As we discussed the combining of many works by Erasmus of Rotterdam, I was reminded to an interesting fact my BoM teacher (Charles Swift) told our class.
Quick Bio::Erasmus of Rotterdam
He basically examined many manuscripts and brought them together to one great piece of literary masterpiece.
If you'd like to know more, here are some links.
http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/erasmus.html
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/erasmus.html
The interesting fact::
There is a specific Book of Mormon that is only used for translation into different languages.
Why?
My professor said that because there are specific phrases in the BoM that pertain to those that only have and know the King James version.
Example:
In the introduction of the BoM, the last sentence of the 1st paragraph says: "It is a record of Good's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel."
Well, in different countries such as Afghanistan, where the Muslim religion is practiced, the Qur'an is their known bible. So to not confuse those people, the "as does the Bible" phrase is not in the translated BoM.
I found that really interesting and assumed others would too.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Logging you in...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I did not know that! That's pretty cool! And I'm loving reading your blog, you're making into such a smart person. :) Oh, and I love the new background!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is fascinating! Do you think that it is us trying to be respectful or are we giving in a little on what we believe?
ReplyDeleteSo Erasmus of Rotterdam created standard editions of literary works. Your post begs the question as to how the LDS church (and all publishers and readers in general) will create/define definitive standard editions of texts in various languages for our ever shrinking multilingual world. For example, I know that the Chinese edition of The Book of Mormon is already on its 3rd translation. I enjoy each translation for the unique gospel insights it provides, but which one is correct? Are they all correct, and is there an official standard? Even in the English copy of The Book of Mormon the first few pages state that corrects have been made that have seemed appropriate. http://bit.ly/92sxgN
ReplyDeleteKristi, I do think the gospel should be taught in a way that will be best for the learner. We aren't giving in on what we believe, because we still believe in the phrase "as does the Bible," but that is something a missionary would probably teach in a latter lesson rather than the first. Milk before meat. 2 Nephi 28:30
ReplyDeleteKristi - I think that the reason for 'changing' how the BoM is translated they are merely not wanting to risk the possibility of mistaking another Bible for containing the full gospel.
ReplyDeleteAndrew - I was looking for some other information regarding this 'other' Book of Mormon and couldn't find anything. But, I think the tweaks that have been done to the BoM isn't changing what or what isn't correct, just merely clarifying it's truthfulness even more.
Very interesting! I've wondered what subtleties have been lost, translated slightly inaccurately, etc. in the BofM. Interesting to know the Chinese version is in its third edition. I guess the English version too has gone through alterations.
ReplyDeleteI remember in 1978 (I'm dating myself here!) when our current edition of the scriptures was published - there was a media fest because of some of the changes.
ReplyDeleteBut the changes didn't change the meaning - it changed how we understand it!
White or pure? It's or Its?? and so forth. Words mean different things now than they did in the early 1800's!
Evolution of the English language - and I assume other languages as well - is an ongoing process, & how clear or understandable things are will depend on our keeping up with it!