If you think translation choice largely doesn't matter you're likely a pragmatist. The meaning of words is how we use them. If you think it does, you're probably a romantic. Everything turns on the perfect word.
https://twitter.com/ZoharAtkins/status/1456359876574302212
It's ironic that the foundation of Christian theology is "the Word made flesh," and yet in contrast to both Judaism and Islam that Word can be translated without any real loss in meaning. You don't need to know Greek or Latin to be a good Christian. Any Bible will do.
Christianity is pragmatic. Which is also good for missionizing. Judaism and Islam are romantic. Yes, the Torah can be learnt in translation, but one only recites a blessing on Torah read in Hebrew. The Quran is only holy in the original.
Unsurprisingly, I take a "these and these" approach.
Pragmatism is right that language is a convention.
Romanticism is right that language is "alive" with forces beyond our intent.
Pragmatism is right that language is a convention.
Romanticism is right that language is "alive" with forces beyond our intent.
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