Languages and Tongues

Going by Bible, the languages were the by products of an ambitious attempt by man to reach the heavens. In story of Tower of Babel, language was created as an instrument of confusion. Though I am not taking a firm stance of whether these events are historical or allegorical in nature, I admit that there could not have been a more ingenious way to stall the construction with minimal collateral damage. Coming to more recent times, the new testaments introduces us to the gift of speaking in special tongues. Bible itself was written in three different languages, depending on the times and surrounding social situations. I believe the language that have been used to convey to us the Word of GOD has reasonable impact on its understanding. 

I was born in a nation that was once colonized and bought up as an migrant in another country. My parents moved out of their native place long before they got married but still deeply held their roots close to their hearts. These turn of events did equip me to understand more languages that an average human would.  Hence Bible, was heard, understood and interpreted by me in different ways, in different times and in different languages.

Since I studied in an English school, it had always been my language of choice when it came to reading. This was aided by the fact that my skills in reading and writing the other languages were at best poor. While I heard the same scripture portions that was being read aloud by someone else in a different language I did feel a hint of difference.Though at a macroscopic level the meaning conveyed were same, at microscopic level the words could be interpreted differently. In fact there have been instances where interpretation could be very different. An example can be the liberal change over of 'Eagle' in English to 'കഴുകന്‍' or Vulture in the Malayalam Bibles. These can also happen when one reads different publications of the same language. Once might find in English the King James' Version different from New International Version which in turn would be different from Good News Version. 

It may be argued that language is always evolving or all might not be comfortable with the complexity of certain version. I am in agreement with these justifications. I also believe that if the core essence of the scriptures can be conveyed without willful distortions, simplification would mean more people would get to know the Word of GOD - which is great. I feel many of the factions and denominations of the church are at odds with each other because they believe that their version of interpretation is infallible - which is rather stupid. It's no fault of the language - it was created for confusing!

Judge-mental

           

              I once had a conversation with a friend of mine, I asked him "Which do you think is the easiest way to heaven?". He said he will have to think about it. It sounded fair after all it is one thing that all the theist today and at any point in history ever wanted .Not just a way, but the easiest one. After a few days I got a text  "Refer Matt. 7:1-5". In a nutshell, what these verses said was to not judge others and you would not be judged.The reasoning was not exactly clear to me but it did give a general line it intended to follow. As days passed the idea finally sank in and sprouted out a few more reason why this might be the a great facilitator if not exactly the way to salvation.

            I do find that most religious systems around the world more often than not are judgmental and biased. One might argue that it is inherent correction mechanism that these systems have evolved to counter the divergence from its core principles. Even from philosophical standpoint, at the end of the day someone has to play a judge or an unguided and unrestrained 'something' will ultimately lead to chaos. Who better can play this role than religion. So being judgmental might be more of a necessity than it is apparent.

               I will be trying to argue my case against being a 'judge' as per the aforementioned reference. When we read these verses a couple of times there are two exceptions where it's deemed fit to be a judge. First, of course when it is done by God himself. Being of christian faith I am convinced beyond doubt that God has every right to do so. Second instance is when we are judging ourselves as per our moral compass. If I judge myself, I intend to correct and improve myself ever time I do so. But when we scale this up to a social level, given the heterogeneity of the human nature , judgement tend to be skewed and do more harm than good.For example I take the view of certain major societies regarding abortion.The conservatives hold the view that is must not be done.The liberals have an exact opposite stance to that. I believe that it only the person in question has the right the go for it or not.If she believes that taking an unborn life is an unpardonable sin, she has all the right in the world to give birth. If she thinks it is inconsequential then, all the same she has the right to go against anyone who tries to prevent her abortion.It is very much a personal choice. I believe in the Triune God and that Holy Spirit lends hand to the faithful in making the right call. That is why I believe that a work of a christian is to show the path and let the spirit lead the way. Similar analogy can be drawn with regard to the societal view on homosexuality too.

             What I am more interested is the space we create for ourselves when we forego judging others. Imagine all this new found time and energy  if focused towards improving oneself and consequently the others around us by our actions rather than our judgments. Another interesting part in the verse the "you would not be judged " part. In all honesty, probably this is that part which actually made "not judging" an option to salvation in our minds. But this Columbus feeling waned when I realize that we were born sinner and that subconsciously even the most ardent believer of this principle could judge someone on something. So essentially the shred of hope that we are hanging on is nothing but grace. In the end for me, the whole "being non judgmental" thing is a means to makes us stronger to keep hanging on rather than a shortcut to salvation.