Today I checked out from our local library a graphic novel. No, perhaps not what you are thinking: a story full of explicit sex and/or gratuitous violence and vulgar language. The new meaning
of "graphic novel" is an illustrated story in comic-book style. They are not all equal, just as novels that have no pictures are not all equal. There are so many in the bookstores and libraries now that I wanted to see if a graphic novel was worth my time. I have the preconceived opinion that nothing will beat words, but we'll see.
"Graphic" doesn't mean what it used to mean. Our language has undergone lots of other significant changes over the years, so it is no surprise that numerous committees and even some individuals have spent years translating and/or paraphrasing the Bible, attempting to make it more easily understood and thus more relevant. I'm hoping we don't go so far as "The poor in spirit . . . the merciful . . . the pure of heart are really rockin'." But if teens don't get the term "blessed" and think "happy" isn't what they want, maybe someone will come up with a version that speaks to them.
Actually, with a little searching just now, I found that someone has done just that. Rob Lacey has written "The Word on the Street," published in the UK in 2004. One would not use it for careful reading or study, but many consider it very attractive to introduce youthful newcomers to the Bible. A bit of his style from Genesis:
"First off, nothing . . . No light, no time, no substance, no matter. Second off: God says the word, and WHAP! Stuff everywhere!"`
of "graphic novel" is an illustrated story in comic-book style. They are not all equal, just as novels that have no pictures are not all equal. There are so many in the bookstores and libraries now that I wanted to see if a graphic novel was worth my time. I have the preconceived opinion that nothing will beat words, but we'll see."Graphic" doesn't mean what it used to mean. Our language has undergone lots of other significant changes over the years, so it is no surprise that numerous committees and even some individuals have spent years translating and/or paraphrasing the Bible, attempting to make it more easily understood and thus more relevant. I'm hoping we don't go so far as "The poor in spirit . . . the merciful . . . the pure of heart are really rockin'." But if teens don't get the term "blessed" and think "happy" isn't what they want, maybe someone will come up with a version that speaks to them.
Actually, with a little searching just now, I found that someone has done just that. Rob Lacey has written "The Word on the Street," published in the UK in 2004. One would not use it for careful reading or study, but many consider it very attractive to introduce youthful newcomers to the Bible. A bit of his style from Genesis:
"First off, nothing . . . No light, no time, no substance, no matter. Second off: God says the word, and WHAP! Stuff everywhere!"`
From the Big Ten Rules:
No. 1: "I'm your god . . . I get total priority. You won't have any other gods distracting you or taking your attention away from me. I'm the only God. No other god's worth squat."
And a wise one-liner from Solomon: "Don't talk to a mirror and expect to lip read the answers to life." (Did you recognize Proverbs 3:7?)
There is also a graphic Bible for teens and young adults, or even younger children who are good readers. I should have known! And yes, the Library has some books of the Bible in graphic form. I'll read them next!
The big black King James Version of the Bible is not one of the Trinity (or part of a Holy Quaternity, either). If the Word is presented accurately in teen-speak or modern English or colored cartoon-style drawings, is that not a good thing? The Apostle Paul said he wasn't too concerned about the motive people had for preaching the Gospel—good, bad, or indifferent—just so it was preached. (Philippians 1:18) Might he suggest today that the words with which it is presented don't matter as much as the message?
"Let the reader understand."
MaryMartha
No. 1: "I'm your god . . . I get total priority. You won't have any other gods distracting you or taking your attention away from me. I'm the only God. No other god's worth squat."
And a wise one-liner from Solomon: "Don't talk to a mirror and expect to lip read the answers to life." (Did you recognize Proverbs 3:7?)
There is also a graphic Bible for teens and young adults, or even younger children who are good readers. I should have known! And yes, the Library has some books of the Bible in graphic form. I'll read them next!
The big black King James Version of the Bible is not one of the Trinity (or part of a Holy Quaternity, either). If the Word is presented accurately in teen-speak or modern English or colored cartoon-style drawings, is that not a good thing? The Apostle Paul said he wasn't too concerned about the motive people had for preaching the Gospel—good, bad, or indifferent—just so it was preached. (Philippians 1:18) Might he suggest today that the words with which it is presented don't matter as much as the message?
"Let the reader understand."
MaryMartha
Art from www.wpclipart.com
No comments:
Post a Comment