Chris Sinacola
In a world that often struggles with difficult and ambiguous moral issues, it is helpful to know that there are still a few places where standards do not change. But what if the very foundations we rely upon are subject to revision? What if words no longer mean what we thought they meant?
Such a possibility is arising today within the Roman Catholic Church, which for millions of Americans remains an institution where morality and language are supposed to be — like the Ten Commandments — written in stone.
I am not referring to the serial sexual abuse by priests scandal, an obvious break from everything that Scripture and Church teachings hold sacrosanct. Rather, what could be the effect of a linguistic change within Church liturgy itself?
In early December, Pope Francis told Italian broadcasters that the portion of the Lord’s Prayer that asks God to “lead us not into temptation” is a poor translation, and should be amended to reflect an understanding that God would never lead humans into temptation.
French Catholics have taken the Pope’s suggestion to heart. As the London-based Daily Telegraph reported, some theologians even asserted that “lead us not into temptation” had blasphemous overtones! Beginning Dec. 3, French Catholics now use a version of the Lord’s Prayer that translates to “don’t let us enter (or fall) into temptation.”
German bishops, on the other hand, declined Francis’ suggestion, and reaction elsewhere, including in the United States, is mixed. Some theologians and scholars, and many ordinary Catholics, say that Francis is simply mistaken.
I agree.
This isn’t a matter of Catholics being resistant to change. The Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s brought profound liturgical changes, with priests for the first time facing the congregation while celebrating Mass, and doing so not in Latin but in the languages used by their parishes. A small percentage of Catholics may yearn for a pre-Vatican II age; most do not, and have accepted many subsequent changes in wording or liturgy with equanimity.
This is something more.
On one level, the disagreement over the wording of the Lord’s Prayer reflects a broader struggle over translation within the Church. From Vatican II until 2001, as noted by the National Catholic Reporter, Church bishops were guided by a “meaning for meaning” approach to translation, which encouraged scholars to capture in modern languages the spirit of what the Vulgate and original Greek versions of the Bible had to say.
But in 2001, a Vatican instruction, Liturgiam authenticam, urged a return to a more literal “word for word” approach.
That struggle, detailed in a recent issue of Commonweal, is of some interest in itself, but focusing on Francis’ effort to amend the Lord’s Prayer is sufficient to illustrate what is at stake.
St. Jerome’s fourth-century Latin text “et ne nos inducas in tentationem” is a translation of the Greek “καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν.” There is no ambiguity. Both are rendered in English as “and lead us not into temptation,” and no amount of commentary is going to change that.
In his interview with Italian TV, Pope Francis nonetheless claims that it is a bad translation, and that it is better to say that we humans “fall into” temptation on our own, rather than God pushing us into it. He uses the Italian verb buttare, meaning to throw or fling.
It may seem presumptuous to go mano a mano with the Holy Father on a point of theology, but the Bible is very clear on these matters: God can choose to do as He wishes.
Isaiah 45:7, for example, has God proclaim: “I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe.” A God who can do all that can surely subject humans to mere trials and temptations. Indeed, one need look no further than the Book of Genesis and the story of Abraham and Isaac to understand how dicey those trials can become.
Those who draw strength from the Catholic Church do so in part because of the unchanging if difficult theological challenges they encounter. Asking God not to lead us into temptation is an example. Such language does not imply we expect He will or should lead us into temptation, but it is a recognition of His omnipotence, and our submission to His will.
Francis has done much good in his nearly five years as pope, but Catholics don’t want or need God lite. They want God. To change the plain meaning of the Bible is to lead them into a linguistic wilderness.
Chris Sinacola is a Worcester Sun columnist. His observations on politics, current events, history and more appear online every week. Chris will also be regularly featured in Worcester Sun’s weekly print edition, on newsstands Saturday morning.
Pingback: Amid Criticism of Vatican’s Handling, Pope Revives Sex Abuse Commission – Susan Heasley
Pingback: Amid Criticism of Vatican’s Handling, Pope Revives Sex Abuse Commission | Jack Brown
Pingback: Pope Revives Sexual Abuse Commission Amid Criticism of Vatican | Jack Brown
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a great website.
Some truly interesting details you have written.Assisted me a lot, just what I was searching for : D.
You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the subject matter and found most guys will consent with your site.
I consider something really special in this internet site.
obviously like your web site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth however I¦ll definitely come again again.
Simply wanna input on few general things, The website layout is perfect, the content is very great. “The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.” by Sonya Friedman.
very nice submit, i actually love this web site, keep on it
You have observed very interesting points! ps nice website . “The world is dying for want, not of good preaching, but of good hearing.” by George Dana Boardman.
Would you be focused on exchanging hyperlinks?
Deference to author, some excellent information .
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website 🙂
Of course, what a magnificent website and illuminating posts, I surely will bookmark your website.Have an awsome day!
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But imagine if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Very good blog!
Perfectly pent written content, thanks for information .
Wohh exactly what I was searching for, thankyou for putting up.
Very interesting details you have remarked, thanks for putting up.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again
I’m very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. …
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding blog and brilliant style and design.
You are my breathing in, I have few blogs and sometimes run out from to post .
I have been checking out many of your stories and it’s clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
I do not even understand how I finished up right here, however I believed this put up used to be great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
I’m impressed, I have to say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the issue is one thing that not sufficient people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing regarding this.
Very efficiently written story. It will be supportive to anybody who usess it, including yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.
I like this web site its a master peace ! Glad I observed this on google .
I think this internet site holds some very great information for everyone :D. “The public will believe anything, so long as it is not founded on truth.” by Edith Sitwell.
Really nice pattern and fantastic written content, absolutely nothing else we want : D.
This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Wow! Thank you! I permanently wanted to write on my website something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my blog?
Excellent web site. Lots of helpful information here. I am sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you on your sweat!
I am so happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.
You are a very smart person!
I conceive you have noted some very interesting details, thankyou for the post.
You completed some good points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found the majority of people will go along with with your blog.
What i do not understood is in reality how you’re no longer actually a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You already know thus significantly with regards to this topic, produced me in my opinion imagine it from so many numerous angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be involved unless it is something to do with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. All the time take care of it up!
Keep working ,terrific job!
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Its good as your other content : D, thanks for putting up. “Music is the soul of language.” by Max Heindel.
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal web site.
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in web explorer, may check this… IE still is the market leader and a large portion of folks will leave out your fantastic writing because of this problem.
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your web site in internet explorer, might check this?K IE still is the market chief and a large element of other folks will leave out your great writing due to this problem.
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be actually something which I feel I’d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m having a look forward in your next submit, I’ll try to get the hold of it!
Keep working ,splendid job!
superb post.Never knew this, appreciate it for letting me know.
Thanks , I’ve just been looking for info approximately this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve found out so far. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply?
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a perfect web site.
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in web explorer, would check this?K IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge section of folks will omit your fantastic writing due to this problem.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality was a entertainment account it. Glance complex to far brought agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn a lot of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
You are my aspiration, I have few blogs and sometimes run out from post :). “Follow your inclinations with due regard to the policeman round the corner.” by W. Somerset Maugham.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
I like this weblog its a master peace ! Glad I detected this on google .
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back at some point. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great job, have a nice holiday weekend!
Utterly composed articles, Really enjoyed reading.
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I am experiencing subject with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss downside? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
obviously like your web site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll definitely come back again.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
This really answered my problem, thank you!
Sweet site, super design and style, real clean and employ genial.
I really like assembling utile information , this post has got me even more info! .
I truly enjoy reading through on this internet site, it has wonderful posts.
I saw a lot of website but I conceive this one has got something special in it in it
What i don’t understood is in fact how you’re no longer actually a lot more neatly-liked than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You realize thus considerably when it comes to this subject, produced me in my opinion imagine it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men are not involved unless it’s something to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time maintain it up!
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i¦m satisfied to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most unquestionably will make sure to don¦t put out of your mind this web site and give it a glance regularly.
Hello very nice site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also?KI am happy to find a lot of useful information here in the put up, we’d like develop more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
I’ll right away grab your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks so much for giving everyone such a superb opportunity to discover important secrets from this site. It really is so ideal and as well , jam-packed with a lot of fun for me personally and my office acquaintances to visit your website really thrice per week to read through the new guidance you have. And definitely, we’re actually contented concerning the incredible inspiring ideas you serve. Some 2 areas in this posting are indeed the most efficient we have all had.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is really annoying. A good website with exciting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
You have mentioned very interesting points! ps decent website.
Some really nice and utilitarian information on this site, likewise I believe the design and style contains fantastic features.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance. I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Safari. Excellent Blog!
I have been examinating out a few of your articles and i can state pretty nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your site.
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
Hey very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I’m happy to find numerous useful information right here in the put up, we need develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.
This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is actually irritating. A good website with interesting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
You have touched some good points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Right now it seems like Drupal is the top blogging platform out
Very interesting topic, appreciate it for putting up.
Thank you for another informative blog. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
These are really wonderful ideas in on the topic of blogging.
back frequently!
I conceive this website has very superb pent content material content.
I do love the manner in which you have framed this specific matter and it does present us some fodder for thought. Nonetheless, because of just what I have seen, I only hope when other comments pack on that men and women remain on point and in no way embark upon a soap box regarding some other news du jour. All the same, thank you for this excellent piece and even though I do not necessarily go along with the idea in totality, I respect your viewpoint.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site :).
Can I just say what a reduction to seek out somebody who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know learn how to bring an issue to light and make it important. Extra individuals need to read this and perceive this side of the story. I cant consider youre no more widespread since you definitely have the gift.
Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Fantastic. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
Right now it seems like Drupal is the top blogging platform out
Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Appreciate it!
Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks
Thank you sharing these wonderful posts. In addition, the optimal travel plus medical insurance plan can often relieve those problems that come with traveling abroad. Your medical crisis can in the near future become costly and that’s sure to quickly slam a financial problem on the family’s finances. Having in place the suitable travel insurance program prior to setting off is well worth the time and effort. Thanks a lot