Bible and Mission Links 5

Bible Translation

The Wycliffe UK blog has some fascinating insights into a new and revolutionary translation of the Bible.While the Mennonite Weekly Review has some terrific insights about Bible translation from a Ghanaian and an Indian theologian. Philip Hewer looks at some of the problems of translating Hebrew poetry in a fun little post entitled Another God Coming Along Behind.

Mission

Thanks to Antony Billington for a link to Brian Stanley’s excellent (though rather long to read) theological and historical reflections on mission among British Baptists. Don’t let the fact that you are not a Baptist (or British) put you off reading this excellent piece. There is some good stuff here.

Worship that is consistently focussed on God who is Three in One will build churches that are able to combine cultural diversity with unity and have a vision of a plural world made one in Christ. Conversely, worship which is preoccupied with ‘Jesus and Me’ will surely encourage atomistic and self-absorbed rather than mission-minded Christians. Those of us who lead worship, and those of us who preach, need to be asking ourselves continually whether our choice of songs and the content of our sermons are equally honouring to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and are regularly encouraging our people to focus on the missionary purposes of our triune God for the world.

The Truth Made Simple has an excellent article on engaging Muslims with the Gospel.

Varia

Much has been written this week about AC Grayling’s proposal to establish a New College of the Humanities in London. I quite liked what Mouse had to say on the subject. Another well respected academic finds his work under critical examination in Krish Kandiah’s review of Wayne Grudem’s book on politics. If you are a fan of Grudem’s you should read this review. In my view, the exegetical weaknesses which Krish notes as running through this book are to be found in much of the good professor’s output; in particular his approach to gender issues.

Lastly, a couple of articles from unexpected sources. CNN has a witty little piece on sayings which are not in the Bible and the Daily Mail (of all places) has an examination of the impact of Live Aid. There is a good deal of hyperbole (as you would expect) but there is also a good deal of importance in what they have to say, even if it is not politically correct.