An Interpreter for Greek

Dave Black comments on one of my pet peeves, the use of Greek, generally incorrectly used, in sermons. I have gone so far as to tell people that when you hear a preacher say, “what the Greek really says is …” or something similar you are about to be misinformed. Dave thinks this might be an application of 1 Corinthians 14, specifically the reference to having an interpreter when someone speaks in tongues. I think the principal definitely applies, though I have many other ways I think it should apply as well.

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians is that what we do in corporate worship should edify, i.e. build, the body. I think we could extend that principle to interpreting when excessive theological language is used. I heard a sermon recently from a highly placed individual that was so liberally seeded with theological terminology that I suspect most of the congregation went away impressed with the speaker’s education but very little edified by his words.

Dave also brings up the topic of discussion or a Q & A session when we speak. I consider this an excellent idea. I believe it provides accountability for speakers and teachers. Besides the teaching benefit, we should all be accountable and subject to questioning.