Friday, September 28, 2007

How Far Is Too Far?

We're participating with a group (Faith Comes By Hearing)that's trying to get the Bible into places where even written languages haven't come yet. They use technology to take the spoken word to people groups that haven't yet been reached by the worthwhile efforts of Wycliffe or SIL translators.

Their September 12th press release said that:

Faith Comes By Hearing is releasing Audio Bibles in seven additional languages, bringing the total number of languages with Bible recordings to 260. Faith Comes By Hearing and its partners are working to offer Audio New Testaments in 2,000 of the world’s 6,809 languages by the year 2016.


I'm convinced those folks are like the offensive linemen of evangelism, getting the Bile into the "heart language" of people so they can hear of God's love for them. It costs $948 to translate one book of the Bible and get it into MP3.

This morning, I get an email from Thomas Nelson publishers touting their newest offering...... drum roll please!

The Nelson Designer Series Giant Print Bible

Now there is a Giant Print Bible that is a perfect gift for the women in your life. This Designer Series New King James Bible has center-column references, self-pronouncing text, topical running heads, messianic prophecies with stars, 8 pages of maps, and a concordance.


And it's only $39.95 in the Thomas Nelson exclusive New King James Version.

While I have nothing against Thomas Nelson, the NKJV, or even "women's versions", at what point will we realize that getting the Bible to people who don't have it is far more important than another design on the cover?

The marketing of Bibles in this way is approaching the gagging point.
Posted by David Wilson at 9:53 AM
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1 comment:

  1. Unknown10:11 AM

    Hi David,
    I'm encouraged to read that you are engaged with Faith Comes By Hearing! I work for Wycliffe Bible Translators and we are grateful for a strong partnership with FCBH in bringing the Word of God to all peoples throughout the world. FCBH bridges the gap that is sometimes left when Scripture has been translated and speakers of that language cannot read. God has blessed our joint efforts, working through Wycliffe Bible Translators, SIL, and other organizations to first translate the Scriptures and then through FCBH to take that written translation and create audio recordings in these speakers' heart language. May God continued to be glorified through this work!

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