New Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood responds to TNIV

           Should many diverse and complex cultural forces influence the use of the English language that goes into translating the Bible?

            Essayists in the Fall edition of the Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (JBMW) examine this question from numerous angles as it relates to the “gender-neutral” translation of Holy Scripture released earlier this year by Zondervan—Today’s New International Version (TNIV).

            JBMW editor Peter R. Schemm, Jr., in his journal editorial, argues that two mistakes must be avoided in the debate over  the accuracy and validity of the TNIV: Judging the motives of the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), which translated the TNIV, must be avoided, and, all players in the debate must admit that no translator comes at his task with complete objectivity.

            “We offer this issue of JBMW in order to assist the reader in a charitable yet discerning critique of the TNIV,” Schemm writes.

 “It does not appear that evangelicals will soon come to agreement on the use of gendered language in Bible translations. Yet, as this debate continues, we hope to make substantive contributions that honor God’s Word, as well those with whom we disagree.”

Contributors seek to show the manifold problems that exist with the use of “gender-inclusive” language in the new translation.

In an essay co-written by Schemm and Michael E. Travers, the authors introduce readers to C.S. Lewis as an expert tutor in the importance of continuing the “conversation” between the “sons of Adam” and the “daughters of Eve,” demonstrating also that gender-specific language has dominated great literature throughout history. Such language should continue to be used today, they assert.

Russell T. Fuller contributes an article on how to choose a Bible translation and argues that Christians in the pew should reject “gender-neutral” versions such as the TNIV.

Fuller offers three criteria for choosing a translation: Choose one that is faithful to translating the meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek without unnecessary interpretation, choose one that reflects a high view of Scripture, and choose one that follows the natural changes of modern idiom, but does not follow unnatural changes of political movements or agendas.

Robert L. Cole argues in his article that a gender-neutral translation of Psalm 1 obscures its connection with Psalm 2.  The man of Psalm 1 "is not any person, nor any man, but rather the all-conquering king and son of God portrayed in Psalm 2."

Other essayists include Wayne Grudem, Russell D. Moore, Vern Poythress, John Mark N. Reynolds, and Justin Taylor. This edition of JBMW, along with subscriptions to the journal, is available online through The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) at http://www.cbmw.org/journal.