The Shifting Languages of Religious Discourse

A resident of Naples, FL, George Richards has an extensive background guiding consumer product marketing efforts. With a deep interest in languages, George Richards studies languages such as Ancient Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.

A recent American Magazine article brought focus to the evolution of language in religious contexts. An initial example was how rabbis continued to read Scriptures out loud in Hebrew even after that language was no longer part of the common experience of worshippers. The rabbis then explained and paraphrased the Hebraic concepts in the Aramaic language that people actually spoke and understood well. A number of these translations survive in the form of Targums, which were recorded in the early Christian era. 

In some cases, knowledge of Hebrew was lacking altogether and translations were required. This was the case of those of Jewish faith in Alexandria, Egypt, in the third century BC, where Ancient Greek translations of sacred writings were undertaken. This translation is known today as the Septuagint, which refers to the 70 scholars said to have performed the work. 

This Greek Old Testament became widespread among early Christians, with the New Testament being initially composed in Greek. By the mid-second century AD, Latin was in the ascendant and “homemade” translations proliferated in the language. This was codified in the fourth century under Pope Damasus, with St. Jerome overseeing the production of a Latin Gospels and the Vulgate, a translation from Hebrew of the Old Testament. This served as the Western church’s Bible for more than a thousand years, until a modernizing project spanning several European languages emerged.

Jean-Charles Avisseau’s Palissy Ware

A marketing executive based in Naples, FL, George Richards is the chairman and president of Sempris, LLC, a marketing agency headquartered in Minnesota. George Richards enjoys a variety of hobbies, including collecting works by French artist Jean-Charles Avisseau.

Born in the late 18th century, Jean-Charles Avisseau’s ceramics feature highly realistic depictions of creatures from the natural world such as birds, snakes, lizards, and insects. The dishes, vases, and basins created by Avisseau are finished in brightly colored glazes that point to the vibrant, fluid colors sometimes found in nature. 

Jean-Charles Avisseau’s creations were frequently inspired by the work of Bernard Palissy, an artist of the Renaissance period. Palissy was well-known for his knowledge of natural history, painting, glass making, and geology, making him a true Renaissance man. His three dimensional ceramic art featured natural scenes with highly detailed depictions of fish, lizards, insects, and plants. Each item was cast using real animals and plants, ensuring a lifelike and realistic result.

Palissy’s work, which he called “art of the earth,” became so popular during the 16th century that Catherine de Medici, the Queen of France, became his patron. In the centuries that followed, other artists replicated what came to be known as Palissy Ware. The most well known of these artists was Jean-Charles Avisseau.

A Brief Outline of the French Bulldog

George S. Richards of Naples, FL, serves as chairman, president, and CEO of Sempris in Minnesota. During his free time, George S. Richards loves to spend time with his two French bulldogs.

The French bulldog, one of the most popular breeds in the American Kennel Club rankings, has a similar shape to the traditional bulldog but possesses large, erect ears somewhat similar to those of a bat. These dogs have earned recognition for their charming demeanor and alertness. They avoid barking when unnecessary despite this alert quality, making them good watchdogs, and do not require much outdoor exercise.

French bulldogs do require some specific care, however. The breed trends toward obesity, so treat-based training should be done sparingly and fatty foods should be avoided when possible. Like other bulldogs and most flat-faced dog breeds, they often develop breathing problems and have difficulties with heat and humidity, and can be sensitive to anesthesia during veterinary care. Breeders, owners, and veterinarians should all be aware of a French bulldog's potential for cherry eye, entropion, and other eye and skin disorders.

The University of Pennsylvania Ripple Project

As the chairman, president, and CEO of Sempris, LLC, George S. Richards of Naples, FL, leads a company that designs innovative membership programs. Prior to starting his career, George S. Richards earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and School of Engineering and Applied Science have announced the start of The Ripple Project as part of the Ripple University Blockchain Research Initiative. The new project aims to promote student and faculty research in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. The project’s Ripple Fellowship will support a small group of students as they pursue the University of Pennsylvania’s new Wharton-Engineering MBA/MS dual degree program.

The Ripple Project comes at a time when employers are seeking professionals with knowledge of blockchain technology and how to harness its potential. In addition to giving financial resources to support faculty research and financial aid, Ripple, a global payments company, will provide technical resources and strategic guidance to University of Pennsylvania faculty as they equip students with the knowledge required to use the power of blockchain technology.