AN OPEN LETTER FROM CBE TO IBS

Below is a copy of an open letter sent by the egalitarian group Christians for Biblical Equality to Lars Dunberg, President of the International Bible Society.
 

June 11, 1997

Dear Mr. Dunberg:

With shock and dismay we read your news release dated May 27, 1997. In the release the International Bible Society (IBS) responded to criticism of the "inclusive language edition" of the New International Version of the Bible (NIV), published only in the United Kingdom, and to news stories about plans for a major revision of the 1984 edition used here in North America. Reports were that the proposed revision might incorporate gender inclusive translation when masculine nouns and pronouns were clearly used in a generic sense in the original biblical languages.

The release stated that:

• IBS is abandoning all plans for gender-related changes in future editions of the NIV.
• There are no plans for a further revised edition of the NIV.
• The New International Reader's Version (NIrV) is to be revised immediately to conform to the gender treatment of the current 1984 revision of the NIV. Licensees are to be directed to cease publication of the inclusive language NIrV, a gender inclusive translation based on the NIV and designed for "young readers and adults for whom English is a second language."
• IBS intends to begin negotiations with the British publisher of the inclusive language edition of the NIV, available only in the UK, to cease publication.

We are grieved that these actions have been planned in response to the recent controversy over inclusive language and revision plans. We believe the criticisms represent a simplistic and inaccurate view of the nature and complexities of translation issues and process; spring from social and theological agendas of particular organizations, denominations, and powerful leaders; and disregard abundant evidence that English is changing in its gender usage. It is unfortunate that some of the critics of gender inclusive usage have attributed wrongful and hurtful motives to the CBT. A coordinated effort to force IBS to abandon the revision has unfolded, appealing to fears of a misinformed Christian public. This action has caused you to sacrifice your organization's steadfast purpose "to provide an accurate and contemporary translation" for worldwide ministry.

We address this open letter to you not out of a concern for any kind of social or theological agenda. Instead, we affirm that every revision of the NIV must be free of theological and social agendas. We have one preeminent concern: Faithful translation of God's Word into contemporary English that is accurate, clear, and easily understood by today's reader, including gender accuracy when translating the generic use of masculine nouns and pronouns in the original languages of the Bible.

 We ask you to consider the effects and implications of the planned actions:

• This would be a departure from the great tradition of Wycliffe and Tyndale of translating scripture into a form of English actually spoken by the people, in spite of opposition and threats.
• It would establish a precedent of submitting to pressure from special interest groups, which may tend to intimidate any publisher or translation team aspiring to faithfully translate God's Word.
• This action, in effect, would place the NIV and NIrV under the control of special interest groups, making it less a Bible for the whole Church.
• The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) is an independent committee of Bible scholars responsible for the text of the NIV and its ongoing revision in light of advances in biblical scholarship and changes in English usage. This transdenominational committee represents the best in biblical scholarship, but also has broad theological diversity, all within a commitment to the full authority and infallibility of scripture. Yet the proposed action of IBS would compromise their independence as the "guardians of the NIV" and make their work subject to the whims of the market and special interest groups.
• This action would freeze the text of the NIV in the form of its 1984 revision, thus destroying its nature as a "living translation" that keeps pace with our changing language.

• Reaffirm the independence of the CBT and their mandate to update the NIV.
• Initiate a long-range program to educate the Christian public on both the nature and complexities of Bible translation.
• Allow the licensed publishers of the inclusive language edition of the (UK) NIV and NIrV to keep the current editions in print.
• Make a public commitment that future decisions regarding the NIV will be made without haste and after careful consultation with a broad cross-section of respected Christian leaders and representative groups who use the NIV, as well as with a broad spectrum of devout Old and New Testament scholars committed to the inspiration and authority of the Bible.