What if we took Tyndale seriously? How would this transform us as men? What would be the domino effect on our families and the culture as a whole?
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
In the bustling landscape of modern Christianity, the words “church” and “congregation” often evoke images of grand buildings and time-honored rituals. However, a powerful shift in perspective emerges when we revisit the life and the work of William Tyndale, the trailblazing Bible translator who challenged the use of “church” in favor of “congregation.”
William Tyndale was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation and a key figure in the history of English Bible translation. He was born in England around 1494. He received a classical education and was proficient in several languages including Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. Tyndale was the first to translate the New Testament directly from Greek into English, producing the Tyndale New Testament in 1526.
THE DANGEROUS TRANSLATOR?
Tyndale’s translations were controversial because they challenged the established church’s monopoly on Bible interpretation. His work aimed to make the Scriptures accessible to the common people, which was seen as a threat to the church hierarchy. Due to his views and translations, Tyndale faced persecution in England. He left for continental Europe and continued his translation work in places like Antwerp, where he produced a revised edition of the New Testament in 1534. In 1536, Tyndale was betrayed, arrested by agents of the Roman Emperor, imprisoned in Belgium, and later condemned as a heretic. He was strangled and then burned at the stake. His translations had a profound impact on the English language. Many phrases and expressions found in his translations continue to be used in modern English, contributing to the richness of the language.
Tyndale’s vision was one of a vibrant community, a body of people united by faith and a shared mission. It’s as if he is still challenging us. And this challenge begins with Christian men.
TYNDALE’S CHALLENGE TODAY
Imagine if Christian men in America today were to fully grasp this truth: the Bible speaks of a living, breathing community, not mere bricks and ceremonies. What if they recognized that they are called to be doers, to take action, to step into the world and solve problems? The potential for a revival of manliness within today’s American Christianity is staggering.
Men, by nature, are wired to tackle challenges head-on. They yearn for action, for purpose, for a mission to pour their energies into. If given the mandate to go forth and impact their communities, we may witness a transformation within the Christian landscape that echoes through the annals of history.
This revival of manliness would not be a return to an outdated, patriarchal model, but rather a rediscovery of the true essence of Christian discipleship. It would be a movement where men, alongside women, young and old, stand shoulder to shoulder, fueled by a shared passion for justice, compassion, and love.
Picture churches becoming vibrant hubs of community engagement, not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. Men leading initiatives to combat poverty, hunger, and injustice, inspired by the teachings of Christ. Imagine a generation of young boys growing up in a faith that encourages them to be warriors of light, protectors of the vulnerable, and champions of truth. This sounds so much better than the prospect of only striving to be…a regular church visitor? A passive observer of a culture under siege by godlessness?
A revival of Christian manliness united around the calling of being a living body that impacts our world would transcend denominational boundaries, uniting Christians from all walks of life under a common banner of service and love. It would inspire a generation to look beyond the walls of the church and into the world, recognizing that true worship is found in selfless acts of kindness and upholding God’s Truth.
As Christian men in America grasp the profound truth that they are called to be part of a living, breathing congregation, we may witness a renaissance of faith. The pews may become less important than the streets, and the rituals may find their truest expression in acts of love and service.
My prayer is for all of us to embark on this journey, hand in hand, as men and women, as families and communities, as one body united in purpose. Let us heed the call to be doers, not only listeners, to be the living embodiment of Christ’s teachings.
Together, we have the power to redefine the landscape of Christianity in America, breathing new life into the words of Tyndale, and, most importantly, into the timeless message of love and hope found within the pages of the Bible.
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Jeff Hagen
President & Founder
Hill Cities, Inc.
