Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The scandal of the evangelical mind

This is the title of an influential book, written in the context of the USA. Recently, I gave a talk with this title, based on Philippians 2:1-13. My argument is that although the book is important and has valid points there is actually a much bigger scandal.
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 20, 2018 at 9:24 AM

    Great post. Lots of things to digest here, especially in our age of me, me, me! I have to raise one question:
    must one really, absolutely "not look to my own interests"? I find it interesting that NIV differs in its translation of Philippians 2:4. Here are 7 versions:

    NIV: not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

    ESV: Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

    KJV: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

    NLT: Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

    Neue Genfer Übersetzung (NGU-DE): Jeder soll auch auf das Wohl der anderen bedacht sein, nicht nur auf das eigene Wohl.

    Luther Bibel 1545 (LUTH1545): und ein jeglicher sehe nicht auf das Seine, sondern auch auf das, was des andern ist.

    Filipino Standard Version (FSV): Pahalagahan ninyo ang kapakanan ng iba, at hindi lamang ang kapakanan ng inyong sarili

    All except NIV agree that putting others before oneself is key to having the same mindset as Christ and that one definitely can, and perhaps even should, address their needs and interests as well, all for the glory of God. (I unfortunately cannot read the original Greek.) Thoughts?

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  2. Ross H. McKenzieDecember 21, 2018 at 2:46 PM

    Guten Tag,

    This is an excellent question. I had not noticed the subtle differences in translation.
    As often balance and context is key.
    My own interests include getting adequate food, sleep, shelter, .. and for those I am responsible for providing for. It does not mean being a "doormat". The key question is where do we draw the line?
    And do we fight and scheme to protect "our interests" or do we seek the ``common good''?
    The passage is a wonderful corrective/challenge to our "culture" and to our natural human sinful tendencies.

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