On the Reformation 21 blog, Phil Ryken makes what I believe to be some pretty bold claims about both the ESV translation of the Bible and the forthcoming ESV Study Bible. He states:
Over the past week I have had the opportunity to review advance proofs of the ESV Study Bible that is planned for publication in October of 2008. Although I have not participated in this project, I have watched it unfold with great interest and anticipation. From what I have seen so far, I believe it will be the world’s best complete single-volume resource for reading, studying, and teaching the Bible.
Perhaps I am being overly philosophical but, to me, the sentence highlighted in bold and italics is an astounding claim. The WORLD’s BEST complete single volume resource? That sounds an awful lot like the language employed by inerrantists “infallible, inerrant, Word of God, etc…” I am sure it will be a useful resource for more than a few people but gosh, the whole world? The world’s best single volume resource?
The then goes on to write in part:
The ESV Study Bible was produces by a team of leading evangelical scholars — all of them experts in the Bible and its theology and all of them committed to the inerrancy of Scripture.
Again, I find this astounding. Who is really an expert in the Bible and its theology? Perhaps I am going to far in my thoughts with this, but again, I think the claim to be an expert in the Bible is a big one. Need we be reminded about how Jesus interacted with the so-called “experts in the Law”?
Also, there are experts in the Bible and it’s theology but where are the linguists and translation specialists? or the Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek scholars? Perhaps this is all assumed under the title of “expert in the Bible and its theology”? Gosh, it seems like its more important to be committed to one’s theological framework than to faithfully translate the Scriptures and let that shape one’s theology.
But I digress…
[Edited Update]: even more bold perhaps is the title of Ryken’s article “The Apotheosis of the Study Bible.” What is apotheosis and what are the implications of his usage here for the ESV Study Bible?
I saw that article and almost blogged on it, but decided not to as my blood was boiling and I’m trying to avoid writing anything I regret… I had to laugh at his quote that the ESV was the best Bible translation available – and wonder if that made the RSV the “second best”?! ESV marketing really does seem prone to hyperbole…
Gosh, it seems like its more important to be committed to one’s theological framework than to faithfully translate the Scriptures and let that shape one’s theology.
Ha! I agree, they really do seem to have the cart before the horse on many issues.
What if it actually turns out to be the world’s best Bible ever? I guess we’ll have to wait and see… But I guess that would actually involve pikcing up a copy, which I highly doubt that I’ll do (unless of course I get a free review copy).
I’m gonna get a copy. This is quite a BOLD statement on the ESV. I reject as an absolute.
If you’re calvinist, then you might agree.
Well, I am not against the ESV or the Study Bible per se, but the world’s best? I too may consider a copy but not for the text but perhaps some of the notes.
TC, probably Ryken may have not intended it to be absolute but it seems to sound that way, no?
Also, not just a calvinist per se but rather unknowledgeable about translation issues.
ElShaddai, I guess I hope I don’t regret this, I am not trying to be rude, I just think there could be some humility such as, “Hey, this is a solid Bible to consider getting with a lot of helpful aides” etc, but then again they may not be as widespread as they are now if they had not been.
@TC: If you’re calvinist, then you might agree.
Um, if you’re calvinist, then you have no choice but to agree…
What is apotheosis and what are the implications of his usage here for the ESV Study Bible?
Hmmm… the first two web definitions that came up were “ideal: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal” and “deification: the elevation of a person (as to the status of a god) “. I’d sure hate for the ESV folk to be guilty of the latter…
so if it is the former he is arguing it is the perfection of the Study Bible concept? Why? mainly because it has the ESV and the contributors are reformed and “experts”
@El: “Um, if you’re calvinist, then you have no choice but to agree…”
I’ll have to agree with you on this one. ESV SB is just what the well-bred calvinist has ordered.
@Brian: “Also, not just a calvinist per se but rather unknowledgeable about translation issues.”
I predict that it’s going to do well among those in the Reformed/Calvinist community.
Ryken says a whole lot. I’m still going to purchase my hardcover ESV SB.
I don’t have a problem with the ESV SB, just the claims people make about it. I’d probably like to get my hands on one too.
And about the ESV too. A lot of people I respect use the ESV, but I still cannot get pass the hype and displayed biases toward women and so on…
Phil Ryken may not have participated in this project himself, but Leland Ryken, who is I think Phil’s father, is a contributor and editor. I wonder how honest it is not to declare this interest.
“I’ll have to agree with you on this one. ESV SB is just what the well-bred calvinist has ordered.”
Only if you’re a Calvinist complementarian…
Peter wrote: Phil Ryken may not have participated in this project himself, but Leland Ryken, who is I think Phil’s father, is a contributor and editor. I wonder how honest it is not to declare this interest.
To be fair, he did include this paragraph in the article:
i know i’d like one… its definitely my favorite translation. i dont see any of the gender stuff as biased towards women at all… the praise for it is a little on the funny side… but thats all as far as i’m concerned.
Roger see Eph 4:8; 2 Tim 2:2; Jas 3:1; 2 Pet 1:21