones will require time, effort and more than anything else, groups of people who care enough to lay their lives on the line to help people find God and relate to each other.
And so, of course, this is political. There is simply no way to talk about breaking down these barriers without talking about issues like people trafficking, immigration, racism, civil and human rights and what the Bible has to say about all these things. No matter how we feel about immigration, the Bible tells us strongly to take care of the foreigner residing in our land. No matter where we stand on the asylum debate, the Bible reminds us that we too dwell in this world as temporary residents. So who are we to do anything but offer the hand of friendship and a caring word or deed?
One way or another that is what this blog is about. This is why I will write articles on translation and interpreting: because they are the quickest means to begin to break through the barriers of language. This is why I will talk about purpose, discipline and using your talents: because it is only by bringing these three areas together that we can all break down the barriers that separate us from the things God has for us. This is why I will talk time and time again about what the Word of God has to say on a range of issues: because it is the Word that has the power to stimulate people to action and turn families, cities and even entire nations to God.
So, that’s why I started this blog. At times, things might get a little heated but it is heat that has the power to soften us enough for God to reshape us. At times, the things I write might seem uncomfortably close to home. Well, all the better for all of us. We all need God to shine a light in the dark places of our heart so that the barriers that have kept us back can be dismantled and we can live in glorious, spacious freedom in Him.
On the Plateau part 3 - The End
Double post today - first off, we will finish the series on plateaus then later the reason behind the name of this blog will be revealed.
On the Plateau part 3
God-made Plateaus
So you've read all the posts on this so far and you don't quite fit what I've written. Your relationship with God seems good, you are diving deeply into the Word and your enthusiasm is still sky-high. However, the results still don't seem to line up. What's wrong?
This must have been the question that went through Joseph's mind (see Genesis chapters 37 and 39-45). Born in his father's old age, he knew from his teens that God had something special for him. In his youth he dreamed of having a position of honour and esteem. He enjoyed his father's favour and his mother's love.
He grew up as a hard worker and an honest man. He would report back to his parents when his brothers were doing wrong. His brothers threw him into a pit for his trouble. As a slave in Egypt, he became known for his hard work and intelligence, he ended up in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Even when in jail, he was known as someone who was trustworthy. But he still languished there for years. It seemed like in every stage of his life, he would gain favour and rise near to the top, only to either be dumped unceremoniously somewhere else or to sit on a level that was far lower than the place God had called him to live on.
So, what was the problem? The Bible doesn't tell us the reason for every plateau, perhaps we don't actually need to know. What it does tell us is that even in these times, God's hand was still on Joseph's life. When it seemed like progress had slowed and Joseph was going nowhere, God was still in control.
At the end of it all, Joseph was able to understand that although he had taken an unusual route to the top, God had led him there. Listen to what he says to his brothers when they have come to buy grain in Egypt. Remember, these are the same brothers who threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery.
Genesis 45:5 (New Living Translation)
5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.
Joseph understood this principle: no matter the plateau, God has a plan. You see, without this knowledge we can easily mistake plateaus for brick walls. We must have a personal relationship with God and the assurance that He is behind the scenes working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8: 28).
So what do we do in God-made plateaus? Seek Him. Give our lives back to Him once again and delve even deeper into the Word. As I said earlier, no plateau is forever. Until it is time to climb again, we can trust God to lead us and guide us and rest on the knowledge that He will never leave or forsake us.
On the Plateau part 3
God-made Plateaus
So you've read all the posts on this so far and you don't quite fit what I've written. Your relationship with God seems good, you are diving deeply into the Word and your enthusiasm is still sky-high. However, the results still don't seem to line up. What's wrong?
This must have been the question that went through Joseph's mind (see Genesis chapters 37 and 39-45). Born in his father's old age, he knew from his teens that God had something special for him. In his youth he dreamed of having a position of honour and esteem. He enjoyed his father's favour and his mother's love.
He grew up as a hard worker and an honest man. He would report back to his parents when his brothers were doing wrong. His brothers threw him into a pit for his trouble. As a slave in Egypt, he became known for his hard work and intelligence, he ended up in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Even when in jail, he was known as someone who was trustworthy. But he still languished there for years. It seemed like in every stage of his life, he would gain favour and rise near to the top, only to either be dumped unceremoniously somewhere else or to sit on a level that was far lower than the place God had called him to live on.
So, what was the problem? The Bible doesn't tell us the reason for every plateau, perhaps we don't actually need to know. What it does tell us is that even in these times, God's hand was still on Joseph's life. When it seemed like progress had slowed and Joseph was going nowhere, God was still in control.
At the end of it all, Joseph was able to understand that although he had taken an unusual route to the top, God had led him there. Listen to what he says to his brothers when they have come to buy grain in Egypt. Remember, these are the same brothers who threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery.
Genesis 45:5 (New Living Translation)
5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.
Joseph understood this principle: no matter the plateau, God has a plan. You see, without this knowledge we can easily mistake plateaus for brick walls. We must have a personal relationship with God and the assurance that He is behind the scenes working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8: 28).
So what do we do in God-made plateaus? Seek Him. Give our lives back to Him once again and delve even deeper into the Word. As I said earlier, no plateau is forever. Until it is time to climb again, we can trust God to lead us and guide us and rest on the knowledge that He will never leave or forsake us.
Wednesday 3 June 2009
On the Plateau part 2
On the Plateau part 2: Man-made Plateaus
A couple of weeks ago we talked about how plateaus are a natural part of life. We talked about how important it was to acknowledge this so that we can change the way we walk accordingly.
Today we are going to look at man-made plateaus. What are man-made plateaus? Well, to put is simply, man-made plateaus are when our drop in enthusiasm and lack of progress is directly caused by our own actions. For instance, if we suddenly stop reading the Word of God and praying, we will end up on a plateau in our relationship with God. If we stop practising a skill that God has given us, eventually our improvement will slow down and we will find ourselves on a plateau.
That was the case in the book of Ezra. Some of the people of Israel had returned from exile and had begun to build the temple (Ezra 1-3). However, after opposition from their neighbours (Ezra 4:4-5a) they had become discouraged and stopped work.
They had the foundations of the temple laid but nothing built on top of it. They were on a plateau. What was God's response? Did He sympathise with their plight? After all, they had only stopped because of opposition. It wasn't really their fault.
Haggai 1: 2-3, 8 NLT
2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’”
3 Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?
8 Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.
God's response is not to accept the people's excuses, however valid they might seem to us. His response is to encourage them to get up on their feet and get back to work.
We need to understand that there will always be excuses and reasons why we can't get back to work. It will always be more tempting to give up than to keep going. When you don't see results, or worse, face outright opposition, it will always take a push to get back up. But that is not a reason to stay on the plateau.
I believe that plateaus reveal the real reasons behind what we are doing. If we are only doing something for public praise or an ego boost, plateaus will soon make us turn back. If all we want is a quick thrill, we will stop when our effort seems to outweigh our reward.
So what is God's response when you seem to have worked yourself into a plateau? Get up and get working! Maybe, like the people in Ezra, you have made the mistake of putting your own interest before God's Kingdom and the rewards seem to have dried up (see Haggai 1). Maybe you have lost enthusiasm because you aren't improving fast enough. Whatever it is, the key is to keep going. Don't give up now. Do the things that helped you progress before. One day, you will reach the end of the plateau and begin to climb again.
A couple of weeks ago we talked about how plateaus are a natural part of life. We talked about how important it was to acknowledge this so that we can change the way we walk accordingly.
Today we are going to look at man-made plateaus. What are man-made plateaus? Well, to put is simply, man-made plateaus are when our drop in enthusiasm and lack of progress is directly caused by our own actions. For instance, if we suddenly stop reading the Word of God and praying, we will end up on a plateau in our relationship with God. If we stop practising a skill that God has given us, eventually our improvement will slow down and we will find ourselves on a plateau.
That was the case in the book of Ezra. Some of the people of Israel had returned from exile and had begun to build the temple (Ezra 1-3). However, after opposition from their neighbours (Ezra 4:4-5a) they had become discouraged and stopped work.
They had the foundations of the temple laid but nothing built on top of it. They were on a plateau. What was God's response? Did He sympathise with their plight? After all, they had only stopped because of opposition. It wasn't really their fault.
Haggai 1: 2-3, 8 NLT
2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’”
3 Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?
8 Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.
God's response is not to accept the people's excuses, however valid they might seem to us. His response is to encourage them to get up on their feet and get back to work.
We need to understand that there will always be excuses and reasons why we can't get back to work. It will always be more tempting to give up than to keep going. When you don't see results, or worse, face outright opposition, it will always take a push to get back up. But that is not a reason to stay on the plateau.
I believe that plateaus reveal the real reasons behind what we are doing. If we are only doing something for public praise or an ego boost, plateaus will soon make us turn back. If all we want is a quick thrill, we will stop when our effort seems to outweigh our reward.
So what is God's response when you seem to have worked yourself into a plateau? Get up and get working! Maybe, like the people in Ezra, you have made the mistake of putting your own interest before God's Kingdom and the rewards seem to have dried up (see Haggai 1). Maybe you have lost enthusiasm because you aren't improving fast enough. Whatever it is, the key is to keep going. Don't give up now. Do the things that helped you progress before. One day, you will reach the end of the plateau and begin to climb again.
Saturday 16 May 2009
On the Plateau part 1
We probably all know the pattern. We start to learn something and seem to be doing really well at first. Then, without warning, everything seems to slow down. Where a few days previously, change seemed to be an everyday thing; today progress is slow and even taking another step forward is tiring.
Or what about building a relationship? Maybe initially it seemed to be incredibly exciting. Every time you talked, you learned something new about each other. Time together was terrific. You always had something new to discuss, some new topic to explore. Today, you seem trapped in the same old things and it feels like you just aren't getting anywhere.
What about at work? You first start then job and it feels amazing. You feel like you are getting better at it everyday. Your boss is praising you for pretty much everything you do. One day, it all seems to stop. That task you loved is now a chore. Your boss seems to have forgotten you exist and promotion seems to be a long way off.
What's going on?
I believe that there are points in our life for everything we learn, every relationship we build and every task we do where we seem to be standing on a plateau. What's a plateau? Well, mountain climbers tell us that few mountains are continual steep climbs. Instead, most of them involve climbing steeply for a while before you reach a flatter point in the mountain. It might look like the peak from below but it isn't. It is simply another part you have to negotiate on the way.
Plateaus in the rest of life are like that. They are the points where we slowdown after making quick progress. They are the times when it feels like we are doing everything right but nothing else seems to be moving.
Although I believe there are two distinct types of plateaus: those we make ourselves and those God makes, part of out attitude to them should be the same. We need to recognise that they are perfectly natural.
I have never met anyone whose enthusiasm is always 100% consistent. Likewise, I have never met anyone whose results are constantly improving quickly. Often, until we recognise that plateaus happen to everyone, we can get incredibly discouraged and beat ourselves up, causing a further drop in motivation and, ironically, extending the length of the plateau. Either that or we pretend it isn't happening and, by fooling ourselves, are unable to adjust.
Imagine a mountain climber gripping tightly to a completely horizontal part of the mountain, feverishly finding footholds and hand grips. He lies on his front and breathes deeply, thinking so carefully about his next move. His porter, meanwhile, grateful of the break, dances happily across the plateau to the next ascent.
Silly, isn't it? One has accepted he is on a plateau and adjusted his walk accordingly; the other is pretending it doesn't exist. So you see why it is so necessary to recognise plateaus and change your ways slightly.
In the next two posts I will talk about man-made plateaus (in the Jerusalem after the exile) and God-made plateaus (in the life of Joseph). But one more piece of advice is common to both. Never, ever give up. Keep on going. One day soon, the plateau will be finished and you will feel like you are making progress again.
Until then,
Jonathan
Or what about building a relationship? Maybe initially it seemed to be incredibly exciting. Every time you talked, you learned something new about each other. Time together was terrific. You always had something new to discuss, some new topic to explore. Today, you seem trapped in the same old things and it feels like you just aren't getting anywhere.
What about at work? You first start then job and it feels amazing. You feel like you are getting better at it everyday. Your boss is praising you for pretty much everything you do. One day, it all seems to stop. That task you loved is now a chore. Your boss seems to have forgotten you exist and promotion seems to be a long way off.
What's going on?
I believe that there are points in our life for everything we learn, every relationship we build and every task we do where we seem to be standing on a plateau. What's a plateau? Well, mountain climbers tell us that few mountains are continual steep climbs. Instead, most of them involve climbing steeply for a while before you reach a flatter point in the mountain. It might look like the peak from below but it isn't. It is simply another part you have to negotiate on the way.
Plateaus in the rest of life are like that. They are the points where we slowdown after making quick progress. They are the times when it feels like we are doing everything right but nothing else seems to be moving.
Although I believe there are two distinct types of plateaus: those we make ourselves and those God makes, part of out attitude to them should be the same. We need to recognise that they are perfectly natural.
I have never met anyone whose enthusiasm is always 100% consistent. Likewise, I have never met anyone whose results are constantly improving quickly. Often, until we recognise that plateaus happen to everyone, we can get incredibly discouraged and beat ourselves up, causing a further drop in motivation and, ironically, extending the length of the plateau. Either that or we pretend it isn't happening and, by fooling ourselves, are unable to adjust.
Imagine a mountain climber gripping tightly to a completely horizontal part of the mountain, feverishly finding footholds and hand grips. He lies on his front and breathes deeply, thinking so carefully about his next move. His porter, meanwhile, grateful of the break, dances happily across the plateau to the next ascent.
Silly, isn't it? One has accepted he is on a plateau and adjusted his walk accordingly; the other is pretending it doesn't exist. So you see why it is so necessary to recognise plateaus and change your ways slightly.
In the next two posts I will talk about man-made plateaus (in the Jerusalem after the exile) and God-made plateaus (in the life of Joseph). But one more piece of advice is common to both. Never, ever give up. Keep on going. One day soon, the plateau will be finished and you will feel like you are making progress again.
Until then,
Jonathan
Wednesday 6 May 2009
God of the Everyday
What do you think of when people say "God loves you"?
Do you think of a loving father desperate to see you succeed? Do you think of a logical impossibility? Do you believe them?
One of the most incredible things in the Bible is that it tells us, time and time again, that God actually cares about the small details of our lives. He knows and cares so much about us that even the hairs on our head are numbered (Matthew 10:30). He promises to look after out daily needs (Matthew 7: 25-34) and watches every stage of our lives (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16).
So we can say with confidence that God is the God of the Everyday. He cares about even the small details of our lives. Even though we might call some of the little things he does "trite miracles," He still does them. He took the time to help someone find a dropped axe-head (2 Kings 6:1-7). He cared enough to feed the people who listened to His Son (Matthew 14: 13-21; 15: 32-38).
Today you can walk with confidence knowing that God cares about even the smallest details of your life. Trust Him and He will lead you.
Do you think of a loving father desperate to see you succeed? Do you think of a logical impossibility? Do you believe them?
One of the most incredible things in the Bible is that it tells us, time and time again, that God actually cares about the small details of our lives. He knows and cares so much about us that even the hairs on our head are numbered (Matthew 10:30). He promises to look after out daily needs (Matthew 7: 25-34) and watches every stage of our lives (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16).
So we can say with confidence that God is the God of the Everyday. He cares about even the small details of our lives. Even though we might call some of the little things he does "trite miracles," He still does them. He took the time to help someone find a dropped axe-head (2 Kings 6:1-7). He cared enough to feed the people who listened to His Son (Matthew 14: 13-21; 15: 32-38).
Today you can walk with confidence knowing that God cares about even the smallest details of your life. Trust Him and He will lead you.
Thursday 30 April 2009
The Power of Partnership
Why we need each other.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 NLT
In today's world of superstars, brands and celebrity endorsements, it is easy to believe that the world belongs to the lone ranger, the solo achiever and the independent mind. The truth is, however, that "one is too small a number to achieve greatness" (John C Maxwell). Every lone ranger needs a Tonto, every entrepreneur needs the support of bankers, staff and other experts. We simply cannot change the world on our own.
This is why I want to dedicate this blog entry to partnership and, more specifically to a little known partnership in the Bible. In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Old Testament we read the story of how the people of Israel came to arrive back into their own land after being in exile and how they came to have a rebuilt city and the foundations of a new temple. They went from being scattered refugees in danger of losing their identity to being a people rededicated to God, with a purpose and vision.
In the middle of this incredible story we find Ezra and Nehemiah. The former was a theologian, an incredibly intelligent and godly scholar with sharp leadership abilities and a hunger for the Word of God. The latter was an official, an administrator and leader par excellence. He also became an efficient project manager and a godly governor with a passion for God's people.
Often, we read their stories separately. We read about Ezra's passion to bring the people back to God and marvel at how he could marry amazing scholarship with life-changing speech. We read about Nehemiah and learn lessons about leadership, priorities and dealing with opposition.
But in Nehemiah 8 and 9 we see them working together. The walls of the city has been rebuilt, the people are safe from immediate danger. At this point, Nehemiah takes a back seat and allows Ezra to step forward and teach the people how to live. Nehemiah had rebuilt the physical walls, now it was Ezra's time to rebuild the spiritual lives of the people.
This is partnership. There is no question here of Nehemiah being threatened by Ezra's gifts and talents. Nor is there ever any question about Ezra worrying about Nehemiah's practical skills crowding out time for the Word. The spiritual and the practical need to be brought together and that will take the skills and dedication of both men.
I believe that the key to all achievement lies in real partnership. Not partnership on my terms, lasting as long as I still "win." But partnership that goes deeper, partnership that realises that without you, I cannot succeed; without me, you will not reach the goal. In my own life, I realise my own weaknesses and I deliberately seek out people with expertise in those areas to either teach me or help me. I also try and find ways of helping others, giving them the boost they need to get to the next stage.
There is nothing like helping someone achieve their best or being part of a team that aims high and makes it. So, what partnerships do you have in your life? When was the last time you admitted that you need help? When was the last time you sacrificed some of your life to help someone else? Are you "me" centred or "team" centred?
Life is too short and too hard to try and go it alone. But together, we can change the world. That is the power of partnership.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 NLT
In today's world of superstars, brands and celebrity endorsements, it is easy to believe that the world belongs to the lone ranger, the solo achiever and the independent mind. The truth is, however, that "one is too small a number to achieve greatness" (John C Maxwell). Every lone ranger needs a Tonto, every entrepreneur needs the support of bankers, staff and other experts. We simply cannot change the world on our own.
This is why I want to dedicate this blog entry to partnership and, more specifically to a little known partnership in the Bible. In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Old Testament we read the story of how the people of Israel came to arrive back into their own land after being in exile and how they came to have a rebuilt city and the foundations of a new temple. They went from being scattered refugees in danger of losing their identity to being a people rededicated to God, with a purpose and vision.
In the middle of this incredible story we find Ezra and Nehemiah. The former was a theologian, an incredibly intelligent and godly scholar with sharp leadership abilities and a hunger for the Word of God. The latter was an official, an administrator and leader par excellence. He also became an efficient project manager and a godly governor with a passion for God's people.
Often, we read their stories separately. We read about Ezra's passion to bring the people back to God and marvel at how he could marry amazing scholarship with life-changing speech. We read about Nehemiah and learn lessons about leadership, priorities and dealing with opposition.
But in Nehemiah 8 and 9 we see them working together. The walls of the city has been rebuilt, the people are safe from immediate danger. At this point, Nehemiah takes a back seat and allows Ezra to step forward and teach the people how to live. Nehemiah had rebuilt the physical walls, now it was Ezra's time to rebuild the spiritual lives of the people.
This is partnership. There is no question here of Nehemiah being threatened by Ezra's gifts and talents. Nor is there ever any question about Ezra worrying about Nehemiah's practical skills crowding out time for the Word. The spiritual and the practical need to be brought together and that will take the skills and dedication of both men.
I believe that the key to all achievement lies in real partnership. Not partnership on my terms, lasting as long as I still "win." But partnership that goes deeper, partnership that realises that without you, I cannot succeed; without me, you will not reach the goal. In my own life, I realise my own weaknesses and I deliberately seek out people with expertise in those areas to either teach me or help me. I also try and find ways of helping others, giving them the boost they need to get to the next stage.
There is nothing like helping someone achieve their best or being part of a team that aims high and makes it. So, what partnerships do you have in your life? When was the last time you admitted that you need help? When was the last time you sacrificed some of your life to help someone else? Are you "me" centred or "team" centred?
Life is too short and too hard to try and go it alone. But together, we can change the world. That is the power of partnership.
Thursday 16 April 2009
As you might have noticed, it has been almost a week since I last posted. Since then, things have become very interesting!
To start with, Sunday was excellent. It is always amazing to have the privilege to preach and even more of a privilege when God shows up! The sermon is available online, along with two excellent sermons from Pastor Crawford Kirkwood and a passionate word from Ian Hawker. All can be found here. Please note, things go a lot faster if you download the entire sermon using the instructions on the site than if you try and stream it. I will fix that bug soon. Another little tip, Firefox is superior to IE for download management!
I have also been working on two new research projects, one of which is nearing completion. So, fun all round!
I will write a longer entry soon.
Until then,
Jonathan
To start with, Sunday was excellent. It is always amazing to have the privilege to preach and even more of a privilege when God shows up! The sermon is available online, along with two excellent sermons from Pastor Crawford Kirkwood and a passionate word from Ian Hawker. All can be found here. Please note, things go a lot faster if you download the entire sermon using the instructions on the site than if you try and stream it. I will fix that bug soon. Another little tip, Firefox is superior to IE for download management!
I have also been working on two new research projects, one of which is nearing completion. So, fun all round!
I will write a longer entry soon.
Until then,
Jonathan
Thursday 9 April 2009
Upcoming (Published) Articles
Just to let everyone know, I am high as a kite at the moment. Two articles I wrote on choosing a Bible translation are shortly to be published. One called "Are you suing the right Bible translation: A professional translator's perspective on translation choice" will be appearing in the Summer 2009 issue of The Pneuma Review (Vol. 12 No. 3). The other called "End of an Era? Does skopos theory mean the end of the free vs literal paradigm?" will be appearing on the website of the same journal (found here and then in the "In Depth" articles section).
One of my good friends is due to see his first review published in the same journal issue and after that he will be published even more! Watch this space!
God is very, very good!
One last thing, I am considering "monetising" this blog. This would involve the placement of small text-ads on one or two spots. Please feel free to leave your comments on this.
Thanks,
Jonathan
One of my good friends is due to see his first review published in the same journal issue and after that he will be published even more! Watch this space!
God is very, very good!
One last thing, I am considering "monetising" this blog. This would involve the placement of small text-ads on one or two spots. Please feel free to leave your comments on this.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Tuesday 7 April 2009
From Competent to Excellent
From Competent to Excellent
The Distance Between Doing the Job and Winning the Race
As a professional translator and amateur researcher, I occasionally have the privilege of checking others' work. I also often have the honour of received checked copies of my own work. In both of these cases, what becomes quickly apparent is that there is a great gap between work that is competent (i.e. that ticks all the right boxes) and work that is excellent (that makes you sit up and go "wow"). Since it is one of my goals to always produce and encourage excellent work, this blog post will talk about how wide the gap is and how to cross over it.
What do I mean by competent work? Well, after five or more years of university education, most new professional translators will be able to produce work that is both accurate, readable and will do the job. They might be able to produce a translation of a users' manual that you can use without risking injury. They might be able to translate websites that don't make you immediately want to go elsewhere. However, many of these translations are still "translation-y." There is still something about them that makes you instantly aware of the fact that they weren't originally written in your language. Maybe the sentence structures are a bit off or maybe there are too many strange idioms. Whatever it is, something isn't quite right.
On the other hand, read some of the work produced by the rare few "genius" translators and you feel exactly the opposite. Take "The Message," a new translation of the Bible by Eugene Peterson. Unless you were told otherwise, you might easily imagine that it was written in the past decade or so by modern English speakers. It leaps off the page and captures your heart and mind. What about the translations of books by Watchman Nee? If you didn't know better, would you for one second believe them to be translations?
The difference isn't just clear in translations. Think about it. How many people can kick a football, pass it to an opponent and do a few keepie-ups? But how many of those same people will ever make it to a Champions League or World Cup final?
If you believe some people, crossing the chasm between competence and excellence is impossible. "If you ain't got it, you ain't gonna have it," is their battle cry. Stop it with the pipe dreams, give up, sit down and live like the rest of us.
But there is a whole host of evidence that such a view is simply wrong. For example, K. Anders Ericsson, who has dedicated his life to studying expert performance in a range of fields, believes that practice has more to do with performance than you might think. In fact, in a recent article in an Interpreting journal, he stated that the only factors that could not be improved by regular, focussed practice were body size and height. Everything else, he says, can be developed and improved.
So, what is the "focussed practice" thing? According to him, it involves finding structured exercises to work on your weaknesses with the advice and guidance of a coach. The job of the coach is to keep you in line and to locate exactly the areas that need toned up. Maybe for a translator, this might mean finding a style workshop to keep their writing skills in shape. For a preacher, it might mean working on sermon structure or delivery. For footballers, it might mean ball control or shooting exercises. For theologians, it might mean asking more experienced scholars to check your work. The list is endless but the advice is the same. Find a coach or mentor and work, work, work.
The truth is that the gap between good and great is not as wide as you might think. Even those who are born with "it" have to keep "it" in shape. Even experts can only stay experts as long as they keep working. In the end, it all comes down to how far you want to go. Sure, you might never be able to dribble like Maradona, but what about your writing skills? What about your love for working with children?
As the Bible says, do everything as if you were doing it for God (Colossians 3:23). We have gifts from God and are expected to use them (Matthew 25: 14-30). So, push hard to reach the best level of performance you can. After all, if the difference between "competent" and "excellent" is only practice, what have you got to lose?
The Distance Between Doing the Job and Winning the Race
As a professional translator and amateur researcher, I occasionally have the privilege of checking others' work. I also often have the honour of received checked copies of my own work. In both of these cases, what becomes quickly apparent is that there is a great gap between work that is competent (i.e. that ticks all the right boxes) and work that is excellent (that makes you sit up and go "wow"). Since it is one of my goals to always produce and encourage excellent work, this blog post will talk about how wide the gap is and how to cross over it.
What do I mean by competent work? Well, after five or more years of university education, most new professional translators will be able to produce work that is both accurate, readable and will do the job. They might be able to produce a translation of a users' manual that you can use without risking injury. They might be able to translate websites that don't make you immediately want to go elsewhere. However, many of these translations are still "translation-y." There is still something about them that makes you instantly aware of the fact that they weren't originally written in your language. Maybe the sentence structures are a bit off or maybe there are too many strange idioms. Whatever it is, something isn't quite right.
On the other hand, read some of the work produced by the rare few "genius" translators and you feel exactly the opposite. Take "The Message," a new translation of the Bible by Eugene Peterson. Unless you were told otherwise, you might easily imagine that it was written in the past decade or so by modern English speakers. It leaps off the page and captures your heart and mind. What about the translations of books by Watchman Nee? If you didn't know better, would you for one second believe them to be translations?
The difference isn't just clear in translations. Think about it. How many people can kick a football, pass it to an opponent and do a few keepie-ups? But how many of those same people will ever make it to a Champions League or World Cup final?
If you believe some people, crossing the chasm between competence and excellence is impossible. "If you ain't got it, you ain't gonna have it," is their battle cry. Stop it with the pipe dreams, give up, sit down and live like the rest of us.
But there is a whole host of evidence that such a view is simply wrong. For example, K. Anders Ericsson, who has dedicated his life to studying expert performance in a range of fields, believes that practice has more to do with performance than you might think. In fact, in a recent article in an Interpreting journal, he stated that the only factors that could not be improved by regular, focussed practice were body size and height. Everything else, he says, can be developed and improved.
So, what is the "focussed practice" thing? According to him, it involves finding structured exercises to work on your weaknesses with the advice and guidance of a coach. The job of the coach is to keep you in line and to locate exactly the areas that need toned up. Maybe for a translator, this might mean finding a style workshop to keep their writing skills in shape. For a preacher, it might mean working on sermon structure or delivery. For footballers, it might mean ball control or shooting exercises. For theologians, it might mean asking more experienced scholars to check your work. The list is endless but the advice is the same. Find a coach or mentor and work, work, work.
The truth is that the gap between good and great is not as wide as you might think. Even those who are born with "it" have to keep "it" in shape. Even experts can only stay experts as long as they keep working. In the end, it all comes down to how far you want to go. Sure, you might never be able to dribble like Maradona, but what about your writing skills? What about your love for working with children?
As the Bible says, do everything as if you were doing it for God (Colossians 3:23). We have gifts from God and are expected to use them (Matthew 25: 14-30). So, push hard to reach the best level of performance you can. After all, if the difference between "competent" and "excellent" is only practice, what have you got to lose?
Thursday 2 April 2009
Happy, happy, happy
The title of this article pretty much sums up this week, since Tuesday, for me. While the week started with a bit of a shock, God has been incredibly good since. Here is a shortlist of some of the highlights:
1) I heard this week that I will definitely be published in the next issue of The Pneuma Review and online on their website. For this, I really have to thank my wife, Helen, and my good friend, Trevor. Helen proofread and checked the first article and kept me from veering into the academic abyss. Trevor proofread both articles as they happened (brave man) and made sure I didn't go to the opposite extreme.
2) I got a good day's worth of work this week and have just completed it. The more work, the better just now.
3) I am getting to spend more time with my wife!
So, there you go. A happy week and a boring blog post. Still, you can't win 'em all! ;-)
1) I heard this week that I will definitely be published in the next issue of The Pneuma Review and online on their website. For this, I really have to thank my wife, Helen, and my good friend, Trevor. Helen proofread and checked the first article and kept me from veering into the academic abyss. Trevor proofread both articles as they happened (brave man) and made sure I didn't go to the opposite extreme.
2) I got a good day's worth of work this week and have just completed it. The more work, the better just now.
3) I am getting to spend more time with my wife!
So, there you go. A happy week and a boring blog post. Still, you can't win 'em all! ;-)
Friday 27 March 2009
Discussions pt.2: Iron Sharpens Iron
Remember my post about discussions at the beginning of this blog? Well, I thought I would write a little more on the same topic.
Today, I had lunch with a good friend of mine. He is an up-and-coming theology scholar. I am a brand new interpreting and translation researcher. He loves to look at beliefs and compare theories. I love getting my hands dirty in experiments and real-world data.
We come at academia from different angles but somehow, we always manage to inspire each other. He inspires me to keep searching and not to settle for the obvious. He inspires me to never discount theory. He is not only a great scholar but a brilliant friend.
That is the essence of worthwhile discussion. We challenge each other, praise each other and offer opinions. We laugh at the daftness of academia and encourage each other to keep going. If ever discussion was worth something, it is worth something when we meet together.
Maybe I have softened over time, maybe I haven't but I still think that there are few better moments in life than when you really engage with someone and try to work out how to inspire them.
Today, I had lunch with a good friend of mine. He is an up-and-coming theology scholar. I am a brand new interpreting and translation researcher. He loves to look at beliefs and compare theories. I love getting my hands dirty in experiments and real-world data.
We come at academia from different angles but somehow, we always manage to inspire each other. He inspires me to keep searching and not to settle for the obvious. He inspires me to never discount theory. He is not only a great scholar but a brilliant friend.
That is the essence of worthwhile discussion. We challenge each other, praise each other and offer opinions. We laugh at the daftness of academia and encourage each other to keep going. If ever discussion was worth something, it is worth something when we meet together.
Maybe I have softened over time, maybe I haven't but I still think that there are few better moments in life than when you really engage with someone and try to work out how to inspire them.
Thursday 26 March 2009
Link Thursday
So, I am not feeling all that creative today, so I thought I would just post a good few smart Christian links. Here goes:
Gateway Church: Sermons all free to download and stream! Please note, only one month of sermons at a time are held on the site!
E-sword, the best free Bible package available.
Bible Gateway, just about any Bible translation you can think of, all online!
Tangle, a Christian video, audio, photo sharing and social network site. Well worth a look.
The Pneuma Foundation, home of The Pneuma Review, an excellent journal for Christian leaders. I hear their next issue will have some excellent work in it but two new scholars...
Gateway Church: Sermons all free to download and stream! Please note, only one month of sermons at a time are held on the site!
E-sword, the best free Bible package available.
Bible Gateway, just about any Bible translation you can think of, all online!
Tangle, a Christian video, audio, photo sharing and social network site. Well worth a look.
The Pneuma Foundation, home of The Pneuma Review, an excellent journal for Christian leaders. I hear their next issue will have some excellent work in it but two new scholars...
Tuesday 24 March 2009
Reading the Bible slowly
With writers such as Tony Buzan correctly showing us that the human brain and eyes can take in information at far higher speeds than was once thought possible, reading quickly is in fashion. Why spend hours lingering over every paragraph of a book when you can skim read it in 3 seconds and still recall all the relevant information?
However, we are not called the Bible simply to gain information. Joshua wasn't told to "remember" the Word but to "meditate" on it (Joshua 1: 8). This same verse also shows us that it is only when we "meditate" on the Word that it can really lead to changes in our behaviour. The Hebrew word translated "meditate" in this passage comes from a root meaning "to murmur" and it is also used to mean to "mutter, speak, study, talk, utter." (Strongs: H1897)
If meditation on God's Word means speaking or muttering it, then this is completely incompatible with the fashionable speed-reading approaches. In this case, we are not reading for information but instead we are invited to speak out and ponder the Word of God until it begins to change our behaviour. This is also a form of study. In fact, I personally believe that study by meditation must come before we reach for the commentaries, maps and dictionaries. As a little preview of what we can gain from Biblical meditation, I am going to take two verses from Romans, split them into small, meaningful chunks. By "studying" each of these chunks, we will see just how rich the Word of God really is.
So, let's begin.
Romans 1:3-4 (NLT)
3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let's break these two verses down.
a) The Good News is about his Son [some editions add "Jesus"]
What does this tell us? Speak it aloud to yourself a few times.
Personally, what I see here is that Paul is setting out clearly the focus of the gospel. The Good News is not about joining a church or taking communion or building our reputations. The Good News is all about Jesus. Jesus is the focus point of Christianity. No doctrine outshines Him. No preaching outdoes his. The gospel, the Good News, is all about God's Son Jesus.
b) In his earthly life
God became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). We do not serve a distant God who imposes rules on us for no reason. God came and lived an earthly life. It might be hard for theologians to explain and for philosophers to understand but God, who is perfect, came to a world full of imperfection. When Jesus calls us to be holy as He is holy (Mat 5:48, 1 Peter 1:16), He doesn't do it from a position distant from our everyday life; He calls out from the position of one who knows what that means. He lived an earthly life but He was not caught up in fleshly sin. He lived among imperfection but remained perfect. Jesus knew fine well what people were like (John 2: 25) but He did not become like them. He could spend time with tax collectors and prostitutes (Mat 9:10) but instead of becoming like them, they yearned to become more like Him (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus knows what earthly life is like, because He lived on earth. He sympathises with our weaknesses but calls us to perfection.
c) he was born into King David’s family line
To understand this line we need to know more about history. We know that David was a great king of Israel and that God promised that one of his descendants would always rule (2 Sam 7:16). We also know that he was called a man after God's heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). He was a wholehearted worshipper of God (2 Samuel 6:12-14).
So, what does this section tell us? First, it tells us that God always honours his promises. He told David that his descendant would always reign and Jesus reigns forever in Heaven (Rev 11:15). If God gives you a word or a promise, He will honour it. He is true to His Word.
Secondly, it tells us that, in earthly terms, Jesus was born into a holy inheritance. Just as David was a man after God's heart, Jesus only ever did what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19). Just as David honoured the return of God's presence to the nation (2 Samuel 6), Jesus' death tore the veil that separated people from God and God from His people (Mat 27:51, Luke 23:45).
This section alone shows that God is true to what He says and that even Jesus "earthly" inheritance was powerful.
d) and he was shown to be the Son of God
Jesus was fully man but also fully God. I know a talented theologian who is right now researching the ways in which theologians have tried to work this out through the ages. You see, it is very easy to come down hard on one side of the equation. We can easily imagine Jesus as a man, a loving, kind and generous man, with a passion for God's presence and compassion for the poor. We can also easily imagine Him as God: the God who works miracles, sustains the entire universe by His powerful Word and reigns in Heaven at the right hand of the Father.
However, to emphasise the first, makes the gospel a story about a nice teacher who got in trouble. It excuses us from actually taking his message seriously. To emphasise the second distances Jesus love for us from a real understanding of what life on earth is like. It excuses us from taking Him at his Word about holiness and purity
Even people in His day found it hard to accept that He could be both God and man (Mat 16:13-14 and many others). They saw the outward signs and interpreted them according to the logic of their day. Today, the only way for many people to accept what the Bible says about Jesus is to make up theories about "substances" or "natures." Logically, it seems foolish that Jesus could be entirely man and entirely God.
Yet this section tells us clearly that the Father demonstrated clearly who Jesus was.
e)when he was raised from the dead
This is how God demonstrated who Jesus was. And this is why the resurrection is, and will continue to be, the most offensive part of the Gospel to non-believers. For Jesus to rise from te dead forces us to take His godliness seriously. If Jesus is risen from the dead, He was right in what He said.
People might try to make this a spiritual resurrection only, but they conveniently forget that Jesus ate (Luke 24: 42-43) and still had a touchable, feelable body (John 20: 25-27) after his resurrection. The resurrection was a bodily resurrection! That fact alone demonstrates who Jesus really was!
f) by the power of the Holy Spirit
The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in those who believe in and follow Him (Rom 8: 11, Eph 1: 19-20). How much should we then follow Him and walk in His power?!
God dwells in us who follow Him. So incredible, it needs no more words than that.
g) He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
When we understand all that Paul has written in the previous verse and a half, what other conclusion can we come to? How else shall we respond to the fact of Jesus humanity and deity? How else shall we recognise His place in the gospel? How else shall we honour God for being true to His Word? What other way is there to respond to God's incredible, almost unbelievable, decision to deposit into us the very same power that conquered the grave?
With the Roman officer, we must say "truly, this man [is] the Son of God" (Mat 27: 54). And, once we declare this, we are left with another decision. Acknowledging who God is simply is not enough. He must go from being the Son of God to being "our Lord." The Greek word translated as "Lord" in this verse comes from the Greek word from "supremacy" and so means "supreme in authority." With all we know about Him, Jesus must become supreme in authority in our lives. What other honest response can there possibly be?
--
Now, if those are the riches of only two verses, how much more does the Bible hold? Pick a few verses at a time and go try that for yourself. You will be amazed what you find. And, as you meditate on the Word like that, you will find that you memorise it far more easily.
Until next time.
Peace,
Jonathan
However, we are not called the Bible simply to gain information. Joshua wasn't told to "remember" the Word but to "meditate" on it (Joshua 1: 8). This same verse also shows us that it is only when we "meditate" on the Word that it can really lead to changes in our behaviour. The Hebrew word translated "meditate" in this passage comes from a root meaning "to murmur" and it is also used to mean to "mutter, speak, study, talk, utter." (Strongs: H1897)
If meditation on God's Word means speaking or muttering it, then this is completely incompatible with the fashionable speed-reading approaches. In this case, we are not reading for information but instead we are invited to speak out and ponder the Word of God until it begins to change our behaviour. This is also a form of study. In fact, I personally believe that study by meditation must come before we reach for the commentaries, maps and dictionaries. As a little preview of what we can gain from Biblical meditation, I am going to take two verses from Romans, split them into small, meaningful chunks. By "studying" each of these chunks, we will see just how rich the Word of God really is.
So, let's begin.
Romans 1:3-4 (NLT)
3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let's break these two verses down.
a) The Good News is about his Son [some editions add "Jesus"]
What does this tell us? Speak it aloud to yourself a few times.
Personally, what I see here is that Paul is setting out clearly the focus of the gospel. The Good News is not about joining a church or taking communion or building our reputations. The Good News is all about Jesus. Jesus is the focus point of Christianity. No doctrine outshines Him. No preaching outdoes his. The gospel, the Good News, is all about God's Son Jesus.
b) In his earthly life
God became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). We do not serve a distant God who imposes rules on us for no reason. God came and lived an earthly life. It might be hard for theologians to explain and for philosophers to understand but God, who is perfect, came to a world full of imperfection. When Jesus calls us to be holy as He is holy (Mat 5:48, 1 Peter 1:16), He doesn't do it from a position distant from our everyday life; He calls out from the position of one who knows what that means. He lived an earthly life but He was not caught up in fleshly sin. He lived among imperfection but remained perfect. Jesus knew fine well what people were like (John 2: 25) but He did not become like them. He could spend time with tax collectors and prostitutes (Mat 9:10) but instead of becoming like them, they yearned to become more like Him (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus knows what earthly life is like, because He lived on earth. He sympathises with our weaknesses but calls us to perfection.
c) he was born into King David’s family line
To understand this line we need to know more about history. We know that David was a great king of Israel and that God promised that one of his descendants would always rule (2 Sam 7:16). We also know that he was called a man after God's heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). He was a wholehearted worshipper of God (2 Samuel 6:12-14).
So, what does this section tell us? First, it tells us that God always honours his promises. He told David that his descendant would always reign and Jesus reigns forever in Heaven (Rev 11:15). If God gives you a word or a promise, He will honour it. He is true to His Word.
Secondly, it tells us that, in earthly terms, Jesus was born into a holy inheritance. Just as David was a man after God's heart, Jesus only ever did what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19). Just as David honoured the return of God's presence to the nation (2 Samuel 6), Jesus' death tore the veil that separated people from God and God from His people (Mat 27:51, Luke 23:45).
This section alone shows that God is true to what He says and that even Jesus "earthly" inheritance was powerful.
d) and he was shown to be the Son of God
Jesus was fully man but also fully God. I know a talented theologian who is right now researching the ways in which theologians have tried to work this out through the ages. You see, it is very easy to come down hard on one side of the equation. We can easily imagine Jesus as a man, a loving, kind and generous man, with a passion for God's presence and compassion for the poor. We can also easily imagine Him as God: the God who works miracles, sustains the entire universe by His powerful Word and reigns in Heaven at the right hand of the Father.
However, to emphasise the first, makes the gospel a story about a nice teacher who got in trouble. It excuses us from actually taking his message seriously. To emphasise the second distances Jesus love for us from a real understanding of what life on earth is like. It excuses us from taking Him at his Word about holiness and purity
Even people in His day found it hard to accept that He could be both God and man (Mat 16:13-14 and many others). They saw the outward signs and interpreted them according to the logic of their day. Today, the only way for many people to accept what the Bible says about Jesus is to make up theories about "substances" or "natures." Logically, it seems foolish that Jesus could be entirely man and entirely God.
Yet this section tells us clearly that the Father demonstrated clearly who Jesus was.
e)when he was raised from the dead
This is how God demonstrated who Jesus was. And this is why the resurrection is, and will continue to be, the most offensive part of the Gospel to non-believers. For Jesus to rise from te dead forces us to take His godliness seriously. If Jesus is risen from the dead, He was right in what He said.
People might try to make this a spiritual resurrection only, but they conveniently forget that Jesus ate (Luke 24: 42-43) and still had a touchable, feelable body (John 20: 25-27) after his resurrection. The resurrection was a bodily resurrection! That fact alone demonstrates who Jesus really was!
f) by the power of the Holy Spirit
The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in those who believe in and follow Him (Rom 8: 11, Eph 1: 19-20). How much should we then follow Him and walk in His power?!
God dwells in us who follow Him. So incredible, it needs no more words than that.
g) He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
When we understand all that Paul has written in the previous verse and a half, what other conclusion can we come to? How else shall we respond to the fact of Jesus humanity and deity? How else shall we recognise His place in the gospel? How else shall we honour God for being true to His Word? What other way is there to respond to God's incredible, almost unbelievable, decision to deposit into us the very same power that conquered the grave?
With the Roman officer, we must say "truly, this man [is] the Son of God" (Mat 27: 54). And, once we declare this, we are left with another decision. Acknowledging who God is simply is not enough. He must go from being the Son of God to being "our Lord." The Greek word translated as "Lord" in this verse comes from the Greek word from "supremacy" and so means "supreme in authority." With all we know about Him, Jesus must become supreme in authority in our lives. What other honest response can there possibly be?
--
Now, if those are the riches of only two verses, how much more does the Bible hold? Pick a few verses at a time and go try that for yourself. You will be amazed what you find. And, as you meditate on the Word like that, you will find that you memorise it far more easily.
Until next time.
Peace,
Jonathan
Monday 23 March 2009
Debates: wasting time or digging up truth?
This morning, I was greeted with an interesting contrast. On the one hand, I am translating a Bible school module on being ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us. On the other hand, I talked to someone who had been involved with a debate with someone who was obviously just looking for a fight. So, on one side we have an appeal to be ready to debate and "defend the faith" and on the other, a draining debate that went nowhere.
Unfortunately, the second example is nearer to the way I used to be. As a teenager, I was cocky and headstrong: ready to take on and take down any evolutionist, atheist, racist, sexist or any other -ist person I could find. I saw myself as a champion of truth, a faith-defender and an all-round intelligent good guy.
A few rocky debates on usenet forums later and I re-emerged bloodied, damaged and generally a bit like a boxer after a few rounds with a hungry Mike Tyson. These guys were older than me, ruder than me and had heard all of my "surprise arguments" years before. I got absolutely pounded. On occasion, I would lose so badly that I would retreat from the forums, spend a week or so reaffirming my faith and maybe even come back pretending to be someone else to gain some more credibility.
So, for the longest time, I avoided debates. Yes, I still read apologists like James W Sire but my old fire was gone. If there was a controversial point, I stepped back. I knew that I was capable of: exploding in a ball of debate and then crawling back in tatters. It simply didn't seem worth it.
But then, little by little, I found value in discussion. An off-the-cuff question from my pastor, carefully-guided discussions after Bible studies and even loving disagreements drove me towards the truth. I was encouraged to dig for truth and really think about what the Bible said. A few days ago, a discussion with a good friend helped me to clear up why I kept going back to the same passage. I started with confusion and finished with revelation. Suddenly, discussion and debate seemed far more powerful.
So, maybe there is a balance to be had. The same Bible that tells us to be ready to give a reason for our faith, tells us not to get involved in pointless discussions. The same Word of God that tells us to study and meditate on what God has said reminds us that too much study is wearisome. God cares enough to make sure we don't overdo this debate thing and end up in a mess of minor points and hurt feelings.
So, here is my guide for knowing which debates to jump into and which to leave:
1) Is this a good use of your time?
This is my golden rule. If the argument is never-ending, then step away. I believe that god will ask us to give an account of what we have done with our life. Imagine getting to Heaven and trying to justify to God why you spent six hours arguing over the meaning of a theological term instead of using the gifts He had put in your life. So, if the argument is draining your time and evergy and you are gaining nothing or little in return, walk away.
2) Is anything likely to change as a result of this?
There is nothing worse than watching two people butt-heads until they are tired. If neither you, nor the other person is likely to change viewpoint or even gain more respect for the other opinion, leave well alone. It simply is not worth it. No matter how right you are, you achieve nothing by fighting a battle that is going nowhere. I have come to the conclusion that only the Holy Spirit can bring someone to salvation. Arguments won't, debating won't. Sometimes the best you can do is care and ask the right questions. Getting angry does not help.
3) Is this about ideas or people?
If the argument is getting personal, it has gone too far. Discussion ideas in a loving, respectful atmosphere is fine; starting a match for who can insult the best is not. As soon as it gets personal, it is time to leave.
I will most likely come up with more guides but they will do for a start. Here's to a future full of fruitful and respectful discussions and exchanges of views.
Peace,
Jonathan
Unfortunately, the second example is nearer to the way I used to be. As a teenager, I was cocky and headstrong: ready to take on and take down any evolutionist, atheist, racist, sexist or any other -ist person I could find. I saw myself as a champion of truth, a faith-defender and an all-round intelligent good guy.
A few rocky debates on usenet forums later and I re-emerged bloodied, damaged and generally a bit like a boxer after a few rounds with a hungry Mike Tyson. These guys were older than me, ruder than me and had heard all of my "surprise arguments" years before. I got absolutely pounded. On occasion, I would lose so badly that I would retreat from the forums, spend a week or so reaffirming my faith and maybe even come back pretending to be someone else to gain some more credibility.
So, for the longest time, I avoided debates. Yes, I still read apologists like James W Sire but my old fire was gone. If there was a controversial point, I stepped back. I knew that I was capable of: exploding in a ball of debate and then crawling back in tatters. It simply didn't seem worth it.
But then, little by little, I found value in discussion. An off-the-cuff question from my pastor, carefully-guided discussions after Bible studies and even loving disagreements drove me towards the truth. I was encouraged to dig for truth and really think about what the Bible said. A few days ago, a discussion with a good friend helped me to clear up why I kept going back to the same passage. I started with confusion and finished with revelation. Suddenly, discussion and debate seemed far more powerful.
So, maybe there is a balance to be had. The same Bible that tells us to be ready to give a reason for our faith, tells us not to get involved in pointless discussions. The same Word of God that tells us to study and meditate on what God has said reminds us that too much study is wearisome. God cares enough to make sure we don't overdo this debate thing and end up in a mess of minor points and hurt feelings.
So, here is my guide for knowing which debates to jump into and which to leave:
1) Is this a good use of your time?
This is my golden rule. If the argument is never-ending, then step away. I believe that god will ask us to give an account of what we have done with our life. Imagine getting to Heaven and trying to justify to God why you spent six hours arguing over the meaning of a theological term instead of using the gifts He had put in your life. So, if the argument is draining your time and evergy and you are gaining nothing or little in return, walk away.
2) Is anything likely to change as a result of this?
There is nothing worse than watching two people butt-heads until they are tired. If neither you, nor the other person is likely to change viewpoint or even gain more respect for the other opinion, leave well alone. It simply is not worth it. No matter how right you are, you achieve nothing by fighting a battle that is going nowhere. I have come to the conclusion that only the Holy Spirit can bring someone to salvation. Arguments won't, debating won't. Sometimes the best you can do is care and ask the right questions. Getting angry does not help.
3) Is this about ideas or people?
If the argument is getting personal, it has gone too far. Discussion ideas in a loving, respectful atmosphere is fine; starting a match for who can insult the best is not. As soon as it gets personal, it is time to leave.
I will most likely come up with more guides but they will do for a start. Here's to a future full of fruitful and respectful discussions and exchanges of views.
Peace,
Jonathan
W00t! First post!
Well, here it is. My new blog. Hopefully, within a few days, I will get it linked up with Facebook so it can be read in both places. I will get topics and things sorted out later but here is a quick preview of what to expect:
Meditating on & memorising God's Word;
Interpreting & translation;
Bible studies;
Previews of upcoming publications;
Book & sermon reviews;
More Christian links than you can shake a stick at;
Other random stuff.
So there you go. Here's to more posts and more discussion!
Meditating on & memorising God's Word;
Interpreting & translation;
Bible studies;
Previews of upcoming publications;
Book & sermon reviews;
More Christian links than you can shake a stick at;
Other random stuff.
So there you go. Here's to more posts and more discussion!
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