Holy Logistics: When Tolkien Translates Scripture

They state that J.R.R. Tolkien translated the Book of Jonah for the 1966 Jerusalem Bible, though his Jonah text was not carried into the later New Jerusalem Bible. Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell interview Nick Polk of Tolkien Pop about Tolkien’s work on that translation project. They outline how the Jerusalem Bible began as a French scholarly effort and how the New Jerusalem Bible later retranslated from Hebrew sources. Nick explains Tolkien’s background as a philologist and his work with Old English and the Oxford English Dictionary, and how that led to his being asked to translate. They also discuss translation methods, editorial choices, and how different translations affect readings of Psalms, Job, and Jonah. The episode continues the Holy Logistics series and will be cross-posted to Systematic Geekology. Joshua Noel, Nick Polk, and TJ Blackwell engage in a focused conversation that moves between Bible translation history and practical church life. Joshua reads and frames passages from the Psalms. He notes his preference for the New Jerusalem Bible for poetic books. Nick explains that J.R.R. Tolkien translated the book of Jonah for the 1966 Jerusalem Bible. He outlines Tolkien's background as a philologist and his work on Old English and the Oxford English Dictionary. Joshua and Nick discuss why literary scholars can help readers see the shape of biblical texts. The hosts keep the tone direct. They connect scholarly work to everyday reading habits and to how pastors and laypeople use translations in worship. The dialogue also covers the role of translation philosophy. Nick contrasts word-for-word and thought-for-thought approaches. He says the New Jerusalem Bible seeks to preserve literary form. Joshua and TJ compare their favored English translations and explain why they choose them for clarity or reverence. The segment closes with concrete encouragement. Nick tells listeners to pursue curiosity. He urges people to ask questions and learn without fear. The recommendation is practical and aimed at building humility and unity across traditions. Takeaways: They explain that J.R.R. Tolkien translated the book of Jonah for the 1966 Jerusalem Bible edition. They clarify that Tolkien's contribution was later replaced in the New Jerusalem Bible revision. They attribute Tolkien's selection for the project to his philological expertise, Oxford career, and etymological work. They describe the Jerusalem Bible approach as literary and genre sensitive, preserving poetic features in Psalms and Job. They outline practical church logistics, identifying payroll, volunteer coordination, building maintenance, and worship layout as recurring challenges. They encourage prospective scholars to research existing literature thoroughly, submit work to peer review, and engage with the Tolkien community. They recommend cultivating curiosity by asking questions and researching unfamiliar perspectives to foster ecumenical listening and unity. . You can leave a donation, buy podcast merchandise, check out previous series that we've done, or become an official member of The Whole Church Podcast on our website: https://the-whole-church-podcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ . Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network and find merch to support some of your favorite podcasts on the network's website: https://anazao-podcasts-shop.fourthwall.com/ . Listen to all of our Holy Logistics series here: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0baf30ad-3ecd-47a9-bbb4-d67e61e1919e . Check out more from Nick Polk on Tolkien Pop: https://tolkienpop.substack.com/ . Listen to more of TJ on Systematic Geekology: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f4c32709-d8ff-4cef-8dfd-5775275c3c5e . Hear more from Joshua on his other podcast, Be Living Water: https://be-living-water.captivate.fm/listen