WARNING RE: How to find the meaning of words

Carl W. Conrad cwconrad at artsci.wustl.edu
Wed Apr 7 13:56:18 EDT 1999


While I had thought and hoped that something really good might come out of
this exchange on the relevance of etymological origins and historical
context to the lexicology of NT Greek, it has by this point clearly
devolved into something which, though not yet a flame war, is certainly
emitting more heat than light. If you want to keep at each other, take it
off the list into private correspondence. Just when it seemed that we had
gained a measure of security from the threat of polemic attacks and
counterattacks of orthodoxy and heretical faiths, it looks like we are
confronting a new sort of dogmatic insistence upon one "right way of
thinking" about word-meanings. But surely people can have a reasonable
degree of confidence in their own ways of thinking without impugning the
integrity of those who don't think the same way.

Here's what the FAQ says, under "D. Netiquette::

     1. Respectful discourse: Those who participate in the conference
represent a wide range of theological and denominational perspectives,
perhaps even including some whose interests are purely academic.  Deep
religious convictions surely characterize many, perhaps most, of the
list-participants, and some of these convictions bear directly upon how the
Biblical text is to be understood. At the core of our discussion, however,
is not what our convictions are but what the Greek text may legitimately be
understood to mean. If discussion of this nature is to succeed, proper
respect and courtesy to other list members is important.  While scholarly
debate, including disagreement, is encouraged as a goal of this conference,
attacks upon the character, intelligence, or faith of those participating
are not acceptable. Criticism must focus upon the arguments of others; it
may not be directed to the individual.  Those who violate this policy will
be contacted politely by the B-Greek staff and requested to conform to
these guidelines.  Those who continue to violate the policy will no longer
be welcome in the conference.

If anyone has a mind to contribute something more to the thread on "How to
find the meaning of words," please take note that this present message
constitutes the "polite contact" refered to in the above paragraph.

Carl W. Conrad
Co-Chair, B-Greek List
Department of Classics, Washington University
One Brookings Drive/St. Louis, MO, USA 63130/(314) 935-4018
Home: 7222 Colgate Ave./St. Louis, MO 63130/(314) 726-5649
cwconrad at artsci.wustl.edu
WWW: http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~cwconrad/
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