GS 2010 art 160

GS 2010 Article 160 – The Text of the Lord’s Prayer

1.         Material

Letter from Ancaster with respect to the text of the Heidelberg Catechism, LD 45 (8.3.J.47).

2.         Observation

Ancaster comes to Synod with “a request concerning a point in the text of the Lord’s Prayer as found in the latest edition of the (H.C), LD 45.” It states “this edition follows the NIV translation which does not conform to the original Greek text as given us by our Lord Jesus Christ. We propose that you decide to correct the mistake and bring it in accordance with the original formulation.”

3.         Considerations

  • 3.1        While it is true that the original Greek text makes frequent use of the conjunction “and,” proper English usage does not always require its translation.
  • 3.2        It is hard to see that the absence of this one instance of a conjunction in the Lord’s Prayer leads to an incorrect interpretation.
  • 3.3        The request to change the English text of the NIV when it comes to the Lord’s Prayer would set a precedent and may well lead to more requests to depart from this recommended translation for what some would consider questionable reasons.
  • 3.4        To change the text of the Lord’s Prayer in Lord’s Day 45 of the Heidelberg Catechism, which is taken from the NIV, would represent an overreaction on our part.
  • 3.5        It is clear from Ancaster’s letter that an elaborate interpretation is connected to this one instance of a missing conjunction and that not all biblical scholars would agree with this interpretation.
  • 3.6        It should be noted that Ancaster’s letter is in regard to the text of the Heidelberg Catechism as found on the Canadian Reformed website and not the text in the 2006 edition of the Book of Praise. The future editions will follow the NIV text.

4.          Recommendation

That Synod decide not to grant the request of the Church of Ancaster.

ADOPTED