Seventh, from the absurd.
Seventh, from the absurd.
§ 502. (VII) From the absurd. “If the Scriptures had to be read in a vernacular language, it would be necessary to create new translations for every age, because languages change in every age.”
We respond. (1) On the basis of this argument, it would ultimately follow that Scripture must not be translated into other languages at all. When Chemnitz made this objection to the Papists, Bellarmine said, “He has told an impudent lie.” (2) The primary languages are not so numerous, that is, they have not changed in every age, though the idioms do vary. The slight change, however, does not cause the prior idiom not to be understood any longer. (3) No absurdity arises from this, if one claims that the more obsolete translations should be changed and brought up to date.