Subject: Why did God become a Man? |
Bible Note: (I need to preface my remarks by stating loudly and clearly that, even though Ray and I disagree when it comes to capitalization, I have nothing but the highest regard for Ray. He is a dear Christian brother whom I greatly appreciate.) "Some religious literature chooses to capitalize pronouns that refer to the deity. As in the original languages, GOD'S WORD does not capitalize any pronouns (unless they begin sentences). In some cases scholars are uncertain whether pronouns in the original texts refer to God or someone else. In these cases the presence of capitalized pronouns would be misleading.". (p. xiii, GOD'S WORD, Grand Rapids: World Publishing, 1995) Let's take a look at the main points in the above quotation. 1) Some religious literature chooses to capitalize pronouns that refer to the Deity. Some do not. In the introduction to many Bible versions the translators will discuss why they did or did not choose to capitalize. 2) The Scriptures "in the original languages" do not capitalize any pronouns. If the original manuscripts did not capitalize pronouns, then WHY does anyone today feel that pronouns referring to the Deity MUST be capitalized? 3) "In some cases scholars are uncertain whether pronouns in the original texts refer to God or someone else." If SCHOLARS -- those who have learned Hebrew and Greek and have studied the Bible IN THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGES -- if they are in some cases uncertain, then I would have a problem with the rest of us taking a red pencil and going merrily through the Bible, capitalizing as the mood struck us? 4) "In these cases the PRESENCE of capitalized pronouns would be misleading." If, on the other hand, the ABSENCE of capitalized pronouns is misleading, then blame God. For that is how the Bible was written in the original languages. The argument that the original manuscripts (as well as certain English translations including, but not limited to, the King James) are somehow misleading sounds to me like criticism of the divine author of the book. |