Translating H/holy S/spirit - by Garrett C Kenney (Paperback)

About the Book

Translating H/holy S/spirit examines the biblical concept of the 'holy spirit.' Twenty-five English translations are consulted revealing a high degree of ambiguity and inconsistency in translating this central concept. This is clearly evident in the apparent arbitrariness and ...

Book Synopsis

Translating H/holy S/spirit examines the biblical concept of the 'holy spirit.' Twenty-five English translations are consulted revealing a high degree of ambiguity and inconsistency in translating this central concept. This is clearly evident in the apparent arbitrariness and inconsistency in capitalization. When 'Spirit' is capitalized, it is generally assumed that a person is being referred to. This raises questions as to whether the Spirit is simply a personification of some attribute or activity of God, or whether Spirit may refer to a distinct hypostasis in the Godhead. When 'spirit' appears in lowercase, it is generally assumed that an impersonal gift or enablement is intended. Translating H/holy S/spirit presents four models by which these difficulties are examined and clarified. Each model is defined, defended, and then deconstructed.

Review Quotes

Great introduction to an ancient and ongoing issue.

About the Author

Garrett C. Kenney is Assistant Professor of English/Religious Studies at Eastern Washington University. He is the author of: Leadership in John: An Analysis of the Situation and Strategy of the Gospel and Epistles of John; The Relation of Christology to Ethics in the First Epistle of John; and, John 1:1 as Proof Text: Trinitarian or Unitarian?