Logocentric (adj).Regarding words and language as a fundamental expression of an external reality (especially applied as a negative term to traditional Western thought by postmodernist critics).
Sometimes I just write whatever I feel like. Other times I respond to prompts, many taken from the following places:
I have always enjoyed the longer distance running and skiing. The Marathon in Summer Olympics and the 50km Mass Start in the Winter. My wife can't understand how I can watch the same race for several hours. But they are fascinating to me. I like the Downhill Slalom, Bobsled and Luge sports. Attending a Winter Olympics remains on my bucket list.
My favorite sporting events in the Winter Olympics are the Luge, Bobsled, Figure Skating and curling. Initially, I thought I would be bored with curling but I'm not. It's fascinating how they determine each glide's angle and potential score.
When my children were younger we built them a luge course, they loved it. We were lucky that winter to have lots of snow to build up the walls and with some help with pallets that we covered with snow, it kept them and the neighborhood kids busy until it warmed up and melted. I was a lot more at ease with the luge course than I was when they decided to try arial jumps off our house roof. Never a dull moment when you live in Maine.
I am reading ESV through the Bible this time. Like you, I've explored a bunch of translations. My church uses NIV but my women's Bible study group (part of the same church) varies based on what Bible study we're doing.
Hope you enjoy the Olympics! I agree that the every four year thing makes them feel more special.
I read the New American Bible, which is a Catholic Bible. (NABRE) They include Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, which generally aren't included in other versions of the Bible. I would be curious to read an orthodox bible or the Ethiopian Bible as I hear they have differences as well.
As for the Olympics, I love the Winter Olympics. I'm just crossing my fingers I have time to watch!
In terms of the original texts the NASB has the best reputation among conservative scholars. It looks at more translations, has a sensible hierarchy of text selection and the best principles for approaching the translation task. It favors original texts when possible. The ESV and NKJV are on a similar level. The Net Bible gives the best overview of the discussions in its commentary. The NIV renders the original text to make it more readable. It is a more functional text which is why many churches use it but it is also less precise. Greek or Russian orthodox are more Septuagint orientated and there is a considerable amount of ethical or emotional rendering to the text.The disadvantage of the NASB is that it loses much of the Hebrew poetical style in its effort to be precise as this does not translate into the English
I'm very fortunate to have met some practicing and humble Christians. Truly humble people seek to serve, not attain power and influence. The actions of many Christians make me run the opposite way... as fast as I can.
In his book, Sit, Walk, Stand, Watchman Nee states: "Nothing has done greater damage to our Christian testimony than our trying to be right and demanding right of others. We become preoccupied with what is and what is not right. We ask ourselves,' Have we been justly or unjustly treated?' and we think thus to vindicate our actions. But that is not our standard. The whole question for us is one of crossbearing".
Jeff, this is an excellent book. Perhaps one for your reading list?
Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" is one of those songs that's enjoyed perpetual popularity since its release in 1980. I don't think a single year has gone by where I haven't heard it play at a sporting event, wedding, awards ceremony, as part of a soundtrack to a movie or TV show, or something along those lines. Apparently those close to the band predicted its success, with lead singer J.T. Taylor's mother reportedly telling him upon hearing it, "You're going to play this song for the rest of your life, so get ready!"
While the song can definitely get annoying when it's overplayed (like that year where my wife and I went to eight wedding... toward the end we were rolling our eyes when it inevitably came up on the DJ's playlist), I don't know anyone who flat-out doesn't like the song or doesn't start tapping their toes when it starts to play. Like "Walkin' on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves, it's one of those iconic upbeat songs that always put a smile on my face and brightens my day.
As I was thinking of what to write for this entry, I did a little research and, being the trivia junkie that I am, found the following tidbits worth sharing:
The Q'uran (specifically a passage about the angels celebrating and singing praises when God created Adam) is rumored to have been the inspiration for the song.
The song "Ladies Night" (also by Kool & the Gang) was also supposedly a source of inspiration. Its lyrics "Come on, let's all celebrate" toward the end of the song inspired the "Celebration" spinoff.
If you're looking for another connection to the song "Ladies Night," both songs featured backing vocals from the female group Something Sweet.
While the song is routinely used for special occasions like weddings and conventions and the like, one of the most prominent early uses of the song was in welcoming home the fifty-two captives held during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1981.
Eventual frontman J.T. Taylor used to go to Kool & the Gang concerts as an attendee, even trying to sneak backstage and being turned away at one point.
Contrary to its enduring popularity since, "Celebration" was only a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit for two weeks before getting booted by Dolly Parton's classic "9 to 5." Not to worry, though... it also hit #1 on both the Billboard Dance and Billboard R&B charts, and featured heavily on radio rotations for nearly the entire year.
The Q'uran (specifically a passage about the angels celebrating and singing praises when God created Adam) is rumored to have been the inspiration for the song.
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