When I Realized the Holy Bible Was Not Originally
in English
Susan Helene Kramer
When
I was about nine years old I began to read in earnest, and I loved picking up
my First Communion missal (my mother with her missal in the photo) to read the
weekly selections. Since I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, English was my
native language.
As
a little girl, it came as quite a surprise to me when I learned in catechism
lessons that the Holy Bible was not originally comprised of English texts. That
it was originally Hebrew and then translated into Greek. It wasn't till the end
of the 7th century that Old English and Middle English versions
appeared.
Looking back, I
think the realization that other languages preceded the English translation was
when I started having ecumenical thoughts about the Holy Word being for
everyone, no matter what language was spoken, or culture or country lived in.
That everyone on our planet was part of our world-wide family and therefore a
child of God.
Over
the years I came to read the holy verses of other religions and cultures that
were translated into English, and rather than see their differences, I saw the
similarities running through. One, for example was the golden rule, to treat
others as we wish to be treated. I use this guide as it was what my father used
to say to me as a teen, espousing that it was how he lived his life.
After
all, we all want to be treated well, and it makes sense that if our actions
reap actions returned in kind, that being positive and caring for others was
what we are setting ourselves up for in return.
Now
as a retired world-wide citizen living mainly in The Netherlands, I have plenty
of time to reflect and meditate deeply on the well-spring of spirituality that
connects us on the unseen levels.
We
have intertwined roots much like those of trees that are hidden from view
beneath the forest floor, but nourished by the same elements of sun and water.
So
our outer world of action and speech, geographical location and holy books are
diverse, but underneath it all we are connected by the same element of
spirituality.
In
our inner oneness as spiritually supported beings I am content to be myself, and
accept others in our diverse world as God's children, much loved, too.
When
I Realized the Holy Bible Was Not Originally in English copyright ©
2015 Susan Helene Kramer
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