From the Westminster
Confessions blog (HT Talmida,
who posted a comment here;
check out her site; my response
to Lingamish’s post,
despite its title, is in line with the following words):
I love
languages. I love writing systems. I love that I will have time to learn more. To
see how languages work is beautiful. To understand the order (and chaos) is
like appreciating a symphony. If Eric Liddell
could say “When I run I feel [God’s] pleasure” then I say “When I study
languages I am worshiping.” I am embracing the creative process of a God who
communicates with us. Sure, I get some grief for wanting to learn Ugaritic. No
one thinks it is practical. “What will you use it for?” I think it is a great
misfortune when we believe that only that which is pragmatic is worth studying.
Sure, I want to learn Greek and Hebrew to better understand the Bible, to read
the OT and NT in their original languages and appreciate the fullness of what
is being communicated. But I also want to just savor the language for
itself. The language itself, not only what it communicates, reveals to me more
of the character of God. And that’s worth all the flashcards and study time I
can muster.
I have to say that my own experience of Ugaritic seemed more demonic than sublime...but perhaps that was just me. ;)
Posted by: Phil | July 18, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Ugaritic to my knowledge is rarely if ever taught in a sublime manner. At least Bordreuil-Pardee's manual, which I recommend if one reads French, humanizes the language a bit by vocalizing it.
A look at more recent posts on the Westminster blog shows that the writer (whose name I can't seem locate) is now taking Ugaritic, and seems to be enjoying it.
Posted by: John Hobbins | July 18, 2007 at 08:48 PM
I couldn't agree more,
"...understand the order (and chaos) is like appreciating a symphony..", kind of brings to light the true meaning of the Title 'Lamenazeah'.
Like it says in Job, "...If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness...".
Posted by: Ian | September 06, 2008 at 11:00 AM