07-08-2008, 10:54 PM
Your first point is one I definitely agree with. I've very much hoped to find a translation of the Bible by an atheist for quite a while. I think it would be a fascinating read, and an excellent reference for giving perspective to Biblical study.
True, it can lead to carelessness. However, I really don't think that we can overall classify Murdock or Etheridge as careless translations. On the contrary, I think they're rather careful. I think that there are risks on both sides. That's why I would not recommend that anyone rely on a single translation, or a single type of translation, if they cannot speak or study the original languages. I would never suggest that someone should use a translation by an atheist as their only Bible. I would simply recommend that it be one of their translations.
Yes, it is possible. As I said, each has its advantages. I simply stated that in some cases Etheridge and Murdock are very good because they have a greater degree of objectivity.
I seriously doubt that Murdock would translate YHWH in the Hebrew Bible any other way than LORD or Lord. So the fact that he translated MRYA "Lord" is really no surprise, especially since the origin of MRYA has not gone undisputed. It is not half so straightforward as you make it sound.
True, it can lead to carelessness. However, I really don't think that we can overall classify Murdock or Etheridge as careless translations. On the contrary, I think they're rather careful. I think that there are risks on both sides. That's why I would not recommend that anyone rely on a single translation, or a single type of translation, if they cannot speak or study the original languages. I would never suggest that someone should use a translation by an atheist as their only Bible. I would simply recommend that it be one of their translations.
Yes, it is possible. As I said, each has its advantages. I simply stated that in some cases Etheridge and Murdock are very good because they have a greater degree of objectivity.
I seriously doubt that Murdock would translate YHWH in the Hebrew Bible any other way than LORD or Lord. So the fact that he translated MRYA "Lord" is really no surprise, especially since the origin of MRYA has not gone undisputed. It is not half so straightforward as you make it sound.