Episode 15 - Tyndale, Language, and the Anglo-American Tradition

Canterbury Trails

What defines American Protestantism? Recording this episode of Canterbury Trails the week after the American Independence Day, Jared Lovell and C. Jay Engel reflect on this question, and delve into the impact especially of language on the theology of our Anglo-American faith.

Perhaps the two most popular books in early American history were the King James Bible and the Works of William Shakespeare, both of which had a tremendous influence on our English language.

But did you know that about 85% of the King James New Testament came straight from William Tyndale’s earlier translation?

Shakespeare’s influence is undeniable, but before Shakespeare, William Tyndale was coining words and phrases we still use today.

The focus of today’s episode, therefore, will be on William Tyndale, and the influence he had on the English language, and on our theology today as American Protestant Christians. This is a fascinating discussion of an important historical figure that one biographer described as “The Man Who Gave God an English Voice.”

The average American evangelical Christian may know of Tyndale as the man who was burned at the stake for translating the Bible into English. It might be said that “Evangelical Pop Culture Tyndale” is all about democratizing the Bible so we can all read it and believe whatever we want.

But that is far from the truth, as you will learn in today’s episode. While Tyndale may be a hero of the faith for today’s Christians, his political opinions would not sit well with the average American evangelical.

Beyond Tyndale’s specific influence, you’ll discover how language itself shapes our understanding of God and His Word. And you’ll come to appreciate the (perhaps surprising) fact that the English language itself has helped to bring you to the theological inclinations you have.

Don’t miss this one!