Michael Hollner
Active Member
"Pie in the sky by and by." The link you gave does not call English a "universal language." English is not the universal language nor will it ever be. Have you ever visited another country and tried to get by? Every people group has their "heart language" and deserves the Word of God in that language. You can go to most of the world and not be able to communicate in English.
All Japanese kids take 6 years of English (Jr. High & HS), but it's mostly grammar, so very few can actually speak it, comprehend it, or read the Bible (any translation) in it. The same holds true for all of Asia. I have lived with Asians, preached to them in several nations, currently teach several Asians in our Bible college and seminary. English is NOT the universal language any place in Asia, and not even the lingua franca.
There are nations where English is the lingua franca (some people groups in Africa, PNG, etc.). But that's not the same as "universal language."
Yes, I agree, perhaps universal was not the right word, but English is used and spoken in many nations. My associate visits China often and says a lot of Chinese people speak English over there and they even have English billboards and ads.
'Have you ever visited another country and tried to get by?'
Yes, I did missionary work in Venezuela in the 80s and learned Spanish the best I could. But I needed a translator when I preached out of my NIV. After one sermon a Spanish preacher came up to me and said my preaching was 'dry.' Then when I got back to the states in 84 and off to Bible college, I ditched my NIV for a KJV. Needless to say, I have not been told since that my preaching was dry.
John, despite our disagreements, I am glad you're trying to reach the Japanese people.
Blessings