Learning as a Noble Goal

Sarah listened intently and said, “I had no idea – any translation that's done will miss these kinds of things.” Rebekah responded, “That’s true, but it’s more important that the simple meaning be understood first. Clearly, the most important thing is to translate the Bible into the language of the people and for them to live in a society where they are encouraged to read it. The benefit for the common people is to know the truth so that the truth can set them free, both spiritually and socially. It has always struck me as tragic that the Gentile Church has kept the common person in ignorance. Jewish culture has long promoted learning as a noble goal and encouraged the reading of scripture as one of the prime reasons.”

Heinrich was impressed beyond belief with Rebekah and her knowledge. What must it be like to really know this woman? What man would have that privilege? He brought himself back to the moment and jumped into the conversation: ”the Catholic church and the aristocracy prefer to keep the people in ignorance, for they hold the power and the wealth. If a peasant thinks their salvation is based on the Church, then they’ll follow the Church. If they have no money and need a job that a Noble gives them, then they’re under their control. Woe be unto their Masters when the peasants get a whiff of freedom.” Freyda added, “Martin Luther has already set the tone by calling into question the legitimacy of the Church and the Princes. The peasants have taken heart to these messages and are already rebelling. It has given them a hope, albeit one that is probably doomed to failure. Change in society has to come from a changed heart and few there be that understand that.”