SANNEH LECTURE: Translating with Integrity: Ethical Frameworks for Serving God’s Word and God’s People

Details

Year: 2025

Track(s):

Plenary

Abstract

Bible translation is not merely a linguistic or theological activity—it is an ethical endeavor that shapes interpretive frameworks and community identity. This presentation examines the ethical principles and dilemmas inherent in the translation of Scripture, drawing on historical analysis, field observation, and applied translation ethics within the context of northern Thailand.From the Septuagint to modern vernacular versions, translators have faced enduring questions of faithfulness, interpretation, and ideology. Four central ethical principles are explored: accuracy and faithfulness, transparency, respect for theological diversity, and cultural sensitivity. Case studies on gendered language, political influence, and slavery texts reveal the constant negotiation between textual integrity and social responsibility. These ethical tensions become even more pronounced in translation among minority and indigenous groups, where local participation, cultural resonance, and theological expression are essential.The discussion further addresses the rise of Artificial Intelligence in translation—highlighting the need for human oversight, disclosure, and protection of indigenous voices—as well as issues of financial ethics, including donor influence, equitable pay, and open access to Scripture.Ultimately, ethical Bible translation requires humility, justice, and collaboration. Translators serve not only as linguistic mediators but as moral agents accountable to the communities they serve, ensuring contextual and ethical accessibility for diverse audiences.

About the Author

Payap University

Rux Prompalit is the chairperson of Wycliffe Thai Foundation (since 2017), advisor to the board of Linguistics Institute at Payap University, board member of Thailand Christian Business & Marketplace Connection (CBMC-Thailand), and treasurer of Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute Foundation.

Most of Rux’s professional life was at Payap University. He served as a lecturer and in various executive roles, including the president of Payap University. His teaching, research, and community services in the past 40 years focused in the fields of accountancy and business finance, micro finance, church finance, community-based tourism, and sustainable economy development.

Throughout his life at Payap, he contributed his expertise to local communities, government agencies, and private sectors, as well as serving in a national protestant church organization as an executive board member at schools, hospitals, church ministries, and businesses. Upon retirement, he continued teaching at the university, conducting research projects, and contributing his experiences to local churches and diverse groups of communities nationwide. Rux graduated with a PhD from the

University of Oregon (2003), MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma (1995), BBA from Chiang Mai University (1983), and a high school diploma from the Prince Royal’s College (1978).

Rux Prompalit was born and raised in a diverse environment of ethnic groups, cultures, and faiths in Northern Thailand. He was baptized at the First Church of Chiang Mai where he was a youth leader and a deacon. In his 20s, he transferred to be a member of Saitharnpraporn Church in Sansai District, Chiang Mai. Later, he became an ordained Elder. He has served as a vice-chair of the church Session since 2019. Rux and his wife live in Chiang Mai. They have two children and one granddaughter.

Rux’s Scripture favorite is, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)