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 PrintableVersion The gender neutral Bible controversy(updated 2003 edition)One size fits all?THE GENDER NEUTRAL BIBLE CONTROVERSY There are probably more versions of the Bible in print in English than in any other language today. To compare, for example, the New American Standard Version (NASB) and the Revised Standard Version (RSV) with the Contemporary English Version (CEV) and the Living Bible (LB), even without knowing anything about the biblical languages, reveals a very different approach to biblical translation. The average Bible reader 'in the pew' may assume that it is simply about different choices of words in English that has produced these different styles, but the process of Bible translation is considerably more complex than many Christians realise. Word changesOne aspect of current controversy among respected evangelical biblical scholars is the issue of whether the Bible should be 'gender-neutral', that is the replacement, for example, of the generic 'he' with 'they' or 'father' with 'parent' or 'son' with 'child' in a wide range of biblical passages. In some of the several thousand verses affected the changes can either be helpful or make little difference, but in other cases the meaning of a text can be changed. Comparing the CEV and New International Version (NIV) translations of Colossians 3.18-19, for example, a passage offering instruction on the relationship between a husband and wife in marriage, reveals a different understanding of the role of the wife - which viewpoint did the apostle Paul intend? Both translations cannot be correct here. With respect to the qualifications of an elder in 1 Timothy 3.1-7 the traditional translation is that he must be 'the husband of one wife', whereas the CEV suggests that a 'church official' must be 'faithful in marriage'. The CEV has made a theological change, not just a linguistic one in these passages. Taking a libertyIt is in the context of this debate that three major books have been produced in the 'gender-neutral' controversy by American evangelical scholars. On one side of the debate are Don Carson (The Inclusive Language Debate, 1998) and Mark Strauss (Distorting Scripture? The Challenge of Bible Translation and Gender Accuracy, 1998) and from an alternative perspective, the title under review here by Poythress and Grudem. It is the contention of the authors of The Gender Neutral Bible Controversy that too much liberty has been taken in Bible translation in a number of prominent Bible versions under the influence of pressures from feminist voices within our secular culture. The book gives some examples of the kinds of changes made in some of the newer versions and discusses the rise of Gender-Neutral Bible Versions. It sets out the authors' understanding of the Bible as the Word of God and the implications of this perspective for Bible translation. There is a helpful section on the approach to Bible translation then more specific detailed issues are addressed. Chapter five considers 'Permissible Changes in Translating Gender-Related Terms', followed by 'Unacceptable Changes That Eliminate References to Men' and then five chapters looking at the different perspectives on the use of the generic 'he'. Further chapters consider the extent of changes in translating words traditionally rendered 'man', 'fathers', 'brothers' and 'son'. Chapter 14 provides some basic guidelines for evaluating where particular versions of the Bible stand on this important question. At the end there are 12 substantial appendices that support the views expressed in earlier chapters, as well as provide documents such as the 'Colorado Springs Guidelines for Translation of Gender-Related Language in Scripture'. Most thorough discussionThis book provides a most thorough discussion of this subject in a way that is both technical in places but also readable by anyone interested in this subject. The authors do not oversimplify the arguments of opponents, and in this respect have the advantage over the Carson and Strauss titles. It is helpful here for lay-people to be provided with some practical tests to assist in the evaluation of the gender-translation policy of the different English-language versions. There is also the judicious use of a large number of examples of biblical texts to illustrate their thesis that gender-neutral translations do not preserve sufficient shades of meaning from the original languages. In some places the impact of such changes are modest, but in too many places legitimate concerns are raised about the impact of this new perspective on Bible translation. Poythress and Grudem demonstrate that their approach of seeking the 'maximal equivalence' in translation is both logical and practical and consistent with a high view of biblical inspiration. Although this reviewer is convinced that this book is currently the best in its field, it will not be the final word on this subject. The authors have done a great service to the churches in drawing attention to the dangers involved in allowing undue influence on Bible translations from the contemporary culture. This study is a model of careful scholarship, on which future writers on this subject can build, and will be of benefit both to scholars and the average church member. In addition it is very reasonably priced for a book of this size. The Rev. Dr. Brian Talbot, Senior Pastor, Cumbernauld Baptist Church, Scotland © Evangelicals Now - April 2004 |
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