translating intent?

the general assembly is discussing the translation of the hiedelberg catechism. of course, even translating comes back to sex. the section most deeply in question is whether homosexual perversion should be included in a list of sins that keep someone from heaven. so, though this debate is on translation, that issue is muddled with ideology, theology and sexuality.

can we translate intent? should we?

these confessions are used in their english form in congregations. no one looks at the other versions and certainly almost no one looks at the history of translation and controversies that accompany these texts. generally, their presence in the book of confessions is what gives these documents their authority. so, to me it is important that we have the best scholarly translation (translation of the words, not of the intent or the ideology) that our scholars can offer at the time available to everyone in the official book.

i believe we just passed the new translation. amen.