What is the Bible, exactly? I believe that this is the question that MUST be answered before we ever attempt to tackle the problem of "historical reflection."
In all of my discussions I try to help people understand that the Bible is the story of God's interaction with humanity, starting with the first humans, moving through Israel, and then the whole world. My understanding of the Bible is this: "The Bible is the story of the lengths that God is willing to go to in order to redeem his people." Pretty simple, yet so complex.
The Bible really serves three functions:
1. History
2. Literature
3. Theology
The Bible always works from those perspectives, BUT not all three have to be present at any given time. The section being read could be literature and theology, but not history. (Song of Solomon, anyone?) The story can be historical and theological, but not very literary. (The first few chapters of Numbers or the book of Ezra comes to mind.) The important thing to remember is this: No matter what the story concerns, its ultimate goal is to present a theology of Go.
The Bible finds various individuals wrestling to come to grips with a God they don't understand and cannot control. The Bible simply outlines the best they can do. Habakkuk's discussion/prophecy is a good example of this. Habakkuk is a prophet, wrestling to understand a message that he doesn't like. He calls God on the carpet and tells him to answer his questions, because the world doesn't seem fair and nothing seems to be going the way it should. The ultimate message is this: you cannot always understand my ways, you simply have to trust that it will all work out in the end.
The Bible deals primarily with theology: Who is God? What is he doing? What is he calling us to do/be? Can we trust in his ways? The Bible displays raw emotion in this search.
Theology is the primary function of the Bible. History and literature form the secondary functions of the Bible. Thus, the Bible is NOT written as history for history's sake. The Bible can even deviate from history in small ways in order to make its point. (For example, many of the narratives in the Gospels are taken in different sequential orders; i.e. the anointing of Jesus before the Triumphal Entry in John vs. the anointing AFTER the Triumphal Entry in the Synoptics.)
I think the problems we encounter in academia is when we try to make the Bible something it isn't. Those of us in the Western world approach the Bible from our own cultural understanding, not realizing (or caring) that the Gospels are written from a different time and place. No matter how hard we try, we will always be saddled with our Western contextual understandings. Thus, we always approach the Bible with some bias, even an unintentional one, and it colors the way we see the text.
The Bible was never meant to be a science book, so toss that understanding out the window completely. It wasn't even written to be a history book, at least not history from our understanding. Rather, it is the history of Israel's (and the world's) interaction with God. This is the purpose that it serves. It teaches us who God is and what he has done so that we can realize what God can (and will) do in our lives.
What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Biblical History?
Two of the most important questions in the study of history are:
1. What historical sources are accurate?
2. How do we determine the historical accuracy of each source?
This question is used to determine whether or not a source is useful for determining the actual events of the past. All sources are inherently biased in some fashion, because history is always written from a specific point of view. The question a historian wants to ascertain is whether or not the source is useful for examining the past.
I am always intrigued, however, that Biblical scholars systematically reject the historical accuracy of the Bible offhand. Every detail is open to argument and speculation:
David never existed (and any reference to David, i.e. the Tell Dan inscription) must be a forgery or the result of the Davidic myth of Israel
The Israelites were not a pastoral society that broke away from Egypt and moved north, conquering Canaan; instead, they were Canaanites who moved from the coast into the interior. Everything else written about them is a myth used to promulgate the “Davidic” monarchy.
The people of Israel were never absolute followers of YHWH; they followed dozens of other gods and didn’t become strict monotheists until after the Exile, although some scholars argue that THAT event never happened either. (Actually, even the Bible supports the fact that Israel wasn’t very good at monotheism!)
The timing of Jesus’ birth is simply off; astrological events from 7BC, random events from 6-4BC, Herod never kills baby boys in Bethlehem; etc.
The Biblical “Historians” are minimalists; they don’t believe much of it ever happened. They believe you can trust the most basic facts: there are a people called Israel living in Canaan who thought that they were chosen by God and placed in a specific location. And… well, that’s about it. Biblical historians take more of the NT at face value, but they negate any possible ideas of miraculous works, strange events, or the resurrection. Jesus was simply a great rabbinic teacher who taught that the tenets of Judaism were being misapplied. Everything else was made up by the disciples.
The problem is, no one else tries this with other teachings. No one attacks the Quran from an historical point of view; they don’t doubt Mohammed’s existence, even if they doubt things written in it. No one attacks the Buddhist writings for their historical accuracy; they don’t argue that Sidharta Guatama once existed. As for other historical writings: No one doubts the overall accuracy of Julius Caesar’s Gaelic Wars, the writings of Suetonius, the histories of Egypt. No one thinks that Plato never lied, even though he never wrote for himself, his teachings were simply passed down through Socrates and Aristotle. Although we might dispute numbers and smaller events from their statements, we never dismiss them offhandedly or question the authenticity of the individuals they are describing. Even in those religious books we don’t agree with!
Yet this is systematically done to Christianity and the Bible. Even biblical “scholars” like John Dominic Crossan, Michael Borg, Bart Ehrman, etc, argue that the events in the bible are not meant to be taken literally or even historically. Instead, they form a parabolic sequence that describes the growth of Christianity (and Judaism). In The Birth Narrative, Crossan and Borg’s most recent book together, they deny the authenticity of either biblical account of the birth of Jesus. They dismiss not only the virgin birth, but the accounts of Jesus in Bethlehem, the shepherds, the star, the stable, the presence of Joseph… You name it, they discount it.
Where do we start, in a world that sees supposed “biblical” scholars discount the very thing they chose to study?
1. What historical sources are accurate?
2. How do we determine the historical accuracy of each source?
This question is used to determine whether or not a source is useful for determining the actual events of the past. All sources are inherently biased in some fashion, because history is always written from a specific point of view. The question a historian wants to ascertain is whether or not the source is useful for examining the past.
I am always intrigued, however, that Biblical scholars systematically reject the historical accuracy of the Bible offhand. Every detail is open to argument and speculation:
David never existed (and any reference to David, i.e. the Tell Dan inscription) must be a forgery or the result of the Davidic myth of Israel
The Israelites were not a pastoral society that broke away from Egypt and moved north, conquering Canaan; instead, they were Canaanites who moved from the coast into the interior. Everything else written about them is a myth used to promulgate the “Davidic” monarchy.
The people of Israel were never absolute followers of YHWH; they followed dozens of other gods and didn’t become strict monotheists until after the Exile, although some scholars argue that THAT event never happened either. (Actually, even the Bible supports the fact that Israel wasn’t very good at monotheism!)
The timing of Jesus’ birth is simply off; astrological events from 7BC, random events from 6-4BC, Herod never kills baby boys in Bethlehem; etc.
The Biblical “Historians” are minimalists; they don’t believe much of it ever happened. They believe you can trust the most basic facts: there are a people called Israel living in Canaan who thought that they were chosen by God and placed in a specific location. And… well, that’s about it. Biblical historians take more of the NT at face value, but they negate any possible ideas of miraculous works, strange events, or the resurrection. Jesus was simply a great rabbinic teacher who taught that the tenets of Judaism were being misapplied. Everything else was made up by the disciples.
The problem is, no one else tries this with other teachings. No one attacks the Quran from an historical point of view; they don’t doubt Mohammed’s existence, even if they doubt things written in it. No one attacks the Buddhist writings for their historical accuracy; they don’t argue that Sidharta Guatama once existed. As for other historical writings: No one doubts the overall accuracy of Julius Caesar’s Gaelic Wars, the writings of Suetonius, the histories of Egypt. No one thinks that Plato never lied, even though he never wrote for himself, his teachings were simply passed down through Socrates and Aristotle. Although we might dispute numbers and smaller events from their statements, we never dismiss them offhandedly or question the authenticity of the individuals they are describing. Even in those religious books we don’t agree with!
Yet this is systematically done to Christianity and the Bible. Even biblical “scholars” like John Dominic Crossan, Michael Borg, Bart Ehrman, etc, argue that the events in the bible are not meant to be taken literally or even historically. Instead, they form a parabolic sequence that describes the growth of Christianity (and Judaism). In The Birth Narrative, Crossan and Borg’s most recent book together, they deny the authenticity of either biblical account of the birth of Jesus. They dismiss not only the virgin birth, but the accounts of Jesus in Bethlehem, the shepherds, the star, the stable, the presence of Joseph… You name it, they discount it.
Where do we start, in a world that sees supposed “biblical” scholars discount the very thing they chose to study?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Can I buy a Senate seat on Ebay?
Well, in yet another great political move, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been indicted for conspiracy, bribery, and fraud. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, he is being indicted for what politicians do best.
Gov. Blagojevich has the honor of appointing a new senator to fill the seat vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. Rather than garnering political favors or making shrewd deals for his Party, Gov. Blagojevich instead coined the phrase made popular by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the early 90's: "Show me the money!" He was holding out for cash options, a corporate appointment for his wife, campaign funds, or an ambassadorship. He essentially put the Senate seat up for sale to the highest bidder. Whoever was willing to put up the most cash or benefits was the next appointee to our illustrious Senate.
Gov. Blagojevich and Obama had always seemed to get along. However, in a recently released wiretapped conversation transcript we find out what Blagojevich really thinks: "They (Obama and his staff) are not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F_____ them!" Wow, what a pithy statement. I can see now why he was elected Governor.
So... Gov. Blagojevich and members of his staff are now being indicted for numerous counts of fraud, extortion, and conspiracy. But, let's be honest... isn't Blagojevich just doing what every politician does naturally?
Think about it this way. Every bill that comes up before the House or the Senate must garner a 2/3 majority to pass. No party has EVER held a 2/3 majority, so the authors of a bill must begin to put political pressure on their co-legislators. Each legislator holds out for something better for his own state or district. Thus, EVERY SINGLE BILL comes equipped with millions of dollars in pork spending simply because our legislators want to play hardball. What's in it for me or my constituents? "If we don't get anything out of it (except lower taxes, tighter punishments against those committing violent crimes with weapons, health benefits for children) then it simply isn't worth it. You aren't getting my vote!" Aren't we simply indicting Gov. Blagojevich for what every single politician in American already does?!?!?
Granted, his actions are criminal and he has demeaned his public office. But I find every Congressman or Senator who holds out for useless pork projects for his/her own constituency just as demeaning, yet we accept their actions as part of the system.
Isn't it time for Washington to grow up and start acting like everybody else?
Gov. Blagojevich has the honor of appointing a new senator to fill the seat vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama. Rather than garnering political favors or making shrewd deals for his Party, Gov. Blagojevich instead coined the phrase made popular by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the early 90's: "Show me the money!" He was holding out for cash options, a corporate appointment for his wife, campaign funds, or an ambassadorship. He essentially put the Senate seat up for sale to the highest bidder. Whoever was willing to put up the most cash or benefits was the next appointee to our illustrious Senate.
Gov. Blagojevich and Obama had always seemed to get along. However, in a recently released wiretapped conversation transcript we find out what Blagojevich really thinks: "They (Obama and his staff) are not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F_____ them!" Wow, what a pithy statement. I can see now why he was elected Governor.
So... Gov. Blagojevich and members of his staff are now being indicted for numerous counts of fraud, extortion, and conspiracy. But, let's be honest... isn't Blagojevich just doing what every politician does naturally?
Think about it this way. Every bill that comes up before the House or the Senate must garner a 2/3 majority to pass. No party has EVER held a 2/3 majority, so the authors of a bill must begin to put political pressure on their co-legislators. Each legislator holds out for something better for his own state or district. Thus, EVERY SINGLE BILL comes equipped with millions of dollars in pork spending simply because our legislators want to play hardball. What's in it for me or my constituents? "If we don't get anything out of it (except lower taxes, tighter punishments against those committing violent crimes with weapons, health benefits for children) then it simply isn't worth it. You aren't getting my vote!" Aren't we simply indicting Gov. Blagojevich for what every single politician in American already does?!?!?
Granted, his actions are criminal and he has demeaned his public office. But I find every Congressman or Senator who holds out for useless pork projects for his/her own constituency just as demeaning, yet we accept their actions as part of the system.
Isn't it time for Washington to grow up and start acting like everybody else?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
In the Doghouse
Hey guys, I found this commercial to be hilarious. It really is the way it is. Enjoy!
I have decided what the problem is: Guys like practical gifts. We like things we can use. Nothing makes me happier than getting a new "toy" under the tree: a power drill, a power sander, a new toolbox... Something that I can use around the house to occupy my time. Something that I need! It isn't that we don't like "pretty" things; it's just that there is nothing prettier to us than the new shine on a new diamond blade for our wet saw.
I have decided what the problem is: Guys like practical gifts. We like things we can use. Nothing makes me happier than getting a new "toy" under the tree: a power drill, a power sander, a new toolbox... Something that I can use around the house to occupy my time. Something that I need! It isn't that we don't like "pretty" things; it's just that there is nothing prettier to us than the new shine on a new diamond blade for our wet saw.
16 Random Things (plus some)
I have copied this list from my Facebook. It is a bunch of random statements about me. I hope you enjoy...
1. I have wanted to be a missionary since I was about 8 years old. I was just too afraid to admit it. (Plus, I kinda wanted to make some money at some point in my life, but I figured out this was more important.) Interestingly, I want to do mission work in South America BUT... I have never been there and I don't speak any Spanish.
2. I am in love with the most amazing woman in the world. She has the greatest heart, and I love the way that she looks at the world. It amazes me to hear her get excited about little things that I don't think about. And I love hearing her pray.
3. I love soccer. I started playing when I was 4, and I kept playing off and on until now. I am also a soccer referee and have been for the last 5 years, but I don't enjoy it at all. There's not enough money in the world for me to enjoy getting yelled at, although the amount they pay me is close.
4. I have always wanted to be in the military. I came close to going to the Air Force Academy; I almost became a Naval Chaplain a year ago; and I still think about it at times. BUT... Megan tells me I can't.
5. My favorite sports teams (in no particular order) are: Tennessee Titans; Tennessee Vols (football); Memphis Tigers (basketball). But I also find myself cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks (since I work here.) But can I tell you a secret? I would give all of them up for the chance to attend a Manchester United game in Old Trafford.
6. I like pets. I think dogs would be fun to have around, in theory, but I am not a dog person. And you think I am kidding. I don't like petting them, holding them, playing with them, walking them... About the only ones I can stand are Beanie and Beaker.
7. I am a huge JAG fan. I know it's cheesy at times, but I still find myself watching it all the time.
8. I would rather climb a mountain than go to the beach any day.
9. I really want to write a book, but I have so many things I want to write about and not enough gumption to actually get up and do it. I do have a couple of ideas, though. Hmm...
10. My greatest heroes: My dad; John Moore; Joe Cannon; Craig Phillips. There are a couple of others,
11. I have always enjoyed Civil War history. I was supposed to participate in a CW Reenactment this weekend, but the guy letting me borrow a uniform could no longer make it. I was pretty bummed. Yes, I am a dork, but I am ok with that!
12. I love to learn. I always have. I will probably be a lifelong student. I want a PhD, but I could also see myself getting a couple of Master's degrees too, or at least continually learning new things. And I am not picky; I enjoy learning languages, history, current events, music, cooking, sports...
13. I was pretty intimidated by girls until college. I had the biggest crush on one of my best friends all the way through high school but never told her. But... I did a LOT of dating in college. And I had a lot of fun.
14. I am not a car person. I barely even notice them. I have friends who say, "Wow! Did you see that _______________? (fill in the blank with an amazing car: Porche, Corvette, Jag, Lambourghini, etc.)" The answer will always be, "I never even saw it." Sorry, fellas: Just not a car guy. I get more excited about tools.
15. I love giving gifts, but not receiving them.
16. If I could visit anywhere in the world, here's the list: Ireland, Scotland, Argentina, China, Israel. There are tons of others, but right now those are the top five.
Bonus Facts:
1. I love helping people, but I get really cynical when helping people who randomly come into my office.
2. I often wear the same pair of jeans for a LOOOOOOOOOONG time. And I do mean long. But... I won't ever wear the same pair of running shorts twice without washing them. Weird, huh?
3. Every time I say "Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk" on the inside I am quietly yelling, "GO MEMPHIS!!!"
4. I am a sap, and I really like chick-flicks. Sue me.
5. I like going to the symphony. I enjoy classical music, as long as it isn't too contemporary. The newer guys sound like moose in heat.
1. I have wanted to be a missionary since I was about 8 years old. I was just too afraid to admit it. (Plus, I kinda wanted to make some money at some point in my life, but I figured out this was more important.) Interestingly, I want to do mission work in South America BUT... I have never been there and I don't speak any Spanish.
2. I am in love with the most amazing woman in the world. She has the greatest heart, and I love the way that she looks at the world. It amazes me to hear her get excited about little things that I don't think about. And I love hearing her pray.
3. I love soccer. I started playing when I was 4, and I kept playing off and on until now. I am also a soccer referee and have been for the last 5 years, but I don't enjoy it at all. There's not enough money in the world for me to enjoy getting yelled at, although the amount they pay me is close.
4. I have always wanted to be in the military. I came close to going to the Air Force Academy; I almost became a Naval Chaplain a year ago; and I still think about it at times. BUT... Megan tells me I can't.
5. My favorite sports teams (in no particular order) are: Tennessee Titans; Tennessee Vols (football); Memphis Tigers (basketball). But I also find myself cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks (since I work here.) But can I tell you a secret? I would give all of them up for the chance to attend a Manchester United game in Old Trafford.
6. I like pets. I think dogs would be fun to have around, in theory, but I am not a dog person. And you think I am kidding. I don't like petting them, holding them, playing with them, walking them... About the only ones I can stand are Beanie and Beaker.
7. I am a huge JAG fan. I know it's cheesy at times, but I still find myself watching it all the time.
8. I would rather climb a mountain than go to the beach any day.
9. I really want to write a book, but I have so many things I want to write about and not enough gumption to actually get up and do it. I do have a couple of ideas, though. Hmm...
10. My greatest heroes: My dad; John Moore; Joe Cannon; Craig Phillips. There are a couple of others,
11. I have always enjoyed Civil War history. I was supposed to participate in a CW Reenactment this weekend, but the guy letting me borrow a uniform could no longer make it. I was pretty bummed. Yes, I am a dork, but I am ok with that!
12. I love to learn. I always have. I will probably be a lifelong student. I want a PhD, but I could also see myself getting a couple of Master's degrees too, or at least continually learning new things. And I am not picky; I enjoy learning languages, history, current events, music, cooking, sports...
13. I was pretty intimidated by girls until college. I had the biggest crush on one of my best friends all the way through high school but never told her. But... I did a LOT of dating in college. And I had a lot of fun.
14. I am not a car person. I barely even notice them. I have friends who say, "Wow! Did you see that _______________? (fill in the blank with an amazing car: Porche, Corvette, Jag, Lambourghini, etc.)" The answer will always be, "I never even saw it." Sorry, fellas: Just not a car guy. I get more excited about tools.
15. I love giving gifts, but not receiving them.
16. If I could visit anywhere in the world, here's the list: Ireland, Scotland, Argentina, China, Israel. There are tons of others, but right now those are the top five.
Bonus Facts:
1. I love helping people, but I get really cynical when helping people who randomly come into my office.
2. I often wear the same pair of jeans for a LOOOOOOOOOONG time. And I do mean long. But... I won't ever wear the same pair of running shorts twice without washing them. Weird, huh?
3. Every time I say "Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk" on the inside I am quietly yelling, "GO MEMPHIS!!!"
4. I am a sap, and I really like chick-flicks. Sue me.
5. I like going to the symphony. I enjoy classical music, as long as it isn't too contemporary. The newer guys sound like moose in heat.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Notes from a sermon, 1/27/07
Courageous Leadership: Do we really know what we are getting ourselves into?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die.”
Now most of us didn’t enter ministry with the goal to die for our faith; it’s certainly not the driving aspiration of most of us in this room!
Yet the very core of courageous ministry lies a type of death, a death to self, and a willingness to do whatever Christ asks us to do wherever he asks us to do it!
Courageous ministry, at its very heart, is a willingness to put aside our own desires and to live for the will of God.
Isaiah 6:8-12: Isaiah’s call.
“Here I am! Send me!”
- Does he know what he is agreeing to? Probably not!
- For God says, “OK, but your ministry is going to be totally ineffective. But go anyway!”
- And Isaiah goes as a prophet to the people of Judah, yet the vast majority refuse to hear his message.
- Yet he goes with no regrets!
Inspiring story of William Borden.
-Already a millionaire at age 16 when he graduates High School
-Heir to the Borden Dairy fortune
-Was sent on an around the world trip for his graduation gift. This trip had a profound affect on Borden’s life. As he saw the hurt and devastation, people living without hope, he decided then to become a missionary. He wrote home and told his parents, “I am going to give my life to prepare for the mission field.”
-Motto: “Say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to Jesus every time.”
-In his Bible he wrote the phrase, “NO RESERVES!”
-Attended Yale, where his passion to reach the lost was intensified. He saw the need even there on campus, and began small prayer groups that grew from 2 individuals to 1,000 by Borden’s senior year, and started a spiritual revival on Yale’s campus. He also began reaching out to the poor in the city and founded Yale Hope Mission in New Haven
-He decided he wanted to reach the Kansu people, one of the largest Muslim populations in China
-On graduation from Yale he was offered a number of high paying jobs, but turned them down in order to attend seminary at Princeton.
-“NO RETREATS!”
Upon graduation from Princeton, Borden decided he needed training in Arabic, and moved to Egypt to study there. Soon after his arrival, Borden contracted spinal meningitis and died. American newspapers wrote, “A wave of sorrow went around the world. . .”
- Yet Borden kept his resolve throughout his month long suffering. In his Bible he wrote two more words: “NO REGRETS!”
Courageous leadership means living life with the realization that it’s not our own; it goes to the will of God. It means living life with “NO RESERVES, NO RETREATS, and NO REGRETS!”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die.”
Now most of us didn’t enter ministry with the goal to die for our faith; it’s certainly not the driving aspiration of most of us in this room!
Yet the very core of courageous ministry lies a type of death, a death to self, and a willingness to do whatever Christ asks us to do wherever he asks us to do it!
Courageous ministry, at its very heart, is a willingness to put aside our own desires and to live for the will of God.
Isaiah 6:8-12: Isaiah’s call.
“Here I am! Send me!”
- Does he know what he is agreeing to? Probably not!
- For God says, “OK, but your ministry is going to be totally ineffective. But go anyway!”
- And Isaiah goes as a prophet to the people of Judah, yet the vast majority refuse to hear his message.
- Yet he goes with no regrets!
Inspiring story of William Borden.
-Already a millionaire at age 16 when he graduates High School
-Heir to the Borden Dairy fortune
-Was sent on an around the world trip for his graduation gift. This trip had a profound affect on Borden’s life. As he saw the hurt and devastation, people living without hope, he decided then to become a missionary. He wrote home and told his parents, “I am going to give my life to prepare for the mission field.”
-Motto: “Say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to Jesus every time.”
-In his Bible he wrote the phrase, “NO RESERVES!”
-Attended Yale, where his passion to reach the lost was intensified. He saw the need even there on campus, and began small prayer groups that grew from 2 individuals to 1,000 by Borden’s senior year, and started a spiritual revival on Yale’s campus. He also began reaching out to the poor in the city and founded Yale Hope Mission in New Haven
-He decided he wanted to reach the Kansu people, one of the largest Muslim populations in China
-On graduation from Yale he was offered a number of high paying jobs, but turned them down in order to attend seminary at Princeton.
-“NO RETREATS!”
Upon graduation from Princeton, Borden decided he needed training in Arabic, and moved to Egypt to study there. Soon after his arrival, Borden contracted spinal meningitis and died. American newspapers wrote, “A wave of sorrow went around the world. . .”
- Yet Borden kept his resolve throughout his month long suffering. In his Bible he wrote two more words: “NO REGRETS!”
Courageous leadership means living life with the realization that it’s not our own; it goes to the will of God. It means living life with “NO RESERVES, NO RETREATS, and NO REGRETS!”
Monday, December 1, 2008
Lost in Translation
I still remember the first mistranslation I ever had. During my Junior year of High School, one of my good friends (Ollie) taught me to say "You have beautiful eyes" in German, and I decided to use it on a German friend of mine. The problem is, he had actually taught me how to say "You have nice breasts." Needless to say, it was rather embarrassing for the two of us, and Ollie thought it was absolutely hilarious! I have a number of hilarious stories from my German attempting days; suffice it to say that I have ACCIDENTALLY said a number of slightly inappropriate things at the most inopportune (and most hilarious) times.
It is very difficult to take a simple thought and translate it into another language. This is especially difficult in marketing. Most businesses are now forced to compete in the global economy due to free trade agreements and the expanding globalization of the world markets. These companies spend millions of dollars in developing new advertising, and many simply try to translate these words into the languages of the people they are trying to reach, never knowing that many of these words are double entendres and mixed metaphors. Absolutely hilarious things happen when you simply translate one idea verbatim into another language. Here are a few examples:
Perdue chicken's slogan: "It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken." In Spanish, it became "It takes a virile man to make a chicken affectionate."
Pepsi Co used the phrase "Come alive with Pepsi." In Asia, it translated as "Pepsi makes your dead ancestors come back to life."
US Dairy Association: "Got Milk?" In Mexico, the advertisement asks "Are you lactating?"
So, the next time you make a fool of yourself in another country (like telling someone they have beautiful breasts), simply remember that you aren't the only one to make an international blunder: multi-million dollar companies do the same things too!
-----------------
Hey guys, I thought I would simply update you on life quickly. More will follow soon. I was able to go home for Thanksgiving and spend time with my family. I rode with Megan and her parents as far as Memphis, where they dropped me off. They came back on Saturday and we did wedding planning that whole evening. We have a lot of things accomplished so far:
- Megan has bought a wedding dress
- She has chosen her colors for the wedding
- We have a florist picked out (at least, we are 90% sure!)
- We are already looking at decorations
- We have a menu, and we are working on a music list
- We have begun compiling our lists for wedding invitations
- We have a wedding date picked: July 18th, 2PM
- We are working on honeymoon ideas
- Daniel is looking at apartments/townhomes
We will be cake shopping over Christmas break, as well as registering and looking at tuxedos, etc.
My ministry seems to be going well; students are winding down their semesters and we are getting ready for the Spring. Hard to believe it is already that time.
I am working out about 6 times a week, about to up that a little, I think. I am trying to do my LGN diet, so that is on the agenda every day.
Other than that... that's life! I am just enjoying my time, and very content with where God has me right now. Hope each one of you is doing well! God bless!
It is very difficult to take a simple thought and translate it into another language. This is especially difficult in marketing. Most businesses are now forced to compete in the global economy due to free trade agreements and the expanding globalization of the world markets. These companies spend millions of dollars in developing new advertising, and many simply try to translate these words into the languages of the people they are trying to reach, never knowing that many of these words are double entendres and mixed metaphors. Absolutely hilarious things happen when you simply translate one idea verbatim into another language. Here are a few examples:
Perdue chicken's slogan: "It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken." In Spanish, it became "It takes a virile man to make a chicken affectionate."
Pepsi Co used the phrase "Come alive with Pepsi." In Asia, it translated as "Pepsi makes your dead ancestors come back to life."
US Dairy Association: "Got Milk?" In Mexico, the advertisement asks "Are you lactating?"
So, the next time you make a fool of yourself in another country (like telling someone they have beautiful breasts), simply remember that you aren't the only one to make an international blunder: multi-million dollar companies do the same things too!
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Hey guys, I thought I would simply update you on life quickly. More will follow soon. I was able to go home for Thanksgiving and spend time with my family. I rode with Megan and her parents as far as Memphis, where they dropped me off. They came back on Saturday and we did wedding planning that whole evening. We have a lot of things accomplished so far:
- Megan has bought a wedding dress
- She has chosen her colors for the wedding
- We have a florist picked out (at least, we are 90% sure!)
- We are already looking at decorations
- We have a menu, and we are working on a music list
- We have begun compiling our lists for wedding invitations
- We have a wedding date picked: July 18th, 2PM
- We are working on honeymoon ideas
- Daniel is looking at apartments/townhomes
We will be cake shopping over Christmas break, as well as registering and looking at tuxedos, etc.
My ministry seems to be going well; students are winding down their semesters and we are getting ready for the Spring. Hard to believe it is already that time.
I am working out about 6 times a week, about to up that a little, I think. I am trying to do my LGN diet, so that is on the agenda every day.
Other than that... that's life! I am just enjoying my time, and very content with where God has me right now. Hope each one of you is doing well! God bless!
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