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?
"Blog Harbor" PROMPT (DAY 18): What cover version of a song do you think is better than the original?
I can't help it. This time I'm doing a two-fer. I can't pick just one cover song!
First up, is "Burning Down the House" by The Used (previously by Talking Heads). As much as I hate to admit that I discovered this song watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, mostly because I don't ever want to admit that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has any redeemable qualities whatsoever, this is actually a really good cover. Talking Heads' version is a classic, but I really dig the industrial sound The Used were able to get on this track. It feels retro and modern all at the same time.
Second, I can't in good conscience talk about covers versions without mentioning Jay-Z's cover of the Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" from the All Points West Music & Art Festival in 2009. If you're not familiar with the story, 2009 was the year when Beastie Boys vocals/bassist MCA (Adam Yauch) was diagnosed with cancer. They ended up having to pull out of their Friday night headlining gig at All Points West and the festival got Jay-Z to fill in as the last-minute headliner. He thought it would be appropriate to open his set with a tribute to the band he was replacing and it... is... amazing.
There aren't many people that can pull off the energy and rhythm of a Beastie Boys track, but Jay-Z handled it like a pro. Maybe it was his practice doing rap/rock mashups with Linkin Park on their amazing Collision Course album in 2004... or maybe it's just the fact that Jay-Z is an incredible entertainer. Either way, he nailed it. I don't necessarily think it's better than the original, but I think he did a really great job trying to pay tribute to the Beastie Boys at a time when they were really struggling.
There are actually a ton of cover versions of songs that, for various reasons, I like more than the original. Some other finalists that were in close contention for this blog entry include:
"Tainted Love" by Marilyn Manson (previously by Soft Cell and Gloria Jones) "Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm (previously by Michael Jackson) "I Fought The Law" by The Clash (previously by The Crickets and The Bobby Fuller Four) "Landslide" by The Dixie Chicks (previously by Fleetwood Mac) "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles (previously by The Isley Brothers) "Blue Monday" by Orgy (previously by New Order)
"Tainted Love" by Marilyn Manson (previously by Soft Cell and Gloria Jones)
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