KENNETH ATKINSON and the New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS) project are getting more media attention, this time from the AP:

UNI professor helps translate ancient scripture
Professor part of 24 scholars completing translation

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
POSTED: February 12, 2008

CEDAR FALLS — Hundreds of years ago, Jewish scribes wrote out their holy scriptures by hand.

Tediously. Cautiously. Lovingly.

Today, the translation and transcription of religious texts remains a time-consuming yet fulfilling process for many modern scholars with a biblical studies bent, as Kenneth Atkinson can attest.

Atkinson, an associate professor of religion and philosophy at the University of Northern Iowa, recently assisted with a unique and awesome project. Part of an international team of some two-dozen scholars, Atkinson helped complete an English translation of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the ancient Jewish scriptures from around 250 B.C.

[...]

Atkinson was responsible for translating one of 41 books in the Septuagint. A book of poetic writings, ‘‘Psalms of Solomon’’ fits between the Old and New Testament. The collection of Psalms, once used in worship, tells the story of a people awaiting a warrior Messiah.

‘‘For Christians, this is a very important book,’’ Atkinson said. ‘‘It helps us understand the world that Judaism, Jesus and Christendom emerged from.’’

So while many people of faith say they are unfamiliar with the Septuagint, actually anyone who picks up a Bible stands to encounter it, Atkinson said.

[...]

It's good to see the NETS project - and Ken! - getting this publicity.