In this book, the author aims to explore the impact of 19th-century translations of the Bible into indigenous languages, with a specific focus on the Setswana translation. The translations have had a profound effect on the religio-cultural practices of the indigenous people, leading to erosion and alteration of their traditions and identities. I argue that it is crucial to consider the translator's intentions and the associated literature, such as journals and letters, to understand the translation process comprehensively. The Setswana Bible was the first to be translated in Africa, and tracing the intentions of Robert Moffat, the first translator, is imperative to understanding the impact of the translation on the receptor culture. The methodology adopted is interdisciplinary, drawing from linguistics, African languages, history, English literature, cultural studies, black studies and theology. I analyse the impact of the 1840 Gospel of Luke in the context of Setswana culture in South Africa, and my findings demonstrate that translations cannot be distinct from the translator. To gain a deep understanding of the implications of such texts, I adopt a methodology that analyses significant historical literature and primary sources, including the records and works of The British and Foreign Bible Society, The History of the London Missionary Society, and the journals, letters and writings of missionaries such as Robert Moffat and John Campbell.

Excerpt from A Translation of Luke's Gospel: With Grammatical Notes I have had many requests to translate the New Testament, but I have always declined. The Simple truth is that the Greek appeals to me more power fully than any translation. The purpose Of. This translation Of Luke's Gospel is to preserve, as far as practicable, the delicate nuances Of the Greek idiom. It is supplied with grammatical notes at the end for the benefit of those who Wish to know the reason for any particular rendering. The book can thus be used as a textbook by those who possess the Greek text or the translation can be used alone by those who Wish to do so. The quotations from the Old Testament are given in italics and the book is printed like modern English. Even in the English the charm of the most beautiful book in the world is manifest. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Ecclesial Futures publishes original research and theological reflection on the development and transformation of local Christian communities and the systems that support them as they join in the mission of God in the world. We understand local Christian communities broadly to include traditional “parish” churches and independent local churches, religious communities and congregations, new church plants, so-called “fresh expressions” of church, “emergent” churches, and “new monastic” communities. We are an international and ecumenical journal with an interdisciplinary understanding of our approach to theological research and reflection; the core disciplines being theology, missiology, and ecclesiology. Other social science and theological disciplines may be helpful in supporting the holistic nature of any research, e.g., anthropology and ethnography, sociology, statistical research, biblical studies, leadership studies, and adult learning. The journal fills an important reflective space between the academy and on-the-ground practice within the field of mission studies, ecclesiology, and the so-called “missional church.” This opportunity for engagement has emerged in the last twenty or so years from a turn to the local (and the local church) and, in the western world at least, from the demise of Christendom and a rapidly changing world—which also affects the church globally. The audience for the journal is truly global wherever the local church and the systems that support them exists. We expect to generate interest from readers in church judicatory bodies, theological seminaries, university theology departments, and in local churches from all God’s people and the leaders amongst them.

In this witty, often terrifying work of cultural criticism, the author of Amusing Ourselves to Death chronicles our transformation into a Technopoly: a society that no longer merely uses technology as a support system but instead is shaped by it—with radical consequences for the meanings of politics, art, education, intelligence, and truth.