Teaching with Different Bible Translations | An Interview with John Hilton III

Описание: John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a Master’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU.

John has published several books with Deseret Book, including "Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ". He’s the author of the new Scripture Central course “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.”

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John discusses the recent changes in the Church’s approach to Bible translations and how these changes can enhance understanding of the scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessibility and comprehension in scripture study.

Key Insights
The Church’s handbook now states that while members should generally use a preferred or church-published edition of the Bible, other translations may also be used, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and understanding.

Many individuals struggle with the King James Version due to its higher reading level, which can hinder their engagement with the scriptures. Simpler translations can provide clarity and accessibility.

Various Bible translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV), can help bridge the gap for those who find the King James Version challenging, making the scriptures more relatable and understandable.

The discussion highlights the importance of using different translations in teaching settings to enhance comprehension and engagement, particularly for youth and those unfamiliar with the King James Version.

Leaders are encouraged to create an inclusive environment in classes where all translations are respected, fostering a space for discussion and learning.

Leadership Applications
Leaders can promote the use of various Bible translations in their classes to help members better understand scriptural principles, especially for those who may struggle with traditional texts.

By being aware of the reading levels of different translations, leaders can guide individuals to resources that suit their comprehension needs, ensuring that everyone can access the teachings of the scriptures.

Encouraging open discussions about different translations can help create a welcoming atmosphere in church settings, allowing members to feel comfortable sharing their insights and questions without fear of judgment.

00:01:32 - The Goal: Comprehension and Connection

00:07:05 - Updated Church Handbook Guidelines

00:08:54 - Bridging the Literacy and Accessibility Gap

00:13:08 - Ancient Manuscripts and Modern Scholarship

00:15:43 - Reliability of Modern Doctrinal Clarity

00:17:49 - Using Restoration Scripture as a Doctrinal Anchor

00:19:41 - Comparing the ESV, NIV, and NIrV Translations

00:27:02 - Leadership: Fostering Respectful Classrooms

00:30:58 - Examples of Clarity in Modern Translations

00:37:53 - Accuracy Through Gender-Inclusive Language

00:41:58 - God Speaking to Our Understanding (D&C 1:24)

00:45:58 - Leadership Duty to Help Others Access the Word