The WebElf Report

Someone once wryly observed that the more the Bible is translated, the less it is read. Indeed, Amazon.com seems to have an awful lot of niche Bibles for sale– and it would be interesting to know how many they sell.. and more, how well or rightly it is read and understood and inwardly digested to the salvation and feeding of said ‘Bible-consumer’.

I’ve had the honour of getting the new book Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI.. though I’ve only cracked the cover. However, one thing leapt out at me (a long-time KJV-RSV-NIV user): B-16 decided to use the original Revised Standard Version translation (1946-52, with Apocrypha) for his book, along with a few direct translations by himself from the original languages, where appropriate.

Oomph.

He’s a world-class scholar, and also recognizes the power of one of the first and great modern translations, attempted in a spirit of faithfulness and KJV power and poetry and the best of modern scholarship.

Note that he’s not recommending the controversial political unbible– the 1989 NRSV– pushed so hard by the U.S. National Council of Twitching Liberalism Churches. It’s so full of political correctness, and horizonatal/ vertical ‘inclusive language’ (so-called) so as to be an artifact and curious relic of the 1980′s the moment it arrived. Never to be a classic, but a symptom of arrogance and radical brain-fever.

Needless to say, I’m looking forward to reading Pope Benedict, and getting an RSV with apocrypha from (where else) Amazon.

Binks

Post Scriptum:

I regret to say my news-gathering powers are currently in remission, what with being a husband & father, in mixed health, subject to family sorrow, summer heat, the Hiltzification of Canadian Anglicanism– and various deep questions which will not cease and desist any longer. News? Harmon, Stand Firm, MCJ, Magistats.. all the other places where good folk are taking up the fight I’e been sharing since 1995-6, and since 1998 with CaNN/ The WebElf Report. This elf is laying down his tiny sword to bleed awhile, then– perhaps– to rise and fight again.

TechElf Mike writes:

“I’ve been in and out of hospital.  Had to have a chest tube inserted three weeks ago due to an allergic reaction and last week Friday had a head on collision with another vehicle while on my way to pick up my mother at the hospital…all in all life has sucked.“

Binks

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The WebElf Binks is on vacation..

just can’t stare at screen no more..

Near Cognito is his location:

you can find him by the snore.

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True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land
Glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee;
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow!
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!
The land of hope for all who toil,
The true North strong and free!
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies,
May Stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise.
To keep thee steadfast thro’ the years,
From East to Western sea.
Our own beloved native land,
Our true North strong and free!
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion, in thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in thee,
A lasting rich reward.
As waiting for the better day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
Amen.

O Canada! Land of our forefathers
Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garland of flowers.
As in thy arm ready to wield the sword,
So also is it ready to carry the cross.
Thy history is an epic of the most brilliant exploits.Ch.
Thy valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights
Will protect our homes and our rights.

1. Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux !
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix !
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

2. Sous l’œil de Dieu, près du fleuve géant,
Le Canadien grandit en espérant,
Il est né d’une race fière,
Béni fut son berceau ;
Le ciel a marqué sa carrière
Dans ce monde nouveau.
Toujours guidé par Sa lumière,
Il gardera l’honneur de son drapeau,
Il gardera l’honneur de son drapeau.

3. De son patron, précurseur du vrai Dieu,
Il porte au front l’auréole de feu ;
Ennemi de la tyrannie,
Mais plein de loyauté,
Il veut garder dans l’harmonie
Sa fière liberté.
Et par l’effort de son génie,
Sur notre Sol asseoir la vérité,
Sur notre Sol asseoir la vérité !

4. Amour sacré du trône et de l’autel
Remplis nos cœurs de ton souffle immortel.
Parmi les races étrangères
Notre guide est la foi ;
Sachons être un peuple de frères,
Sous le joug de la loi ;
Et répétons comme nos pères
Le cri vainqueur: «Pour le Christ et le Roi»
Le cri vainqueur: «Pour le Christ et le Roi».