Friday, April 16, 2010

What version should I use? Part - 3

Finally, I want to go over some of the beliefs that the KJVO people hold.

Colossians 3:14 "Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity."

According to the KJVO people, if you enter a "true church" (as in, a church that believes in the KJVO) and do NOT use a KJV Bible, you should be kicked out. If you believe in the KJVO and enter a church that does NOT use the KJV you should break fellowship with that church.

Am I the only person that sees how divisive this belief system is? As a church we are supposed to be completely unified! Please don't misunderstand me, I do NOT believe that churches should tolerate sinfulness, but when churches are split over what version of the Bible they use, I find it just plain silliness. I have shown that the other versions of the Bible are just as -- or even more -- accurate as the KJV. So, why should there be disharmony, dis-fellowship and dis-unity in the church because of what version of the Bible you decide to use?

Now, how do you decided which version would be best for you? To quote the head director of the NIV:

"If you believe that the Textus Receptus is the correct Greek text to use, opt for the KJV or the NKJV.

"If you believe the Majority text is the correct text for the New Testament, opt for the NKJV, definitely," [the KJV was partially based on the Majority text, however the NKJV follows it much more closely.]

"If you want a very literal, well rounded text [using all the ancient Greek manuscripts] opt for the NASB.

"However, if you want an mediating, balanced, middle of the road version, opt for the NIV."

I would like to add, from my own experiences, my thoughts on the different versions.

KJV: if you like the archaic and lofty style of writing (reminiscent of J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings). I would not suggest this version to a "baby" Christian because of the "highly educated" standard of reading.

NJKV: if you like the lofty style of writing without the archaic language, this would be much more your style, but once again, I would not suggest this version to a "baby" Christian because of the "highly educated" standard of reading.

NASB: if you like a very literal, scrutinizingly accurate, straight from the Greek translation. This version is easier to understand than either the KJV or the NKJV, but it still can get a little difficult due to it's word-word style of translating. (This is the version I personally like because of the Greek and word-word style.)

NIV: if you like to know the real perspective of the words from another culture. The language is very easy to understand (it's like how we speak today) and can be read by anyone no matter the age or education. It's down to earth style and simplicity make it perfect for any "age" Christian.

Part - 1, Part - 2, Part - 3

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