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The Cotton Patch Version of Hebrews and the General Epistles by Jordan, Clarence published by Association Press Paperback
Clarence Jordan's Cotton Patch Hebrews and the General Epistles [Pape...
- GenresReligion
Unknown Binding
First published January 28, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 5, 2021
This is a very interesting rendition of the General Epistles. It is like The Message but a very extreme version! The problem with such “contemporary” versions is that they almost immediately become dated because of how quickly language changes.
I also do take issue with “updating” places and, more particularly, theological terms. To render references to the Old Testament priestly system in Hebrews as “clergy” or “spiritual leader” is to confuse the issues, muddy the waters, and distort the message of the Book of Hebrews (Christianity as a continuation or completion of Judaism). I feel that this version deemphasizes trinitarian theology in some ways as well.
That said, it is a very interesting social commentary on Jordan’s time and place in midcentury Georgia. And I believe Jordan finds some success in making the text “leap out” at the reader. For instance, Jude 16 is translated as “These jokers are belly-aching gripes who do only as they pretty well please. They are windbags who lick boots for status.” I think the immediacy and interest of the text are captured in this version.
I wouldn’t consider this anything more than interesting theological and cultural commentary. Not a translation, but a “version” worth reading!
I also do take issue with “updating” places and, more particularly, theological terms. To render references to the Old Testament priestly system in Hebrews as “clergy” or “spiritual leader” is to confuse the issues, muddy the waters, and distort the message of the Book of Hebrews (Christianity as a continuation or completion of Judaism). I feel that this version deemphasizes trinitarian theology in some ways as well.
That said, it is a very interesting social commentary on Jordan’s time and place in midcentury Georgia. And I believe Jordan finds some success in making the text “leap out” at the reader. For instance, Jude 16 is translated as “These jokers are belly-aching gripes who do only as they pretty well please. They are windbags who lick boots for status.” I think the immediacy and interest of the text are captured in this version.
I wouldn’t consider this anything more than interesting theological and cultural commentary. Not a translation, but a “version” worth reading!
August 2, 2011
Once again, very good. Just like the other books in the Cotton Patch Gospel series, this one is a translation of the New Testament (Hebrews, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude) but using more modern language and set in the US south. Unlike the Gospels, which made the story feel closer to home by using locations in the US, the Epistles don't have a lot of locations to talk about. So this one felt mostly like a new translation with updated language. Still a worthwhile read.
December 9, 2015
The introduction to this last published of Dr Jordan's translations provides details of his life I didn't know in my youth.
These are insightful translations recommended for all who are interested in early Christianity or even better for those who want to stay Christian in this world of politico-religious bigots & fakes.
These are insightful translations recommended for all who are interested in early Christianity or even better for those who want to stay Christian in this world of politico-religious bigots & fakes.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews