Hebrew scholar and pastor Doreen M. McFarlane probes beneath the surface of familiar Bible passages, exploring how the original Hebrew allows us to recognize deeper truths about the nature of God and our relationships with God and each other. Far from the vengeful God of wrath often superimposed on the Hebrew Bible, the God we learn about in God in Translation has surprising things to say about vital, often-controversial subjects ranging from hierarchy, disagreement, and repentance to love, wholeness, and embodiment. McFarlane guides readers through thirteen such topics, for which she poses thorny questions, offers original lexical analysis, presents a scenario demonstrating the real-world impact of her biblical detective work, and then closes with insightful commentary. She offers cogent observations on popular translations, guiding readers toward useful resources and offering advice for further lexical study. In this theologically grounded, yet accessibly written work, educators, ministry leaders, and interested laypeople will find an invaluable text for course adoption, small-group study, and individual reading.
Doreen M. McFarlane sang in opera and concert worldwide, then earned an MDiv and PhD in Bible. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, she has also served as a pastor in the United Church of Christ and taught seminary courses in settings ranging from the United States to China. She has published widely in the fields of biblical studies and ministry.
INTRODUCTION Chapter One - HIERARCHY Two - DISAGREEMENT Three - REPENTANCE Four - ENEMIES Five - LOVE Six - WHOLENESS Seven - RESURRECTION Eight - EMBODIMENT Nine - EMOTIONS Ten - WORK/WORSHIP Eleven - THE NAMES OF GOD Twelve - CREATION Thirteen - THE GOOD NEWS ADDENDUM to the Volume
Doreen M. McFarlane's God in Translation: The Theological Gifts of Exploring Biblical Languages offers a refreshing and accessible exploration of biblical texts that opens new windows for understanding God's nature through careful examination of Hebrew language and concepts, making complex theological ideas approachable for lay readers. Rather than claiming definitive answers, the book thoughtfully presents alternative possibilities for biblical interpretation--from nonhierarchical relationships to divine repentance--inviting readers to consider fresh perspectives that may deepen their faith and relationship with the divine. This engaging work successfully bridges scholarly biblical language study with practical application, providing both pastors and congregants with valuable tools for ongoing biblical research and spiritual growth. --Ananda Geyser-Fouche, professor of Old Testament studies and Hebrew Scriptures, University of Pretoria; coeditor of Emerging Sectarianism in the Dead Sea Scrolls: Continuity, Separation, and Conflict and Scribal Practice, Text and Canon in the Dead Sea Scrolls: Essays in Memory of Peter W. Flint God in Translation is a truly thought-provoking work that dares to explore fresh interpretations of Scripture, inviting readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about God's nature and our relationship with the divine. By delving into the nuances of biblical translation and posing insightful questions, this book opens exciting new avenues for understanding core theological concepts like hierarchy, disagreement, and even God's capacity for repentance. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper, more expansive, and ultimately more relevant connection to biblical texts and their implications for our lives and faith communities. --Adam Snook, assistant to the bishop, Eastern Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Doreen M. McFarlane makes a passionate case for the study of biblical languages and translation, and for the relevance of that study for the church and its theologies. At a time when the future of theological scholarship and even higher education is uncertain, McFarlane's call for greater learning in communities of faith is a welcome contribution. --Ken Stone, Distinguished Service Professor and professor of Bible, culture, and hermeneutics, Chicago Theological Seminary This book is a rare find: a mix of cutting-edge biblical scholarship and relatable examples that reveal why understanding the original Hebrew text is so critically important for our lives today. God in Translation will make you rethink some of the Bible's most familiar stories. Doing so is not a mere academic exercise but, rather, opens new and exciting possibilities for engaging life's greatest questions and most important challenges. --Martha Tatarnic, co-rector, St. George's Anglican Church, St. Catharines, Ontario
