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February 04, 2005
translation and trix
i talked yesterday with a friend about to gradature with a sociology degree. the question was, what good is a degree and years of study if one can't find a way of applying that in some way beyond the university campus? what does it take to speak about and work with complicated ideas in everyday terms?
in a major like biblical studies, it seems that becomes as much as, if not even more critical of a question. as followers of Christ, who invited us, we hope for as many people as possible to understand as much as possible of God. what is a perfectly nuanced or carefully articulated theology if it can't make sense to a child or anyone who hasn't spent time thinking in these terms? when the gospel is left in these terms, it has lost the essence of the gospel, which is for the ordinary person. while children get it, the "wise" ones are the last to understand. (lk 10.21-24)
the challenge today (really it has always been) is to find ways of translation: passing from the biblical narrative to our context and our narrative in a way that is true to the lesson and in terms that we can take hold of. part of the amazing mystery of Jesus is that it is something that all can catch a hold of, kids and scholars, and we're all struck with joy and wonder. we all need to keep connected so we can understand and walk with Jesus rightly. and the children will lead us... (isa 11.6)
Posted by Derrick at February 4, 2005 02:01 PM