Translational Clarity v Scriptural Clarity (Perspicuity)
I've written up some thoughts on the difference between two conceptions of clarity that intersect in the domain of Bible translation: translational clarity, and Scriptural clarity (perspicuity). I found that exploring these as distinct concepts was a helpful exercise with practical implications that I intend to explore further. Here is the link to my blog, followed by the post's introduction. I welcome your feedback.
Our doctrine of Scripture has a tremendous impact not only on how we read and interpret the Bible, but also on how we translate it. We don’t – and shouldn’t – translate the Bible like any other book. Because the Bible is God’s inspired, authoritative word to us, translation is a very serious endeavor. It can and often does leave translators shaking in their boots, because the stakes are high. God’s inerrant truth is on the line, and we do not want to be responsible for adding to or subtracting from it.
One of the things we believe about Scripture is that is it clear. And as many translators seek to adhere to the highest standard, clarity has become one of the key evalutaive concepts that we use to determine the benchmark for a good translation. But I have observed that clarity as a theological concept is not at all the same as the clarity we talk about in the domain of translation. In Bible translation, it is easy to blend these two conceptions of clarity together as we are dealing with both translation and Scripture at the same time. But I will suggest here that it is quite helpful to keep them separate, to approach them as related, but distinct concepts. Remembering the clarity of Scripture as a theological concept may in fact serve to ease some of the burden that translators feel to communicate the full message of Scripture.
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Thanks for the comments. I am not assuming that translators can do anything to ruin God’s program. But I am suggesting that translators can err, and for those of us with a high view of Scripture, this should cause us to take great care as we translate.
I agree with you that God controls the communication of his word. If you read to the bottom of my post, I discuss the role of the Holy Spirit and the church of Christ in bringing people to full understanding. In fact, one conclusion I make is that the full weight of communication does not fall on translators. What a relief!
In response to your last statement - yes, clarity is essentially about communication, but as a technical term in systematic theology it does not mean the same thing that it does in the domain of translation. One of my main objectives in this post was to point out these distinctions.
Dear Ben,
Please define for me the difference between 'clarity' as a technical term in systematic theology, that "it does not mean the same thing that it does in the domain of translation". On the internet, I typed "clarity in theology" and found a website selling Scott Thomas' Theological Clarity and Application: Equipping Leaders in Biblical Doctrine" which seems to be his way of explaining Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, a 1,300 page book. There is another website that promotes Thomas' training course. It seems the "Theological Clarity" is a modern label for "Catechism". It seems 'theological clarity' for him is affirming certain doctrines, particularly excluding other doctrines.
Wikipedia says The doctrine of the clarity of Scripture (often called the perspicuity of Scripture) is a Protestant Christian position teaching that "...those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them" Westminster Assembly 1646). It defines the doctrine of clarity of Scripture. (Too bad it was put together by an assembly. It is not what I call "clear".) Are you transferring such a definition to theology?
I found another website that was debunking another website for its wanting "Church clarity" be defined in terms of church policy or practices. I don't think you are referring to such. Please explain "Theological clarity" as it impinges on translation.
Willis Ott
The Westminster definition of clarity is basically what I am talking about. It is a "theological" term in the sense that it seeks to communicate what Scripture as a whole says about its own nature.
As for the difference between "clarity" in systematic theology and "clarity" in translation, I will refer you back to my blog post, which I expect will answer your questions. (The text I copied below the link was only the introduction. Click the link to read the entire post.)