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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

311.0. "Biblical Languages" by NYTP07::LAM () Mon Sep 16 1991 15:08

    I am debating whether I should take classes in Biblical Greek and
    Hebrew.  Some people say its not worth it unless you are a seminary
    student or scholar and others say reading the Scriptures in their
    original languages can give one new insights.  Does anyone out there
    have any opinions on this?  I am somewhat confused.
    
    ktlam...
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311.1one opinionOVER::JACKSONCollis Jackson ZKO2-3L06Mon Sep 16 1991 17:5021
Re: 311.0

  >I am debating whether I should take classes in Biblical Greek and
  >Hebrew.  Some people say its not worth it unless you are a seminary
  >student or scholar and others say reading the Scriptures in their
  >original languages can give one new insights.  Does anyone out there
  >have any opinions on this?  I am somewhat confused.

As my Greek professor said, it is best to take into account
primarily those who are well-acquainted with the subject when seeking
an opinion.  It was his belief that only those who actually knew
the original languages could comment on it very knowledgably as to
how much of a help it would be.

My own personal experience is this it can (and is) very helpful -
when I truly use it.  Since I (unfortunately) rarely truly use it,
it is only marginally helpful.

If you wish to understand the nuances and Scripture, it is invaluable.

Collis
311.2SA1794::SEABURYMZen: It's Not What You ThinkMon Sep 16 1991 18:0113
    Re.0

          Dick Curtis once quoted a proverb that went, "Lean a new
        language, gain a new soul." 
          Even if you are not a biblical scholar you may gain some
        insight that is of tremendous importance to you personally.
          I guess you have to weigh whatever inconvenience there would
        be in taking the classes against how much you would like
        to be able to read Scripture in Greek or Hebrew. 

                                        
                                                               Mike
311.3I'm kind of rusty with it nowKARHU::TURNERWed Sep 18 1991 13:5914
    As one who has tackled Biblical Hebrew, I feel I may have some insight.
    To some extent, whether its worth it depends on your natural ability to
    absorb languages. If you pick up written language easily and are very
    interested in the Bible, do it.
    	If not its sort of a gray area. I pick up grammar fairly easily,
    but vocabulary comes less easily. For me it is possible to study a
    language, but much more difficult to become moderately fluent. 
    My study of Hebrew has been helpful in that it provides a sort of
    decoupling from ordinary Christian social biases. 
    	On the other hand I believe that it is possible to
    understand scripture without a knowledge of original languages. If you
    have a necessity to know, God's Spirit will lead you into truth.
    
    John
311.4DO IT!!!!USRCV1::FERGUSONLSun Sep 22 1991 00:425
    let me just "second" collis jackson. 
    
    for the serious student, nothing could be of more value.
    
    lisa
311.5You could add another important language...CARTUN::BERGGRENYeah,but what does it all *mean*?Mon Sep 23 1991 11:573
    A study of Aramaic, Jesus' native language, would also be enriching.
    
    Karen