So we can go on and on debating different translation choices of the HCSB, Holman Christian Standard Bible, which is fine.
And the translators may even be inclined to incorporate some before the re-realease of the HCSB in 2010.
But their ongoing decision to keep that “H,” Holman, remains the #1 problem.
- Two reasons:
- Holman is Southern Baptist. Why that tag if you want to enjoy a large readership?
- No mainline English translation that is enjoying a large readership within evangelicalism is so tagged (for esample, ESV, NIV, NLT). None.
- It’s that plain and simple.
Instead Holman wants to keep the “H” because of a small publishing company called “Christian Standard Publishing.”
But wait a minute! Isn’t there a difference between “Christian Standard Bible” and Christian Standard Publishing”? (read an Interview between blogger Will Lee and Dr. Ed Blum, general editor of the HCSB)
Of course there is. So we have CSB vs CSP. One is a Bible and the other is a small publishing companying. Holman needs to give the average reader more credit.
Just drop the “H.” We don’t need a denominational tag.
Thanks for the input about the HCSB. We always love to hear what people think about the HCSB effort. For what it’s worth, the use of the “H” is an attempt to be straightforward about where this Bible comes from and is associated with, and represents the name of a company who has been publishing Bibles faithfully for quite some time now, amongst other things.
Of course, we know readers can tell the difference between CSB and CSP. Legally though, there would be serious issues. You’ll be glad to know that we’re getting great feedback across denominational lines. With 17 denominations represented in the translation process, this is something we hoped would happen. Sorry we can’t satisfy your critique here, but I hope some this helps give you an idea of where we’re coming from. Blessings on your ministry.
Jedidiah,
It’s always good to hear from an insider. Thanks for taking the time to address this issue.
Keeping the “H” is “an attempt to be straightforward.” I guess there’s something to be admired about that.
Well, it’s great to know that you’ve been getting wonderful feedback across denominational lines. Personally, I think the HCSB is a fine translation. So I’m not surprised at the positive feedback.
I hope keeping the “H” will go along way in silencing a critic like me.
You know we Souther Baptist can’t change things!
Jason, my brother, in so many ways.
Amen!
To dropping the “H” or keeping the “H”?
Very astute, my friend. I’ve thought the same thing for a while. They should put us on their media team.
I know. Perhaps in time.
Well, Jedadiah says there’s no harm in keeping the “H.”
Some people don’t know that Holman is Southern Baptist so it might be okay to keep it. But personally, I’d prefer to get rid of the H.
Kevin,
In fact, that was proved yesterday when I was having a conversation with a fellow pastor. He had no idea “Holman” was Christian.
Maybe the NIV will become the ZNIV. Then we could have the CESV, TNNKJV, TNLT, etc. The possibilities are endless!
John,
For every English Bible translation.
Speaking from the position where the hCSB is my preferred Bible, I am in full agreement with you. I know of no other Bible translation that piggy-backs a company, corporation, entity, etc. on the work (save one). I have always thought it peculiar, and I realize that the ‘CSB’ is taken by a smaller organization. So why can’t there be an agreement reached with the small company? It seems so simple until legalities get in the way.
Like John before me, there is no reason for a corporate tag to the Word of God. But then I recall that the precedent was set by the Crown of England who ‘authorizes’ a particular translation.