The Language of the Spirit: Interpreting and Translating Charismatic Terms
Theology
CPT Press
October 15, 2010
Paperback
136
The latest work by noted New Testament scholar Robert P. Menzies, The Language of the Spirit: Interpreting and Translating Charismatic Terms, treats in successive chapters six key issues that impact the translation of New Testament terms related to the Holy Spirit or charismatic themes. Special attention is given to how specific terms should be translated in the English and Chinese New Testaments. These translation issues serve as a catalyst for further analysis of and reflection upon a variety of texts. Significant light is shed on a number of important topics: the nature of prophecy and spiritual guidance in the early church, the role of the Paraclete in John's gospel, Luke's understanding of the Kingdom of God and salvation history. Menzies demonstrates that reading the biblical text through the lens of a different language and culture can be an enriching and illuminating experience. These essays reflect the careful study and keen theological insight for which Dr Menzies is known. The chapters are 1. Prophecy or Preaching?; 2. The Spirit of God or the Spirit of Man?; 3. How Shall We Translate parakletos?; 4. Is the Kingdom of God within You?; 5. Did Jesus Send Seventy or Seventy-two?; and 6. Tongues or Languages?
Author’s Note:
Mark B. (Ph.D., Ed.D.), who teaches with Global University, recently wrote:
“I finally got my hands on The Language of the Spirit and I am impressed with how valuable this would be to our Chinese students in GU’s grad program. Is there a Chinese version of your book? I will definitely use some of your analysis when I teach the course ‘Exposition of Pneumatology in Lucan Literature’…in January.”
This caught my attention because many of you and your school libraries probably do not yet have The Language of the Spirit: Interpreting and Translating Charismatic Terms (CPT Press, 2010) on your shelves. Since this book is available in both English and Chinese I thought you might like to know about it.
Although this book has special relevance for Chinese readers or anyone ministering in a Chinese context, it is also relevant for all readers since it uses English and Chinese examples to show how Bible translation impacts our understanding of key texts.
The English version is available on Amazon (link here).
The Chinese version can be obtained from Robert Yeung of Hong Kong. You may contact him at robertckyeung@gmail.com.
