[B-Greek] Why do we make pastors translate

John Barach johnbarach at shaw.ca
Tue Dec 15 15:47:19 EST 2009


When a man trains to become an electrician, he learns all about diodes, 
capacitors, ohms, resistors, etc. He learns the vocabulary and the 
function. When he leaves school, he continues to learn more terms and 
functions. When he services your electrical component, he does not tell 
you that the bias capacitor spiked the flux rheostat. He speaks your 
language saying that he replaced some electrical pieces and tuned it up.

When a man trains as a carpenter, he learns the fundamentals of the 
different kinds of wood and the use of the tools. He learns the basics 
of meeting the building codes. When you want him to build new kitchen 
cupboards, he may ask if you want a Spanish design, hidden hinges, etc. 
When he actually builds the unit, he relies on his training. He knows 
that certain woods are stronger than others. He knows that certain cuts 
will accomplish the end results.

Similarly, a pastor must learn the fundamentals and the vocabulary of 
his profession. From the pulpit and in counseling, he will not use Greek 
words and speak about the use of the second aorist instead of the 
pluperfect. But his knowledge of the fundamentals will influence the 
practical message that he brings. He will not talk about hamartiological 
influences in society, he will call it sin. Just as the electrician and 
the carpenter continue to study periodicals, etc. within their 
discipline in order to increase their knowledge and hone their skills, 
so the pastor will keep his mind sharp by studying the original 
languages and reading material to assist him in elocution, counseling, etc.

As my friend once told me, “I don’t use big words like toboggan and 
marmalade. I just say sled and jam.”



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