Internet Behavior, A Non-Christian Culture, CSB & Modern Bible Translations LIVE STREAM REPLAY 

Keep preaching it brothers. Sin is sin. Call it like it is.

I love the CSB too! Typically Bible translations are assessed according to three criteria (though there are other criteria that could be added): accuracy, clarity, and naturalness. I'd also add literary elegance. In my view, I'd rate the CSB very high in terms of accuracy, clarity, and naturalness. Like an 8 or even 9 out of 10 in each. The CSB is very accurate to the biblical languages. I'm often surprised it is so accurate because I usually think "hey that can't be correct" when I read the CSB, but then I check the original languages and sure enough the CSB is spot on (e.g. John 3:16)! Regarding the second criterion, I think the CSB is also very clear when read and when read aloud. By contrast, consider the ESV. The ESV is generally understandable, of course, but it is not always as clear what is meant as the CSB or NIV or NLT. It's more like reading an academic textbook where I understand the gist of what's said but the meaning is somewhat obscured, at least on the first read, even though the meaning wasn't necessarily obscure to the original audience. Finally the CSB sounds like natural spoken English, not like Biblish, which again to use the ESV as an example is what the ESV often sounds like. That is, the ESV often uses words and terms which those who have grown up in the church or spent sufficient time in and around Christians would understand, but it is not how people in general speak. Again it is not natural sounding English even though the New Testament is largely written in a natural sounding Greek of the time. Indeed, the Bible, especially New Testament, was largely written in the language of the common people at the time, i.e., koine ("common") Greek, even though it could've been written in more literary Greek since literary Greek did exist and was used in the first century Roman Empire. Literary Greek was used by the upper or elite classes in their works for example. The most elegant style in the New Testament is Hebrews and Luke-Acts or at least the prologue of Luke. But otherwise most of the New Testament is pretty prosaic in terms of style. By the way, I should say I really like the ESV, in case it sounds like I don't! All that said, I'd rate the CSB lower in terms of literary elegance. Not bad, but not great. Maybe average around a 5 or 6 out of 10. Of course, I'm referring to literary elegance in English, not in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Most of the Bible is written in an every day kind of style, but there are some parts that are not, that are more literary. For example, the Psalms are obviously poetic and as such should reflect a more poetic style in English too. But the Psalms in the CSB isn't as literary as, say, the NIV let alone the ESV or others in the Tyndale-KJV tradition. I could say the same about other books in the CSB like Ecclesiastes which arguably is written in a higher register in terms of biblical Hebrew style. Anyway I think literary elegance is the CSB's main weakness. But to be fair, elegance probably shouldn't be considered as significant a criterion as the other three criteria when evaluating a translation.

Tim has always been fair and balanced. The truth is right there in that good book

The topics you talked about here are very interesting.

I agree with Pastor Joe Castillo that there are some timeless phrases in the Tyndale-KJV tradition that's today best represented by the ESV inasmuch as the ESV is heir to the Tyndale-KJV tradition. What Pastor Joe said about Psalm 23 is a good example. At the same, I agree with Pastor Tim Frisch that this may be due more to our age and generation or sufficient familiarity with Christian culture that such turns of phrases simply sound like "how the Bible should sound like". It's the same argument that Leland Ryken makes for why he prefers the KJV and by extension the ESV in terms of literary quality. However, as Pastor Tim might've been alluding to, what sounds euphonious to our ears because it sounds like "how the Bible should sound like" isn't necessarily what sounds euphonious to other people's ears, especially the unchurched, which is a growing demographic. In that case, it's good to know that even the KJV translators would've argued for a more contemporary translation if it would be one less obstacle to impede the comprehension of God's word. Likewise consider what C.S. Lewis said in his preface to J.B. Phillips' translation of the New Testament: "And finally, though it may seem a sour paradox - we must sometimes get away from the Authorised Version, if for no other reason, simply because it is so beautiful and so solemn. Beauty exalts, but beauty also lulls. Early associations endear but they also confuse. Through that beautiful solemnity the transporting or horrifying realities of which the book tells may come to us blunted and disarmed and we may only sigh with tranquil veneration when we ought to be burning with shame or struck dumb with terror or carried out of ourselves by ravishing throes and adoration. Does the word 'scourged' really come home to us like 'flogged'? Does 'mocked him' sting like 'jeered at him'?"

(The Mrs. here) I just bought 2 CSB study Bibles ("Ancient Faith" and "Illustrated Study Bible") and am really enjoying them. I've also needed a break from the NIV. Trying to branch out and I appreciate all you "brothers" do to help me find and try new translations. Thanks!

Hey Tim/Joe! Enjoyed listening to you both! As an ex MLB player, I was happy to hear of your fondness for the game of baseball! Although Joe, as an ex SF Giant I was sorry to learn of your LA Dodger support! But repentance is easy in that arena and look forward to such!!😎 I thought your discussion on different areas of our country having different view points and perspectives (guns for example) reminded me of my early year as a Christian. I grew up (as a Christian) in a Four Square church in the Bay Area, but then got traded to Houston and lived awhile in the heart of the Baptist Bible Belt…saw similar differences in theological issues as you discussed as pertaining to the mid-west vs along the coasts. Anyway, enjoyed your discussion!!

I will never not refer to any and everyone as 'hey guys'.

CSB is the best balance among the translations that try to be modern.

Hi Joe, it is great to see you here with Tim, and to hear what you have to say!

The KJV is still very important to me and am currently back in my Longprimer this week. My family is English, btw, and I have read a lot of Shakespeare, so have a good use of language and vocabulary. That said, the NKJV is great, although I read the ESV the most. The LSB is very good, as well. Being Australian, I have learned about bible translations from Americans on RU-vid the last 3 years. All my life the KJV has been, and is, the bible. The bibles I speak of here are the only translations I know, and that’s enough for me. I’ve spent a fortune on premium bibles! 😅 Time to sell some.

The KJV will always be the way the Bible should sound. The others are not bad, but they will never sound authoritative as the KJV.