Introducing

Five Questions the Global Church Asks about Bible Translation

Theological Decision Points Influencing Adoption of Vernacular Language Bible Translations

This article explores the theological discussions that many communities have described as the decision points on whether they adopt a new Bible translation for church or personal use. These issues center around Bibliology (theology of the Bible), theolinguistics (theology of language), ecclesiology (theology of church), and ethnotheology (theological reflection on local cultural issues). Because vernacular Bible translation introduces a change in all of these theological areas, it often generates some anxiety in host communities that tend to be change averse. The “Five Questions” explore how these topics are expressed by host communities and how Bible translation agencies can listen more effectively and empower local leaders to negotiate these complex issues effectively.