18th April 2011

Babel: The English language and globalisation, Genesis, 11:1-9

Author Douglas Adams uses Babel as a metaphor to propose a ‘solution’ to ‘the problem’ of multilingualism and of communication –

 ‘ – the Babel Fish, … is small, yellow and leech-like, and probably the oddest thing in the Universe. …if you stick a Babel fish in your ear you can instantly understand anything said to you… Meanwhile, the poor Babel fish, by effectively removing all barriers to communication between different races and cultures, has caused more and bloodier wars than anything else in the history of creation.’

Equally in our world, global English brings potential for greater destruction and unsustainable practices in the context of globalization.

References:

Genesis, 11:1-9

Douglas Adams 1979 The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. London: Pan

11th April 2011

Psalms 8:2: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Matthew 21:16: And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

‘"Out of the mouths of babes," we now say (slightly misquoting), come the darndest things. Children sometimes speak, in their simplicity, more wisely than their elders.

But adults will notice that, in coining this phrase, the author of Psalm 8 (allegedly David) isn't talking about darling little remarks or amusing notes. What he is talking about depends on the translation. In the King James Version, the Lord "ordains strength" (issues strong words) against his enemies, even through "babes and sucklings." In the New English Bible, babes likewise "rebuke the mighty." But in the Revised Standard Version and in the Jerusalem Bible, the little ones chant the glory and majesty of the Lord.

Though translators can't agree on whether the Psalmist's babes spout fighting words or waft hosannas -- either way it's a miracle -- Jesus preferred the latter. When the chief priests and scribes of the Jerusalem Temple cringe at the din of children crying "Hosanna to the son of David," Jesus scolds them: "Yea, have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" (Matthew 21: 16). Jesus' quote, or rather paraphrase, is the main reason "out of the mouths of babes" became a popular catchphrase. But it didn't ensure the phrase would be well employed. ‘

Michael Macrone, http://www.gracecathedral.org/enrichment/brush_excerpts/brush_20050816.shtml

4th April 2011

In the Preface to The Obedience of the Christian Man (1529), William Tyndale wrote of the need for readers to have access to the Bible whether they were learned or not.  According to this source, he wrote that ‘if they go abroad and walk by the fields and meadows of all manner doctors and philosophers, they could catch no harm; they should discern the poison from the honey and bring home nothing but that which is wholesome.’ (p149)
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~sben0056/Tyndale.London.htm

28th March 2011

Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear. He beholdeth all high things; he is a king over the children of pride (Job 41:33-34).

The biblical Leviathan has its origins in the ancient mythology of a primaeval ‘chaos monster’. More powerful indeed than any other creature!

The philosopher Thomas Hobbes took the name to refer to the State, because of its power to do more for individuals than they could do for themselves. Yet there is something wonderful and unruly in this chapter’s parade of unicorn, Leviathan and Behemoth. There are things in God’s world that seem beyond all control, measure or reason. This is part of God’s answer to a questioning Job.

21st March 2011

For, lo, the WINTER is past, the rain is over [and] gone;
Song of Solomon 2:11

14th March 2011

‘Every little effort you make will strengthen your children toward a comfortable familiarity with King James English. It may not happen overnight, but be encouraged that the human mind is adaptable and can rise to most challenges. You'll soon find great pleasure in that "fine roll of Bible English," and find the KJV a familiar friend who unlocks many once-mysterious literary passageways for you. Your children will begin making those delightful "Aha!" connections with KJV allusions in their books (indeed, everywhere!) . . . buried treasure which otherwise would have passed by unclaimed.’

Lyn Bruce  http://www.amblesideonline.org/WhyKJV.shtml

8th March 2011

And they brought young children to him that he should touch them: and his disciples and rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Matthew –  10.13 – 10.15

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter in the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Matthew 18