“Whoever controls the words that are used in translation ultimately controls how we are able to think about theological issues. The words open or close doors for our understanding of God. And ultimately, the words determine who has status in the church, and who does not.”
James L. Evans
The pastor of First Baptist Church in Auburn, Ala., was writing about biblical translations in Sightings, an online publication of the Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School. (RNS)
“Many Southern Baptists are trapped in a time warp. They are aiming at a culture that went out of existence years ago. They use mid-20th century methods and pine for a nostalgic golden age. They are convinced if we would just go back to the way things were, we would experience a spiritual renaissance that would restore the good old days. … We are not going back. We will move forward into the future, whether we like it or not.”
Danny Akin
The president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary was speaking at a recent conference on the future of denominationalism. (BP)