Why are the scriptures not considered more important in our church services?

[Jedidiah]

I'm curious about your distinction between value and ritual. Can you elaborate a little?

My point is only that in the churches I have been involved in the original languages would not speak to the congregation directly or spontaneously. I do not see any down side to reading of scripture in original languages as part of a liturgical service. However I do not believe that there is any sort of infusion of Biblical messages except through reason and understanding of the language used. What I understood to be part of what the OP was suggesting with "in order to allow the word of God to speak to the congregation as directly and as spontaneously as possible." If that was not the intent then my response was not germane.

[robrecht]

My point is only that in the churches I have been involved in the original languages would not speak to the congregation directly or spontaneously. I do not see any down side to reading of scripture in original languages as part of a liturgical service. However I do not believe that there is any sort of infusion of Biblical messages except through reason and understanding of the language used. What I understood to be part of what the OP was suggesting with "in order to allow the word of God to speak to the congregation as directly and as spontaneously as possible." If that was not the intent then my response was not germane.

OK. The idea in the OP (not mine, by the way, but I like it) is that the lector would be qualified to directly and 'spontaneously' translate the original scriptures using his or her own reason and understanding of the languages of the scriptures. The person from whom I originally heard this idea, and those to whom he was speaking, were all extremely capable in the original languages and every bit as capable as members of the translation committees that translate scriptures for publication. Obviously, this does not sound very realistic for most churches as they exist today, but the idea is that the churches should value the scriptures enough to make this so. As I understand it, this is presumed to have been the common synagogue practice at the time of Jesus or at least subsequently when the Hebrew scriptures were read initially in Hebrew and then translated spontaneously into Aramaic. Eventually, some of these Aramaic translations were standardized into targumim, ie, textual translations of the Hebrew which were still rather free in character, reflecting an oral, dynamic equivalent practice. The idea is that if it was good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for us as well.

[RBerman]

OK. The idea in the OP (not mine, by the way, but I like it) is that the lector would be qualified to directly and 'spontaneously' translate the original scriptures using his or her own reason and understanding of the languages of the scriptures. The person from whom I originally heard this idea, and those to whom he was speaking, were all extremely capable in the original languages and every bit as capable as members of the translation committees that translate scriptures for publication. Obviously, this does not sound very realistic for most churches as they exist today, but the idea is that the churches should value the scriptures enough to make this so. As I understand it, this is presumed to have been the common synagogue practice at the time of Jesus or at least subsequently when the Hebrew scriptures were read initially in Hebrew and then translated spontaneously into Aramaic. Eventually, some of these Aramaic translations were standardized into targumim, ie, textual translations of the Hebrew which were still rather free in character, reflecting an oral, dynamic equivalent practice. The idea is that if it was good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for us as well.

While not valuing spontaneous translation during worship to the degree that you describe, my church tradition does require its pastors to be studied in Greek and Hebrew. Prospective pastors are required to construct a sermon which interacts meaningfully with assigned Bible texts in both languages, for instance, as well as providing documentation of acceptable courses of study in both.

[robrecht]

While not valuing spontaneous translation during worship to the degree that you describe, my church tradition does require its pastors to be studied in Greek and Hebrew. Prospective pastors are required to construct a sermon which interacts meaningfully with assigned Bible texts in both languages, for instance, as well as providing documentation of acceptable courses of study in both.

I put 'spontaneous' in quotes because I do believe one should prepare beforehand as rigorously as one can, and while some may want to prepare a written translation, I do not believe that one should not just read but actively engage the text and the community at the same time if one is able. I know some people memorize the text that they read so that they can maintain eye contact with the audience during the 'reading'. This takes the idea a little further and might suggest memorizing the text to be read in the original language to the extent that it is completely internalized. Anyway, for what it's worth, I would be interested in seeing this idea enfleshed to see if and how it might work in actual practice.

[robrecht]

Thanks. A parent recommended me to the history teacher at the local public school and she asked me to come in and speak to her history classes that are currently studying ancient Greece. I'm working on the PowerPoint slides right now, in preparation for this Wednesday. Won't speak much about the Bible, of course, as it is a public school, but I do enjoy teaching kids, who are typically much more receptive to learning than adults, 'though every once in a while an adult cannot help but be converted as well.

Had a really great time speaking with the kids who've been learning about Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks so far this year. Spoke about the development of the Ugaritic alphabet from Akkadian Semitic, and proto-Sinaitic from Egyptian hieroglyphics. Reviewed the most important archeological finds and looked at the text of Genesis 1 in Phoenician and then in Aramaic and Masoretic scripts and in the Septuagint translation. Also got to translate some of the Greek from the Rosetta Stone. The kids are surprisingly interested in learning everything, but the highlight of the classes was looking at the Hebrew and Greek etymologies of each of the kids' names. It's amazing how kids respond when they hear about the meaning of their names as they are written about in the Book of Life. A good time was had by all!!!