A clear story of Jesus
The earliest known so called ‘harmony’ was distributed in the 2nd century. Others were developed, mostly as variations that early model. In the 15th and the 16th centuries, some new approaches to harmony began to appear, one of which gave priority to the Gospel of John. John Calvin focused on the three synoptic Gospels, and excluded the Gospel of John. Today, as we communicate to non-western oral learners, perhaps we would do well to draw a general chronology from the Synoptics while giving ample room for the teachings that we find in John’s document.
We suggest that each communication be 6-15 minutes in length. This length is arbitrary but it is based on the approximate amount of time most oral learners can maintain attention. It is true that many have shorter spans of attention and others have stronger capabilities. It is also true that some societies have built a long attention span into most of the people of their culture.
We propose a narrative that tells the important information, delaying until Level 3 the communication of the history and of the details that are important for understanding the Jewish culture. A team should consider:
- John put his summary of Jesus’ purpose and ministry at the beginning of his document. However, many languages prefer that a summary function as a closure of a long narrative. We suggest that it is a fitting closure in any language.
- In some non-western societies, the names of the male ancestors of Jesus validate that he was human and real. In many other societies, his belonging to the Israelite clan is irrelevant. Even the fact that he was a candidate for being a Jewish king might be irrelevant.
- The events of John the Baptizer’s conception and birth and his ministry of introducing Jesus to the Israelite community are irrelevant to most non-western audiences.
- Jesus’ having been delivered into this world by a miraculous conception is very important for us Christians but it is not likely to help non-western listeners toward evaluating his teaching as valid for them. Nor will their knowing about Jesus’ prowess as a 12 year old boy.
- Jesus’ refusing Satan’s offers is important to us Christians but most non-western societies will appreciate more Jesus’ power to chase away bad spirits, which are a real part of their world.
- The individual invitations to the first disciples are somewhat cultural.
- The miracle of changing water to wine demonstrated Jesus’ power over nature but is complicated by the specific cultural item “wine” and its use. Jesus’ power over nature is well demonstrated in the feeding of the multitudes and the stilling of the storm.
- Jesus’ specific conflict with the Pharisees (his denunciation of the rules and rituals) is irrelevant to non-Middle East peoples. His principle of insisting on deep determination to obey truth is important to communicate. Further, his conflict with the Temple authorities (the two times Jesus drove the commercial operatives from the Temple) is focused on worship in a specific place, and thus can be delayed until Level 3.
The script
We recommend the following:
- A native speaker of the language should introduce each Scripture unit and close each unit. It is well worth the investment of time and money for the translators to develop this kind of Scripture presentation.
- Caution: We recommend that the team avoid using the national language (Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telegu, even English).
- The speaker is a living person of ‘today’ who is affirming the validity of the Apostle’s message. The person who introduces the audio Scripture will be implying that he has evaluated the message as valuable to him.
- He should make those speeches short.
- Someone should coach him in voice modulation. The listeners cannot see the speaker but they can ‘feel’ with him when his voice inspires confidence.
- He should focus on the main theme of the Biblical passage for the beginning speeches. For the closures, he should focus on urging the listeners to learn from the passage and to talk to another person.
- He should gently encourage the listeners to internalize the message.
- He should suggest, recommend or offer, not command.
- Especially, he should purposely avoid using church jargon—the idioms that have arisen in the churches that are largely based on Hebrew idioms.
