Economics, Ethics and Theology: Engaging Decision Processes in Bible Translation

Bible translation is a complex system where languages, cultures and theologies interact. Imagining Bible translation as a complex system where ethics, economics, and theology interact means repainting with a different color palette. Concepts from economists like Adam Smith, Keynes, Marx, and game theorists provide a frame for viewing aspects of Bible translation. Economics, ethics, and theology inform our decisions and our practices. Summary statements from fields of economics, ethics, and theology are painted with a broad brush over Bible translation practices. Works by Daniel Kahneman offer guidance in our decision practices by heightening understanding of thought processes and by potentially reducing bias and "noise" in decision processes.