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Summary: A Scholar's Explains The Inclusive Language Debate
Review: Dr. Mark Strauss provides a classic book on Bible translation, focusing in the particular challenge of inclusive language.Beginning with an overview of the different methods of translation, Dr. Strauss guides the reader through the strengths and weaknesses of each method. The range of interpretive views are covered, from strictly literalist through feminist translations. The bulk of the book focuses on specific issues of gender translation, and appears to address issues already raised by others. In this sense, it comes off sometimes as defensive. However, the writing is always clear and compassionate towards other views. This book does not push a 'revisionist' bible. Instead, it argues that where the author of the original manuscript uses language that is not gender specific, then current translations should honor that and use modern english that is not gender specific. However, where the language clearly calls for gender, then gender should be preserved. In his conclusion of the book, Dr. Strauss offers several issues that require further clarification. An update to this book, addressing these issues, is needed to keep the book current and relevant. Otherwise, this is a great book for the study and understanding of the gender-language debate.
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Summary: Excellent Work for Anyone Struggling with the TNIV
Review: I must confess that when Zondervan and the International Bible Society announced recently that they were releasing a gender-neutral version of the NIV (dubbed the TNIV), I was enraged. Especially after striking a deal with James Dobson and other reputable, conservative Christian leaders NOT to produce a gender-neutral NIV at any time in the future, I was fit to be tied when I read the news! How dare they "water-down" the translation of the Bible I have used in my twenty years of pastoral ministry just to appease a minority of vocal, feminist interests in the evangelical church! Anyway, Strauss approaches the issue of gender-neutral translation from the standpoint of a complementarian who has a very high view of Scripture. He definitely does NOT have a feminist agenda. He actually identifies merits of the gender-neutral translation process that help make God's eternal truth more understandable in today's culture. Particularly of help to me was his detailed description of the translation process. A gender-oriented Hebrew or Greek word can be used in a variety of different ways in the ancient manuscripts, just as a gender-oriented word can be used in a variety of different ways in modern English. Strauss emphasizes the struggle sincere, conservative scholars have with gender-related issues as they pursue Biblical ACCURACY, not feminist APPEASEMENT. I'm still not happy with the way the release of the TNIV has been handled, and I don't agree with the need to be as gender-inclusive as the CBT translators have been. Strauss' work has helped me greatly, however, to understand the motives of the "other side." It has also opened my eyes to the truth that there is actually some merit to gender-neutral translation when it is done for the sake of communicating clearly the original message of the author, and not for the sake of advancing a particular theological or political agenda. If you're struggling with the TNIV as I have done, I strongly recommend you purchase this book.
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Summary: Sane guidelines on bible translation
Review: Mark Strauss' book gets the guernsey for readability and his sane approach to a topic that often unnecessarily gets people's dander up. It is worth reading Carson's "The Inclusive Language Debate" as well, but you will find his writing style less user-friendly. One highlight from Strauss' book is his discussion of the translation of ANTHROPOI and ADELPHOI. Earlier Bible translations almost always rendered these words as "men" and "brothers." But it is sometimes obvious that the words are meant to include women as well. At other times it is not so easy to determine. For instance, were women allowed to participate in the selection in Acts 6:3? Did the Samaritan woman only tell all the men about Jesus, or did she speak to women too, in John 4:28? A newer, more up-to-date book, edited by Mark Strauss and others is now available. It addresses the TNIV translation and has helpful articles about the issue of whether a translation should be firstly trying to preserve the form of the original bible text or the meaning. It is called The Challenge of Bible Translation and has articles by Strauus, Carson, Silva and many other thinkers on this issue.
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Summary: Sane guidelines on bible translation
Review: Mark Strauss' book gets the guernsey for readability and his sane approach to a topic that often unnecessarily gets people's dander up. It is worth reading Carson's "The Inclusive Language Debate" as well, but you will find his writing style less user-friendly. One highlight from Strauss' book is his discussion of the translation of ANTHROPOI and ADELPHOI. Earlier Bible translations almost always rendered these words as "men" and "brothers." But it is sometimes obvious that the words are meant to include women as well. At other times it is not so easy to determine. For instance, were women allowed to participate in the selection in Acts 6:3? Did the Samaritan woman only tell all the men about Jesus, or did she speak to women too, in John 4:28? A newer, more up-to-date book, edited by Mark Strauss and others is now available. It addresses the TNIV translation and has helpful articles about the issue of whether a translation should be firstly trying to preserve the form of the original bible text or the meaning. It is called The Challenge of Bible Translation and has articles by Strauus, Carson, Silva and many other thinkers on this issue.
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Summary: Finally, Some Responsible Scholarship
Review: Strauss brings a rational evaluation to a din of screaming paranoid voices. If you've heard that NIV isn't really a Bible, or that it's updated version (NIVI) is really a feminist plot, RUN, don't walk, to purchase this book. Strauss makes clear to readers of any education level how translations work, how they come about, and why responsible scholarship keeps it's head when confronted with social change. Strauss is no feminist either: he's a traditional roles kinda guy, so to hear him discuss and advocate responsible inclusivist translations speaks volumes. When you've read this book, you'll be ready to read your Bible responsibly on this topic.
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