Saturday, April 26, 2014

Semantic Misunderstanding: Language of the 1930's

Most Urantia Book readers understand that the language used is from the 1930's
its meaning different from present usage. It is also true that the Revelators expanded upon the English language by creating words which did not quite exist in the English language. This was absolutely necessary to convey the most correct meaning for the time it was written.

Many of these word meanings from the 1930's are picked up along the way, and may be easy to spot. The book's use of "universe" is one, which comes up frequently in one form or another. Another is "cult", which is used to describe anything related to organized religion, and was technically true in the 1930's as a "cult" did not have the same negative connotations as it does now. But even words we think we know, such as existential or transcendental, can mean incredibly different things in the modern arenas of philosophy.

If quotes are misunderstood or immediately judged, do not first look at the logic of the quote, but the language used to convey that logic. Those who finish reading and still do not see the importance in understanding the differing linguistics between the two centuries will be bound to create misunderstandings for themselves and others. Modern explanations do not usually require such an in-depth look at semantics, but it becomes a very different ballgame when looking back 80-some years. A person who does not appreciate these differences will likely draw strong opinions using their own interpretation of outdated language, failing to comprehend the new revelations which come their way or the opinions of others who understand the struggles the Revelators faced as they interpreted how language would evolve over time.

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