[B-Greek] 'on' and 'off' topic

Jim West jwest at highland.net
Tue Dec 28 15:16:05 EST 2004


At 02:46 PM 12/28/2004, you wrote:
>After my post I thought better of it and I've decided to just lurk. I don't
>always expect a response, but I honestly felt my question was within the
>parameters of the forum and certainly didn't expect to be put down.

I really, sincerely, honestly do not think Carl put you down in any way. He 
is a kind, considerate, and genuinely intelligent moderator who always does 
his best to do the best for the list.


>There is a difference between understanding what the Greek Text is really
>saying (which I thought was the point of this forum), and trying to
>'interpret its theological significance' (which is off topic, agreed!). I
>just think that understanding the Text takes more than 'is this a deponent
>middle optative of the preceding participial adverb' (which is important) --
>it's also thinking about culture, and Hebraisisms, and what Greek words
>might mean in various contexts, and...

Indeed interpretation is more than translation and exegesis is more than 
grammar.  And its easy to slip over the line from the one to the 
other.  Nonetheless, it has to be guarded against because, believe it or 
not, there are nuts out there who would run havoc over a good discussion 
list if not monitored closely and moderated heavily.  Any of us who have 
been around since Al Gore invented the Internet know how swiftly grammar 
devolves to theology and theology devolves to yelling and flame wars.

I think it wise that you've decided to stay.  You will learn a LOT from 
Carl and Jeff and the other regulars.  And just remember what Hillel is 
reported to have said- "a fool can only learn from his friends; but a wise 
man can learn even from his enemies".

Best,

Jim


++++++++++++++++++++
Jim West, ThD

http://web.infoave.net/~jwest Biblical Studies Resources
http://biblical-studies.blogspot.com Biblical Theology Weblog






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