Finally, the third reason for changing from the King James Version of the Bible, is due to the versatility of many translations. It may surprise the reader of these blogs for me say that I am not trying to get rid of the KJV. To the contrary, I am seeking the best way to preach, teach, and mostly communicate the bible.
One reason there are so many bibles is not because they all want to dilute, dissolve, or destroy the Word of God. The reason for the many is that there are many people and uses for each translation.
The best way to explain this is by describing the different methods of translating. One is to translate from one language to another in a word for word fashion. This is called formal equivalence. This way would get into technical word usage. If in English we say you are pulling my leg, then that is exactly how that is translated in another language.
Another method of translation is a thought for thought fashion. This is called dynamic equivalence. This way is more interested in sentence meaning. Again if we say in English you are pulling my leg, then in the other language the thought or meaning would be translated in different words.
Because of this bibles are being translated in both methods making for different version but still the same Word of God. For example the most common formal equivalence bible version happens to be the New American Standard Bible or NASB. This bible because of it's word accuracy has become the favorite of theologians, bible scholars, and pastors. They like the ability to see as close to the original in word form as possible. This however is not the best for beginner reading or study.
The best example right now of a dynamic equivalence version is the New Living Translation or NLT. This version is accurate for meditation, and enjoyable reading. This version has become one the fastest growing in popularity because of its ease of reading without sacrificing accuracy.
To some this all up, it is our intention to not just replace the KJV with another more modern version. Instead we will seek a plurality of version. Meaning we will have a primary version that is considered church wide with the freedom to preach, teach, or reference other versions as well.
We believe this is the best course for two reason: 1) to avoid any future fighting over preferential versions; 2) to leave the door open to any future version and updates that will enhance the ministry of Portage Avenue Baptist Church.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
KJV - Why Change? Part 2
The second reason for changing to a modern version of the bible really is not a reason to change, but removes a barrier from changing. For years there have been two questionable principles that have stalled the change to the modern versions:
1. God has promised a perfect"preserve"(a stealth word for inspire) version of the bible. No where in the bible does it promise perfect preservation of the Word. God has promised His Word to be eternal to all generations and beyond. But to extend this special class to the KJV is over extreme.
The problem here is to say that God has given something special and different to the KJV that has not been given to any other English language (some even say to any language) translation. To say this is to say that the 1611 translators were in a sense inspired. It is almost to say that God moved not just holy men but the KJV translators like He did Moses, Daniel, Peter and Paul.
This needless to say is a perversion of a great translation that has had a great history to an unrealistic status. No one should be saying that the days of reading, studying and even preaching from the KJV is over. But there should never be a day where we believe the KJV is the only Word of God, or even superior.
2. That all other translations are corrupt and watered down because they do not exclusively use the Textus Receptus as the manuscript for translation.
When it comes to archeology, the greatest discoveries have come in the last 50 years. A major part of these discoveries have been the finding of more copies of the the original writings. We have a larger selection today of manuscripts than they had to work with in 1611. Hence there are better chances to correct the mistakes made in the copy of the copy of the copy of the originals. The scribes who did the copying never had a devine promise of error free writing. But the way to overcome these errors was to compare and combine as many copies a possible to correct the errors.
By the way one more note. There is also a special claim of Greek and Hebrew scholarship. The claim was that there was in 1611 a group of translators that were better than at any time in history. Aside from the fact that none of those scholars would ever claim that, how could something like that be proved? All credit is due to those men who made it a lifetime to study their subject, but let's not insult the current group of scholars who work just as hard and just as devoted as those in 1611 to produce the most God honoring translation of His Word.
1. God has promised a perfect"preserve"(a stealth word for inspire) version of the bible. No where in the bible does it promise perfect preservation of the Word. God has promised His Word to be eternal to all generations and beyond. But to extend this special class to the KJV is over extreme.
The problem here is to say that God has given something special and different to the KJV that has not been given to any other English language (some even say to any language) translation. To say this is to say that the 1611 translators were in a sense inspired. It is almost to say that God moved not just holy men but the KJV translators like He did Moses, Daniel, Peter and Paul.
This needless to say is a perversion of a great translation that has had a great history to an unrealistic status. No one should be saying that the days of reading, studying and even preaching from the KJV is over. But there should never be a day where we believe the KJV is the only Word of God, or even superior.
2. That all other translations are corrupt and watered down because they do not exclusively use the Textus Receptus as the manuscript for translation.
When it comes to archeology, the greatest discoveries have come in the last 50 years. A major part of these discoveries have been the finding of more copies of the the original writings. We have a larger selection today of manuscripts than they had to work with in 1611. Hence there are better chances to correct the mistakes made in the copy of the copy of the copy of the originals. The scribes who did the copying never had a devine promise of error free writing. But the way to overcome these errors was to compare and combine as many copies a possible to correct the errors.
By the way one more note. There is also a special claim of Greek and Hebrew scholarship. The claim was that there was in 1611 a group of translators that were better than at any time in history. Aside from the fact that none of those scholars would ever claim that, how could something like that be proved? All credit is due to those men who made it a lifetime to study their subject, but let's not insult the current group of scholars who work just as hard and just as devoted as those in 1611 to produce the most God honoring translation of His Word.
KJV - Why Change? Part 1
The King James Version Bible is the best and only reliable translation of God's Word. Not only for the English language, but is the standard for any language. That was my belief when it came to bibliology. I was taught by my bible college and seminary that not only was the KJV superior, but any and all others were evil corrupt, watered down versions.
Now, I must admit I do not believe I was taught correctly. Though my professors had the best of intentions, those who hold to the KJV are going to find it harder and lonelier. Now some of them may consider that a badge of honor, but may be doing that in vain.
So with that in mind I would like to share the first of three reasons why I believe the Portage Avenue Baptist Church is ready, and should make the change from the King James Version to a more modern version.
First, because the language, (word and phrase meanings) is becoming less and less understood by common man. Even when I got saved in 1979, I had to make the adjustment of the verbiage. Some might say to me that since I did it others should too. That would be selfish and Pharisaical of me. Who is to say that my journey is a must as an example to be followed? I believe I would be putting an undue burden upon a new or weaker Christian in the name of making them in my image.
What really was the biggest influence for me was what the original KJV translators stated as their reasons for coming up the new version. Under criticism like: why do we need another version anyway, and accusations of fraud, and corruption; they forged ahead with the project. They wanted to come up with a translation that would be for the common man to be able to read easily. They made no claims of inspiration, or superiority. Actually they believed that what they were doing should be done on a regular basis as needed.
As Babel proved, when it comes to delivering a message, language is not just in important it is crucial. What good is it to fight and bicker for a great translation of the Word of God when it is shackled by a way of speech that is not spoken any longer. If the word "conversation" meant something different than verbal communication, how is the 21st century reader suppose to understand the true meaning of that verse? Our heritage has always believed that the average Christian should not have to be defendant on the clergy to interrupt the bible. The Word of God should always be available in the tongue of the common man. Because of that the KJV is no longer the best at meeting that standard any more than a Russian version of the Word of God could serve the modern English language.
Now, I must admit I do not believe I was taught correctly. Though my professors had the best of intentions, those who hold to the KJV are going to find it harder and lonelier. Now some of them may consider that a badge of honor, but may be doing that in vain.
So with that in mind I would like to share the first of three reasons why I believe the Portage Avenue Baptist Church is ready, and should make the change from the King James Version to a more modern version.
First, because the language, (word and phrase meanings) is becoming less and less understood by common man. Even when I got saved in 1979, I had to make the adjustment of the verbiage. Some might say to me that since I did it others should too. That would be selfish and Pharisaical of me. Who is to say that my journey is a must as an example to be followed? I believe I would be putting an undue burden upon a new or weaker Christian in the name of making them in my image.
What really was the biggest influence for me was what the original KJV translators stated as their reasons for coming up the new version. Under criticism like: why do we need another version anyway, and accusations of fraud, and corruption; they forged ahead with the project. They wanted to come up with a translation that would be for the common man to be able to read easily. They made no claims of inspiration, or superiority. Actually they believed that what they were doing should be done on a regular basis as needed.
As Babel proved, when it comes to delivering a message, language is not just in important it is crucial. What good is it to fight and bicker for a great translation of the Word of God when it is shackled by a way of speech that is not spoken any longer. If the word "conversation" meant something different than verbal communication, how is the 21st century reader suppose to understand the true meaning of that verse? Our heritage has always believed that the average Christian should not have to be defendant on the clergy to interrupt the bible. The Word of God should always be available in the tongue of the common man. Because of that the KJV is no longer the best at meeting that standard any more than a Russian version of the Word of God could serve the modern English language.
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