Reddit reviews The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations?

The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James White would probably be your best bet in understanding KJVO adherents.

KJV-onlyism is weird man.

Have you read this yet?

The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764206052/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mqhQAbT2WADJA

The King James Only Controversy by James White is a great go to book to get into KJVism vs modern translations. The author also has a lot of other material on textual criticism. Look him up at AOMin.org to track down more resources on this.

Dr White's opinion (from what I understand from his podcast) is that modern critical texts are superior to Erasmus' critical edition (that was marketed as the Textus Receptus) and that pastors should work as heavily as possible with the original language. The translation a pastor uses should be a decent, non-liberal translation that works for him and his congregation, with the pastor able to go back to the original language.

For my own position, I agree with White that the modern critical text is better than Erasmus' critical text, and that the ESV is the best translation.

Here is some stuff from James White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNGa_dRTNMo. There are several videos here that are very insightful.

Also, a book he wrote: http://www.amazon.com/The-King-James-Only-Controversy/dp/0764206052

I'd argue that KJV-onlyism borders on heresy b/c it starts putting extra rules and requirements on the Gospel, and it misconstrues how the veracity of the Gospel has been preserved. Additionally, it is incredibly Anglo-centric and starts posing really big problems for non-English speakers.

I attend a Reformed Baptist church (1689 myself, church has a Master's Grad teaching pastor/elder), and we have several of the IB churches/groups around us. These people tend to be far dogmatic about KJV-onlyism than they are about the Gospel, which breaks my heart, and tend to be confrontational to the fact that the teaching elder uses the Elect Standard Version from the pulpit (hurr hurr there ESV).

Also, this coming from a person who does his daily bible reading partially in KJV daily, and it is my preferred reading version.

Note: I have also noticed these IB folks generally do not hold to unconditional election either.

Um no. KJV onlyism is stupid and dangerous and completely unbiblical. Here's a great book on the subject.


There are some great translations out there and our ability to translate has come a long way since the King James Version was first translated. I personally like the ESV but I use a few. Some "Thought for Thought" versions and some "Word for Word" versions and many times both depending on my goal.


I do avoid versions like "The Message" and the NIV though.


If you want to be an originalist you better learn Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Otherwise your precious KJV isn't Gods perfect word by your own standard.

I'm an ESV guy, but it was nice to read your post. I do have several KJV bibles in my house, in case I get the urge. I never considered how KJVO would work in non-English communities, something new to think about.

> Pastor Lawson is just awesome I actually cried watching one of his sermons when he preached about hell.

I think I saw that one too.

Regarding KJVO, if you haven't already, you should check out James White's stuff. He has had several podcasts, debates and even a book on this very topic. All very useful.

> I have seen the intensity of the KJVO movement seep Into the Hispanic community and which I believe was not there before!!

Well KJVO may be a step up from the RCC and the Prosperity Gospel which are powerful forces in that community.

The King James Only Controversy

Even if you don't have any dealings with KJV Onlyists this was an amazing read that gives you a real appreciation for the Bible.

The Potter's Freedom

There's a revised edition now but this is the one I read. Even if you're already a Calvinist and even if you never read that horrendous piece of work, "Chosen But Free", this is still an amazing read. Gives you an appreciation for how consistent Calvinism really is.

You should check out James White's book, The King James Only Controversy.

I'm really concerned that you don't understand the nature of textual criticism. I'd like to recommend the King James Only Controversy by James White. It's a book that speaks very well to the exact questions you seem to have.

I suggest you read this book.

The main book is a case for Christ by lee strobel

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0310209307

Then also a book by James white:

http://www.amazon.com/King-James-Only-Controversy-Translations/dp/0764206052/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376838107&sr=1-4&keywords=James+white


Now don't get me wrong these guys probably have a agenda to push, but I genuinely think they present a lot of information that can't just be over looked. So many of us don't have any faith strictly because one side presented us with so many examples of why not to based on half truths that we should at least investigate the other sides truths even if they to are only half truths. I know I fit into the line of thought of saying well gosh there is so much info against the bible from so many "experts" how can it be true. The thing is both sides are spinning it how they see fit but my faith has grown in researching the other side instead of just going with popular belief.

In KJV, John 14:14 leaves out praying to him. He instructs them to pray in his name, but not to pray to him. in e.g. NASB he says: "f you ask Me anything in My name".

The KJV really doesn't leave anything out as much as it's just a different translation from a different time that used the manuscripts that they had available 400 years ago. I strongly recommend that you pick up a copy of King James Only Controversy by James White. It goes into detail about all of this. He is a very skilled teologian.

I wish you the best in your journey, whether you stick with the KJV or not. The most important thing is that we follow Jesus Christ and actually read his word. :)

>For those of you who have looked in to biblical historicity, on any level,

I guess this technically qualifies me?

>how do you reconcile potential errors and inconsistencies

Such as?

>as well as the concepts that stories of YHWH and Jesus could have been co-opted from other faiths

By asking for primary source evidence for these claims.

>Are there any books or websites you could recommend?

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

Evidence for Christianity by John McDowell

The King Jams Only Controversy by James White (this is actually a book about textual criticism and manuscript transmission).

Jesus and the Eye-Witnesses by Richard Baukham.

The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach by Mike Licona.

This book series by NT Wright.

For Balance I also recommend James White's book The King James Controversy(written for a different purpose in the 90s before Ehrman wrote on the subject but the core issues are the same as those Ehrman brings up) and the debate between James White and Bart Ehrman.

Book: http://www.amazon.com/King-James-Only-Controversy-The/dp/0764206052

Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P35zWvmkHBo

Yes, very familiar but Ehrman will admit, nothing of what hes written(atleast with regards to textual criticism which is what I know him for) is anything new to scholars in the field. Though I'm far from his level I did study textual criticism.

Edit. https://www.amazon.com/King-James-Only-Controversy-Translations/dp/0764206052 It was written before Ehrman wrote and focused on a different controversy but it tackles several issues Erhman has brought up as they are brought up by people against 'modern' translations. The two (Dr. White and Dr. Erhman) have also debated https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moHInA9fAsI (part 1) and a more complete defense from Dr. White (edit, put the wrong link here initially) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuiayuxWwuI if your curious about that side of the argument.

I admit Dr. White's credentials can be called into question (went to a small Christian school, compared to modern universities it looks kinda sketchy) but he has one of the more understandable and accurate presentations on the topic.