King James Only

I have previously written about choosing a Bible translation but I've been seeing a lot on certain sites lately advocating the King James Bible only position.  This is the view that only the King James Version of the Bible is correct, and (usually) that it is literally the inspired word of God. 

Those of you familiar with my work know I use the New Living Translation for my own day to day reading, and the English Standard Version for study. Obviously I don't agree with the KJV Only view.

Essentially the notion is that God has preserved his word in the Majority Text (the texts translated into English that became the KJV).  They point out that in other Bibles (usually the NIV is the target!) there are missing verses, or verses are translated in a different way to the KJV.

I have a couple of problems with the KJV Only view which I will pose as questions.

1. Given that the KJV was published in 1611, which version of the Bible was right in 1610?
2. The KJV has been revised several times, is only the 1611 edition inspired?
3. Do you believe that the translators of the KJV were inspired by God?  If so, why not other translators?
4. What Bible should a German speaker use?
5. If you point out that a verse is missing or translated differently, you are setting the KJV as the standard.  How different would that be if I used the NLT as the standard and accused the KJV of adding or mistranslating verses?

Perhaps from this you can see why I disagree with the KJV Only.  Perhaps the best thing to suggest in terms of which Bible translation you should use is the old adage - the one you will read!  

Image: Google Images

Book Review - God and the Gay Christian

I've done one book review before, but after reading this book, I just had to write another!

Matthew Vines has written what I think is the best book so far on what the Bible says about same-sex relationships. Matthew covers everything from where the traditional "non-affirming" view comes from through to examining what the Bible does say. 

For me this book is significant because it's written by someone who is an Evangelical Christian holding to the authority of the Bible.  Often people resort to trying to dismiss what the Bible says rather than seeking a full understanding of it - which is what Matthew has achieved.

One of my favourite chapters looks at the issue of mandatory celibacy for gay and lesbian people, and at how this conflicts with both Biblical teaching on celibacy and how the Church has understood celibacy.  That alone undermines the arguments against same sex relationships.  

"God and the Gay Christian" is very well researched, and the arguments are sound, one other thing I like is that Matthew gives his work a personal touch by telling how he and his family have been on a journey to better understand the Bible on this issue.  

I cannot say I have found anything I would disagree with in this book, and it's much more detailed and better argued than anything I have written so far!  My only criticism is that Matthew refers to John Boswell's work, which as I understand it has been undermined by scholars.  However, even ignoring that, this book builds a solid case in support of same-sex relationships.

If you are looking for a sound, Biblical study on what the Bible says about same-sex relationships - this is it! 

For someone who thinks the Bible condemns same-sex relationships, I would encourage you to read this book prayerfully and with an open mind.

Image: Google Images