Bible Question: The "Holman Christian Standard Bible" is the newest translation to make the scene. Only the New Testament is available now; the Old Testament is scheduled for publication in 2004. If anyone has seen it, what are your thoughts? I received my a copy today and if anyone would like, I'll be happy to post what information I have on it. |
Bible Answer: I honestly don't know how anyone could answer your question (a valid, legitimate one) before they have laid eyes on the translation. It seems that some, by implication at least, are against it without ever having seen it. Is this prejudice ("pre-judging") or what? Everyone is entitled to their opinion (when they label it as such and don't try to force it on others), but it seems obvious that to condemn something before its publication is stretching things a bit. . . . Having not seen the HCSB myself, I am not here taking a stand for or against it. The point I am making is that if you are going to judge a new translation, shouldn't you first examine it for yourself? Moreover, since so many others have had the right and privilege of producing a new translation, why not the Southern Baptists as well? . . . As far as the cost of producing a new translation, I see that as a secondary issue, not a primary one. . . . For what it's worth: as far as I personally am concerned, if I had only the NASB and the Amplified, these two would suffice for the next 100 years. However, I do use 16 different translations, a practice which I find to be helpful and not at all harmful in studying and teaching God's Word. |