Memorial (SCD 20111) Subject: NIV 2011 and Translation Evaluation Committee Work
Committee: Floor Committee #19, Bible Translation Reference: BORAM, p3637, Translation Committee Supplemental Report
WHEREAS 1) the publication of NIV2011 requires the synod to make a decision about which translation it will use in its publications; and
WHEREAS 2) we recognize that the NIV2011 contains many improvements, but also contains many passages which unnecessarily weaken the translation; and
WHEREAS 3) many passages dealing with Messianic prophecy are rendered in a questionable or unacceptable way; and
WHEREAS 4) some of the use of genderinclusive language is welcome, but some departs from the original meaning of the Greek or Hebrew text; and
WHEREAS 5) some translations of passages dealing with gender roles obscures the Biblical doctrine of the roles of men and women; and
WHEREAS 6) the members of the South Central District believe that fidelity to the meaning of the original text is ultimately more important than the flow and currency of its English expression; and
WHEREAS 7) our own WELS Translation Evaluation Committee does not expect the WELS convention in July of 2011 to make a final decision about the choice of a Bible translation for WELS publications; and
WHEREAS 8) the WELS Translation Evaluation Committee believes that there needs to be further discussion held among a wider audience until we reach a more general agreement; and
WHEREAS 9) the WELS Translation Evaluation Committee has not had time to review thoroughly the leading options among the current Bible translations for our use other than NIV2011; therefore be it
Resolved, a) that we urge the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in its 2011 convention to commission a thorough study of the other leading options among the current Bible translations for use in our publications (An American Translation [AAT, Beck], English Standard Version [ESV], Holman Christian Standard Bible [HCSB], New American Standard Bible [NASB], and New King James Version [NKJV]), to be reported to the constituency of our synod; and be it further
Resolved, b) that we urge this study to be conducted with the serious consideration that one of these other translations may be more appropriate for use in WELS publications; and be it further
Resolved, c) that we urge the 2011 convention to make no decision regarding which translation the WELS will use in its official publications; and be it finally
Resolved, d) that we thank the WELS Translation Evaluation Committee for the work they have done.
The South Central District
