Scripture and Contextualization: the Translation of the Bible

by James Kiernan

Contextualization is the “process whereby Christians adapt the forms, content, and praxis of the Christian faith so as to communicate it the minds and hearts of people with other cultural backgrounds.” In order to contextualize the Bible (make it understandable to other cultures, there is a growing tendency to change the very words of Scripture. This is often called the “dynamic equivalent” method of Scripture translation. This is done through various methods, such as substituting terms or removing some terms completely. In every instance, however, this practice destroys the integrity of Scripture and undermines its authority. There are serious consequences for modifying the words of Scripture, both doctrinally and practically. Contextualization in the form of changing the actual words of Scripture is always a grave error.

9 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2015