Lost In Translation

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Kevin in Challenging Paradigms.

The authority and power of the Scriptures rests solely on our belief that they are literally the written word of God. So what happens when we translate those God-inspired words from the languages in which they were originally written? Indeed, though many of us read the Bible effortlessly in our native English, English is certainly not the native tongue of Scripture. Though we may revere our English bibles as the infallible word of God, the fact is that Hebrew (or sometimes Aramaic, and Greek in the “New Testament”) is the original language of Scripture, and when we neglect it, we risk imposing our own flawed points of view on God’s word.

Though in large part, translators do a fine job retaining the essence of Scripture, there are times when English simply does not do a passage justice. Either through mistranslation due to bias or ignorance, or merely by the limitations of the receiving language, important details can become obscured, replaced by ideas from the reader’s experience or particular frame of reference. (more…)

To Feast, or Not to Feast…

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Kevin in Challenging Paradigms.
Updated on October 30, 2011

Q: Hi Kevin, I ran across an article recently that was saying that we shouldn’t be celebrating the Festivals because we’re only supposed to do that in the Land in the place of His Name (Jerusalem, e.g. Deuteronomy 16:5-6). The author was saying it’s wrong to do this! Wow! What’s that about?

A: I’d like to see the article to find out exactly what his take is, but here’s mine: I wouldn’t say that it’s “wrong”—only that it’s impossible! Torah was given to Israel so that Israel could be Israel—and that includes possessing the Promised Land. There are no provisions for keeping Torah in Dispersion. On the contrary, Numbers 9:9-12, for example, gives instructions for someone who is on a journey at the time of Passover. It doesn’t say anything about keeping the Feast where he is (the implication being, outside the Land), but that he better be back in time to celebrate it a month later! (more…)

Identifying with an Invisible God

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Kevin in Challenging Paradigms.
Updated on December 15, 2010

“So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.’” Acts 17:22-23 (NAS)

Most religions have their fair share of religious objects, icons and artifacts—and Judaism is no exception. Though some may consider the tabernacle elements such as the ark, the menorah, and the altar to be sacred symbols to all Israel, the ceremonial use of these articles was restricted to the priesthood, which more than likely limited their emblematic stature among the populace. Rather, it is the religious objects of later Judaism—both Scripture-based and contrived—that have become standardized icons to the Jewish people: the star of David, kippah, tallit, chanukiyah (the Chanukah “menorah”), torah scrolls, phylacteries and fringes. (more…)

“Israel” Ain’t Just a Land Near Egypt…

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Kevin in Challenging Paradigms, Jewish Identity.
Updated on December 1, 2010

Black hats davening at the western wall. Jerusalem’s skyline, marred by the Dome of the Rock. Falafel and couscous from Ben Yehuda Street. Suicide bombings… the sea of Gallilee… the birthplace of Jesus.

The very thought of “Israel” can transport us to a foreign and mystical land. We are enamored with its beauty and power; captivated by its historical and spiritual meaning; fixated upon our minds’ fantastic images of an exotic and distant world. We send it money and humanitarian aid, we lobby for its support by our policymakers, and we pray for its peace, petition for its prosperity, and intercede for its salvation. And yet…

… there is no such place as a land called “Israel.” It is a figment of our imagination. (more…)