Category: ESV
The CBT respond to the SBC regarding its banning of the NIV!
Is that enough acronyms for you? I thought some of our more nerdy readers (myself included) might be interested to read the Committee for Bible Translation’s response to the Southern Baptist Convention’s banning of the NIV 2011. (For the full response see Daniel Thompson’s post).
One of the reasons I like the NIV 2011 (I was never a fan of the NIV 84 but liked the TNIV) is because of the scholars on the committee itself. What is not to like from this list?
Finally I reiterate what I have said previously: I am left wondering why the SBC felt compelled only discourage the NIV. What about the NLT, NRSV and any other translation which uses gender inclusive language? Surely a better and more Christlike way would have been to commend to members of the SBC translations they felt reflected their theological approach thus admitting in a spirit of humility that they may be wrong. Instead of pointing out what is wrong perhaps folks in the church would be better served by being directed towards translations like the ESV and HCSB. My own denomination recommends the NRSV because it feels it is the most accurate of the English translations (I disagree. As much as I like and use the NRSV I much prefer the TNIV and NIV2011 as it is more readable) however, it would never suggest to its members that any translation should be banned . I fear when a denomination, any denomination, gets to the point singling out and banning a particular translation of the Bible they have crossed the line into idolatry. Perhaps the SBC would better served by only using the Hebrew and Greek?
Anyway, I cannot speak highly enough of the NIV 2011!
iPad ESV Study Bible
Crossway released their popular ESV Study Bible App on the iPad. The introductory price was $9.99, that is an amazing deal. My understanding is that it will go up to $14.99, but that is still a good price. Olive Tree has it $39.99! I bought because I wanted to have at least one study bible on my iPad, I would have preferred to have it on the Olive Tree app but it was just to expensive.
The App has all of the articles, study notes, and introductions that the printed copy has. It is as good as the on-line version with the ability to highlight, and take notes. This app is not dependent on being connected to the internet which is why I bought it, but if you do want to listen to the bible you do need to be connected to Internet. Although the ESV is not my preferred translation the study bible is one of the best available. Once again Crossway is ahead of the game and continues to be the best bible publisher in the business. All other English bible publishers should follow their model.
Bill Mounce to Work on NIV 2011
William Mounce has announced that he will be working on the translation committee of the 2011 NIV. Formerly, he has worked on the committee that translated the ESV. He has written several works on biblical Greek including the popular Basics of Biblical Greek (Zondervan). Also, he is an adjunct professor at the seminary where I study and work–Western Seminary in Portland, OR! I think the NIV committee made a fantastic decision! We should applaud Mark Strauss and Douglas Moo for doing what needed to be done to make this happen.
See Bill Mounce’s announcement on his blog here or at Koinonia here.
See T.C. Robinson’s post here.
See Rick Mansfield’s post here.
