The Omission of Jesus' Given Name
Among variability in religious nomenclature, a significant discussion arises regarding why Jesus is not commonly referred to by his authentic given name. Traditionally, many Islamic communities and certain Arabic speakers refer to Jesus as “Isha bin Maryam”, a name that translates to “Jesus, son of Mary” in English. Even in Arabic, His name is rendered as Yeshu, not Yeshua, another variation that may mislead the inquisitive.
Cultural and Historical Context
Within certain Christian traditions, we adhere to the English name “Jesus”. This persistently challenges those who seek clarity on the origins and conventions of religious names. Some argue that this naming practice is fraught with historical and ideological underpinnings, particularly regarding Antisemitism.
History and Origins
Antisemitism has played a significant role in the custom of not using Jesus' true name in everyday discourse. It is often perceived as too “Jewish-sounding” to be used. Similarly, Mark compares this to using a pet name that someone else wants to use, rather than the actual name. This is not only a inconvenience but also an affront to one’s identity.
Religious Documents and Historical Accuracy
The Gospels, which narrate the life of Jesus, are not considered historical documents by many scholars. These texts were written anonymously over decades, and they are based on narratives that are allegorical and religious in nature. The authors did not witness the events they wrote about, and their style is more aligned with Greek chreiai or storytelling conventions.
Translation Challenges
Further complicating the matter is the lack of definitive knowledge about Jesus' exact name in Aramaic, the language believed to be spoken during His time, as well as the pronunciation of Aramaic and Hebrew. Historical records suggest that there were likely multiple pronunciations in circulation at the time.
The Septuagint and Orality
The reliance on the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, introduces additional layers of complexity. This translation is riddled with translational errors from the original Hebrew. Symbolically, the presence of these errors suggests an oral tradition that evolved independently of written texts.
Why the Current Practice Continues
Despite this, the current practice of calling Jesus by English names remains deeply ingrained. These names, much like the names of Egyptian pharaohs such as Ramses or Thutmose, have taken on a life of their own, often altering the way they are pronounced and perceived over time.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever to understand and appreciate the origins and nuances of religious traditions, including the naming conventions used for figures like Jesus. By doing so, we can foster greater harmony and understanding across different cultures and faiths.
Key Takeaways:
The use of different names for Jesus stems from historical, cultural, and ideological reasons. Antisemitism and the desire to avoid names that may be considered too "Jewish" have played a role. The Gospels are not historical documents but rather allegorical and religious fiction. Lack of definitive knowledge about Jesus' name in Aramaic further complicates the issue.