Some theologians say the new Bible translation The Voice that replaces words like "Christ" with "Anointed One" and "angel" with "messenger" is acceptable.
Dr. Darrell Bock, professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, worked on the Luke-Acts portion of the translation. Bock told The Christian Post that although the word "Christ" does not appear in the text, the meaning of the word is still present in the form of the term "Anointed One," which was frequently used in its place.
"I do think there can be value in laying out Scripture in a fresh way so people hear it afresh, provided it does not take liberties with the text," said Bock. "Every effort was made to be careful about how this was done. This is not an effort to conform to American audiences, but is simply rendering the text in a way to makes its meaning clear."
Dr. Erik Thoennes, professor of biblical and theological studies at Biola University, told CP that the process of translation "is as much of an art as a science. "Languages are constantly evolving so it is helpful to provide translations that reflect those changes that time invariably brings," said Thoennes. "Translations should never merely conform to modern audiences or transform the meaning to fit contemporary thinking, but they do need to help modern readers understand the intended meaning of the original authors."
Thoennes also told CP he felt that given the art of translation, different versions of the Bible can fulfill different needs.
"If reading for the big ideas and general flow of the stories and dialogues, a less literal approach could be helpful. This sounds like what The Voice is trying to accomplish," said Thoennes.
