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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Opus 2012-88, Discernment Watch: When Corn Is not Corn

As a history teacher I sometimes see things that cause cognitive dissonance.  One of them is the constant reference in the KJV to “corn.”  It is possible that you did not listen in school when they talked about the Columbian Exchange.  It is possible that you went to school before the emphasis was on political correctness and you have not heard the term although you may know the details.

Corn, or maize, is one of the most common grain crops in the modern world.  We know it as a yellowish kernel that we eat fresh off the cob, canned or frozen or pop for a trip to the movies.  We know that the lobbyists have talked us into subsidize using it to make gasoline.  History shows us that before Columbus discovered America and came in contact with the American Indians corn as we know it was unknown.  (PC readers substitute “white Europeans invaded the western hemisphere” and “Native Americans”)  The American Indians are responsible for developing many of the staple foods of our time.  For that we owe them a lot.

In 1611 when the King James Version was translated and published this grain was still known as “maize.”  “Corn” was a term that meant “grain” to people of that time.  So when you read about the Egyptians and corn it probably means barley, rye or wheat.

Many of the misunderstandings about meaning of the Bible come from misunderstood translations.  Many of the so-called “errors” of the Bible are from poor or archaic choice of words.  Don’t write off the written word because you don’t want to do your homework.

Don’t fall for corny interpretations.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. As you know, Pumice, thoae who seek ab excuse will always find one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course some of us try harder than others. Or might I say, "Well, excuse me."

      Grace and peace.

      Delete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.