A question of properly translating πιστός and ἄπιστος in Byzantine Greek Church literature.
Should they be translated as believer/unbeliever, or faithful/infidel?
The translation of believer is not difficult to accept, though it is a tad ambiguous in today’s English, but unbeliever is too neutral. It does not reflect the intensity ascribed to by the majority of the original writers. Infidel may be better suited. It is a strong word that has near racist implications based on religious grounds, and has especially been propagated by media coverage of radical Islamic actions against those who do not share their beliefs. In reference to some Byzantine Church writings, infidel feels closer to the writer’s intent.
faithful
Augustine on the Tongues of Pentecost in English
An English translation of the texts relating to the Christian doctrine of tongues by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- In Epistolas Joannis et Parthos
- Enarratio in Psalmum
- Sermo CLXXV:3 (175:3)
- Sermo CCLXV:10 (265:10)
- Sermo CCLXVI:2 (266:2)
- Sermo CCLXVII (267)
- Sermo CCLXVIII (268)
- Sermo CCLXIX (269)
- Sermo CCCLII:2 (352:2)
- Retractiones
Introduction
Augustine was one of the most prolific writers on the gift of tongues. This fact is largely due to his attack on the Donatists–a rival and popular African group who felt themselves superior because they remained pure during the Diocletian persecution. Augustine posits that one of their distinctions was speaking in tongues–a sign that they were the true church.
For more information, go to Augustine on the Tongues of Pentecost.
The following are English translations of Augustine’s Homilies and texts that relate to speaking in tongues.