John Barton (1) (1948–)

The Word: How We Translate the Bible—and Why It Matters makes for both daunting and rewarding reading. Barton's purpose here is to survey the kinds of decision-making translators have to do and offer chapters focused on the complexities of these. Go for literal accuracy or for an accuracy of spirit/feeling? Modify outdated usages, like the universal male, to offer a more inclusive reading experience?

Barton knows this subject in all its detail and complexity, which is what makes the experience both daunting and rewarding. If you don't have a degree in theology, you'll either have to spend a great deal of time doing research to be able to understand some of Barton's more specific or esoteric points or you'll have to be able to choose when to skim and when to sink into the book. I fall into the second category. I know my understanding of the specifics of The Word was only partial, but I also found that partial understanding very worthwhile.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the published via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.… (mer)

Despite Barton being an Anglican priest, there is not a whole lot of difference between his history of the bible and Bart Ehrman's. Barton acknowledges the corruption of biblical texts, the contradictions within the gospels, and makes a good case that no one studying the current beliefs and organization of either Christianity or Judaism would be able to find a lot of it in the bible. Nor would someone reading the bible, conceive of Christianity and Judaism as they exist today. Throughout, his writing is clear, and his selections of texts from the bible or from biblical scholars are all excellent. Barton will make you appreciate and want to delve more into the stories in the bible, even if you aren't a believer. Throughout it all, Barton somehow maintains his own belief in the core story of Christianity, the salvation to be received through belief in Jesus Christ. This shows how powerful belief can be, because as I stated at the outset, Barton's analysis of the bible is not one that most Christians would agree with--or even read all the way through! I highly recommend this honest analysis by a person of faith.… (mer)