2007-08-19 09:46:57 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes...
And yes, I AM a qualified translator, so I look at the question "from the other side." Because of my experience with the language, I understand the commitment of time and energy that it requires to become a capable translator. While it is a ministry and many translations have been done over the years by volunteers, Paul clearly points out that workers in Christian ministries deserve their pay. (1Corinthians 9:14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.)
If we are to continue to have good Modern English translations, we need to have a way for those who create them to make their living by that. -- English is not a static language, but one that is constantly in transition. Because of this, what was a good translation 20 years ago is becoming dated, and will probably lose much of its effectiveness over the next several years... Look at the "American Standard Version," which was published in 1901. It was touted as the most accurate version available, but now almost all publishers have stopped printing them. Its language is very stilted and it reads almost like a legal code, with complex sentences and several "vocabulary words" which the average adolescent or young adult will not know. These people need the scriptures in THEIR LANGUAGE, not some ancient version of the language that they don't really understand.
2007-08-19 09:49:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Not only because it's a translation of an ancient language (and people who are well versed in those are hard to come by), but the Bible is a long book, and I mean LOOOOOONG. Why would anybody translate it for free? You may see it as community service, but that would be a lot of time to work with no pay.
2007-08-19 09:52:48 · answer #2 · answered by YouCannotKnowUnlessUAsk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anyone should be able to seek profit from anything that involves the expenditure of time or energy, though that doesn't mean people have to accommodate the would-be profiteer.
2007-08-19 10:01:32 · answer #3 · answered by Zombie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. What they do is worth something to someone, and it is hard work that requires a degree of intelligence and schooling. Why should they not make a profit from their work?
2007-08-19 09:57:14 · answer #4 · answered by Curtis B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I believe they should be able to make a living but not profit from it. The Bible tells us a prophet is worth his keep that is to say they should be taken care of. God's word should be freely sent out to all who need it. Remember in the time of Nero Christians were hunted and killed because of their faith. It is because of their sacrifice that the word remained alive for our generation. They did not do it for earthly profit and neither should any other.
2007-08-19 09:59:23 · answer #5 · answered by crimthann69 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I dunno about profit, but those who work for the Lord should receive some sort of compensation. Paul talks about the principle of paying those who work in the church. Just like those who worked in the temple were also paid. Everyone has to eat and pay expenses. It isn't to gain wealth, but survive and continue God's work.
2007-08-19 09:55:04 · answer #6 · answered by The GMC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is a noble profession, yet it is just that a profession and everyone deserves to get paid for their work.
2007-08-19 09:52:48 · answer #7 · answered by Big Daddy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, yes. I mean, after all, it is an enormous task and they need the basics of life just like the rest of us. Don't you need to get paid for your job?
2007-08-19 09:51:06 · answer #8 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really,they should do it out of love,but if they are poor an others should help them with living expenses.
2007-08-19 09:53:14 · answer #9 · answered by ana 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋