Wycliffe to “re-evaluate our methodology” concerning Muslim idiom translations removing ‘Father’ and ‘Son’

Wycliffe Bible Translator’s primary strategic partner, SIL International, stated recently that “we will put on hold our approval of publication of translated Scripture around which this criticism is focused. We expect this dialogue with partners, and the corresponding hold period, to commence immediately and run for an extended period.” [1]

This is in response to a petition circulated by Biblical Missiology, which begins:

Western missions agencies Wycliffe, Frontiers and SIL are producing Bibles that remove Father, Son and Son of God because these terms are offensive to Muslims.

Some examples documented in our Fact Check:
• Wycliffe/SIL produced Stories of the Prophets, an Arabic Bible that uses “Lord” instead of “Father” and “Messiah” instead of “Son.”
• Frontiers worked with an SIL consultant to produce True Meaning of the Gospel of Christ, an Arabic translation which removes “Father” in reference to God, and removes or redefines “Son,” e.g. the Great Commission in Mt 28:19 reads, “Cleanse them by water in the name of God, his Messiah and his Holy Spirit.” [2]

Concerned about these (and other) changes, thousands of Christians consequently signed the document.

Now, the day after its primary strategic partner, SIL International, agreed to halt further translations, Wycliffe has released its own statement.  According to Wycliffe’s Response to “Son of God” Accusations:

While we have never intentionally sponsored a translation that neglects to properly communicate the divine familial terms, some observers have raised concerns about whether our methodology has consistently met our goal. We are listening to those concerns and are seeking God’s guidance as we re-evaluate our methodology and investigate to ensure that our commitment to accurate and clear translation is being reflected in every project. We are engaged in meaningful conversations with partner organizations, constituents, and church leaders to evaluate our standards, and expect to be prepared to issue a more complete statement soon. [3]

Endnotes:

1. http://www.sil.org/sil/news/2012/SIL-dialogue-translation-practice.htm

2. http://www.change.org/petitions/lost-in-translation-keep-father-son-in-the-bible

3. http://www.wycliffe.org/SonofGod.aspx