My ranking of English Bible versions evoked precisely the expected reactions (also see comments to the post) to successfully prove the rule that:
The argument over which translation is "better" often comes down to personal preference.
Most of the commenters realized and respected the fact that this was my ranking based on my personal preferences. My top ten is still a work in progress. It's hard to come up with ten. I've only read extensively in 4 or 5 of them. I probably should have done a top 5 list.
So, to be a better evaluator of all the translations, I will start regularly reading several of them in parallel. I also plan to try to read these in full: ESV, NLT, HCSB, NET, and TNIV.
I've also decided to look into the TNIV more closely and give it a chance. It was brought to my attention that I might not have been fair and consistent in my opposition to the TNIV compared to my acceptance of the NLT or NRSV on gender language issues, so I'm reconsidering the issue. I'll let you know what I find out.
The argument over which translation is "better" often comes down to personal preference.
Most of the commenters realized and respected the fact that this was my ranking based on my personal preferences. My top ten is still a work in progress. It's hard to come up with ten. I've only read extensively in 4 or 5 of them. I probably should have done a top 5 list.
So, to be a better evaluator of all the translations, I will start regularly reading several of them in parallel. I also plan to try to read these in full: ESV, NLT, HCSB, NET, and TNIV.
I've also decided to look into the TNIV more closely and give it a chance. It was brought to my attention that I might not have been fair and consistent in my opposition to the TNIV compared to my acceptance of the NLT or NRSV on gender language issues, so I'm reconsidering the issue. I'll let you know what I find out.
Doug, I appreciate your attitude on this issue so much.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is your list (haha). And I glad that you're willing to give the TNIV a chance. Some people wouldn't even do that. So I commend you on that.
For me, it is going to be a Top Five (haha).