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nazaroo -> RE: The KJV Only Debate (2/21/2006 2:19:51 AM)
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My own approach as a Christian:
Many good points have been made in this thread, but I still have to favour the KJV and similar translations for the following reasons:
There are several distinquishable issues, and they are not insignificant. I believe all faithful, open-minded Christians must eventually investigate them and make some decisions, while still holding the door of fellowship open:
(1) The question of the OT and NT pose two different sets of problems both for the accuracy of various 'bibles' and the instructional and devotional needs of Christians in worship and service. For Christians at least, the New Testament issues are far more pressing and urgent, and require attention.
(2) The New Testament portion of the debate breaks into two separate questions, (a) the Quality of the Translation, and (b) the Greek Text chosen to translate from.
(3) As regards the Quality of Translation issue, it surely *does* matter what the worldview, philosophy and evangelical position of the translators is, regarding key issues: The New Testament is a Theological Book, and needs to be translated in sympathy and harmony with the theology of its author(s) (God and the Evangelists), and its audience (Christians, God-seekers, Jewish messianists).
(4) As regards the choice of New Testament Greek Text to base a translation upon, it also matters what people constructed the text and for what purpose, and what methods were used to handle the question of variations in manuscripts and witnesses to the text as it was known and used by other Christians throughout history.
(5) The issue of the 'best' translation in a given language remains an important one, since there are obviously significant differences in clarity and content between versions. At one extreme we can note the poorest of translations such as the Jehovah's Witness New World Translation and contrast that with for instance the New King James NT, to see just how big a spread is possible and how much the doctrines and methods of the Greek Text Editors and English Text translators can actually affect the quality of the resultant 'Word of God' for an ordinary English speaker.
(6) We should not let errors made by all sides in these discussions to cloud the very real and important issues at stake: At the very least, "If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will heed the call?".
(7) We should not let differences cause needless or knee-jerk overreactions which divide the Body of Christ more than necessary over these issues. But ultimately, we must take our stand as honesty (not pride) dictates to us through conscience (and openess to receive instruction).
From these opening considerations we can arrive at a few tentative results:
(1) It is surely important to have clear and modern translations that are edifying and useful for worship and evangelization.
(2) This does not mean we should compromise quality, concern, or accuracy in the interests of 'ease of use', or 'unity through ambiguity'.
(3) The work must be recognized as always 'ongoing'. No translation can ever be 'finished', and all translation must be adjusted to change in language and culture while preserving the utmost fidelity to the literal and spiritual meaning of the Word of God and its message for all mankind in every age.
(4) Translations into other languages besides English must be granted their due authority, when the quality and fidelity of the translation has been confirmed.
(5) Sincerity cannot be mistaken for accuracy and integrity to the message of God. We can not interpret the message of the New Testament in a way to favour our own position without objective grounds to do so.
This having been said, I am happy to tell my Christian brothers and sisters that the KJV or NKJV is a Godly and reliable translation and I believe firmly that it outranks other English translations generally and very significantly. While not holding to the 'perfection' of its translation, or minimizing the difficulties created by archaic or 'out of date' language, I strongly believe it should not be abandoned as an ultimate authority in most cases except where it can be convincingly shown that the language has become obselete or distorted in meaning from modern usage.
I am quite willing to explain and defend this position based upon arguments of reason, plausibility and specific historical evidence that I think is clinching. But I am willing to hold fellowship with any Christian who is willing to affirm sound orthodox doctrine, whatever bible they prefer to use.
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