Exploring The Use of Mnemonic Devices, Part 2

I have been thinking about the use of mnemonic devices for the past few days, and how the beauty of ancient Greek (which often sings) is often lost in our English translations. My Greek professor from seminary gave me some guidance. Dr. Black serves on the ‘committee on translation’ for the International Standard Bible. The ISV is a project that is close to being finished. You might be thinking, ‘great…another Bible translation, thats all we need!’

Well, there are many reasons why I am excited about the ISV. In particular, while translating the Greek text these scholars have tried to retain the use of mnemonic devices in certain places. Let me give you a few examples;

Read this translation of Titus 1:12,  “Liars ever, men of Crete, savage brutes that live to eat”.

Do you see the difference? Even more interesting, check out how the translators have retained the hymn like nature of Philippians 2:6-11.

In God’s own form existed he,
And shared with God equality,
Deemed nothing needed grasping.
Instead, poured out in emptiness,
A servant’s form did he possess,
A mortal man becoming.
In human form he chose to be,
And lived in all humility,
Death on a cross obeying.
Now lifted up by God to heaven,
A name above all others given,
This matchless name possessing.
And so, when Jesus’ name is called, 
The knees of everyone will fall
Where’er they are residing.
Then every tongue in one accord,
Will say that Jesus Christ is Lord,
While God the Father praising.

Building a Theological Library

Before seminary I often found myself wanting to study a certain book of the Bible, or an issue of theology and not knowing where to look for reliable resources. There are thousands of books out there on Christian thought, and it is often overwhelming when it comes time to choose.

Over the past few years I have bookmarked a few places where you can find references from reliable sources. Here are a few, if I come accross any others in the future I will update this page.

I was talking with Derek Radney about recommending theological books to others and he made a good point, sometimes it can be hard for others to pick up on the theological slant that a writer may be coming from. While in seminary I have learned about different positions, slants, and writers who hold those views. So, while each of these references may hold different views concerning particular aspects of theology, none of which jeopardize orthodoxy, I recommend the following.

a. Dr. Daniel Akin: “Building a Theological Library”.

b. Desiring God: References concerning Bible Commentaries.

c. Denver Seminary: An Annotated Bibliography of the Old Testament and New Testament.