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Scripture and Scripture-based Products - vivre la difference! (Or not?)

There has been a lot of discussion recently as to what constitutes a scripture product and what constitutes a scripture-based product. In one sense it doesn't really matter. But what needs checking by a TC (translation consultant) and what can be checked by someone else?

A scripture-product is one that stays fairly close to scripture. For instance a multi-voice audio recording of scripture could be considered a scripture-product. A Bible app would be in this category too. These would need checking by a TC prior to publication.


Scripture engagement products that are more loosely scripture-based are called scripture-based products and wouldn't necessarily need checking by a TC. It really depends how loose or tight to scripture they are. If they are fairly loose then a Christian materials checker could check it rather than a TC. If the product contains scripture quotes that are from books not yet translated by the translation team (if there is one), then those quotes would need checking by a TC. The TC might also want to check that summaries of Bible stories reflect what we find in the Bible itself. In adapting the story has the team strayed too far from the story? If so the TC might recommend a change. The problem is that many scripture-based products are multi-media in which case it can be a hassle to edit the product. It is therefore recommended that teams make a rough-cut recording or video which can be checked by the TC before the final product is produced. 


A Christian materials checker is someone who knows the language and has had some training in checking Christian books and materials.

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