The King James Only Controversy, The Can You Trust the Modern Translations? repack

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The King James Only Controversy, The Can You Trust the Modern Translations? repack

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 181 ratings · 19 reviews

"A thoroughly researched discussion of the development of Bible translations ancient and modern, including key differences between versions such as the New International, New American Standard Bible, and the Authorized Version of 1611"--Provided by publisher.

Paperback, 364 pages

Published June 1st 2009 by Bethany House Publishers (first published March 1st 1995)

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May 13, 2009 Michael Brown rated it 5 of 5 stars

The King James Only Controversy: Can you trust modern translations? By James R. White is now an updated expanded second edition. I never got a chance to read the original edition and I know the question on many people’s mind is “Why is an new edition needed? – I thought the KJV only thing died out awhile ago.” While the main focus of the book is to explain and help the reader understand how and why the King James and modern translations (i.e. NIV, ESV, NKJV, and NASB to name a few) came into bei...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Jimmy added it · review of another edition

This is a great resource for any pastor to have, concerning the King James Only (hereafter, KJVO) debate. James White has done a good job addressing this controversy in a matter that is Christ-like and fair, contrary to the attitude seen in the works of some proponents of KJVO. Even before reading the book, I was looking forward to reading on a topic that I know little about, having minimal interaction with it online and in the Marines. Overall, I thought the book was a good example of how one c...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Philip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Though written by one outside of Fundamentalism, this work provides a powerful response to the lunacies of Fundamentalist writers such as Ruckman and Riplinger. White is aggressive and pulls no punches throughout the extremely readable volume. He does one of the best jobs at laying out the various strands of belief in the textual debates, and divides his argumentation along the lines of textual and translational differences. White also does an excellent job walking the reader through the histori...more

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Feb 24, 2009 L. R. Bouligny Bouligny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Claims of religious exclusivity are nothing new to the church. There have been myriads of movements and sects over the years that contain the label “Christian,” yet promote separatism from other believers over something they alone deem essential. While orthodox Christianity has always held specific doctrines to be necessary, divisive dogmas of these sects go far beyond the foundational truths of the faith. One group might claim that they are the only true Christians based on their baptismal form...more Claims of religious exclusivity are nothing new to the church. There have been myriads of movements and sects over the years that contain the label “Christian,” yet promote separatism from other believers over something they alone deem essential. While orthodox Christianity has always held specific doctrines to be necessary, divisive dogmas of these sects go far beyond the foundational truths of the faith. One group might claim that they are the only true Christians based on their baptismal formula, or another that they carry the mantle of apostolic succession. Some argue that true faith requires worship on a particular day, while others by calling God a particular name. But what James White discloses in The King James Only Controversy might make even the most ardent perpetrators of legalism blush. This controversy purports that one must use only the King James Version of the Bible, and that any other English translation will mislead the reader through satanic deception.

While this controversy first appeared decades ago, it still impacts the church today in significant ways. White notes that men in the pastorate often must set aside the work of the ministry to address concerns over modern translations from unsuspecting members of the congregation (iv). Over the years this controversy has split churches and even disrupted missionary endeavors. But is there really any merit to this debate? Did God allow His Word to be corrupted in modern translations? Do the new versions promulgate new age philosophies?

James White does a masterful job systematically dismantling the emotionally charged arguments of the KJV only camp. He begins by explaining to the uninformed how translation works, what textual criticism is, why there are textual variants between families of manuscripts, and why versions differ by formal and dynamic equivalency. He avoids condescension in his explanations, yet at the same time, evades unnecessary intellectualism. He writes with calm, reasonable responses, refuting those who thrive on ad hominem attacks and circular arguments.
Having read some of the KJV only literature, I was pleased to read White’s well-thought out and well-documented response. He has an uncanny ability to “heap burning coals on [the:] head[s:]” of KJV only advocates by refuting their arguments in a logical and thoughtful way (cf. Pr. 25:21-22). He provides examples of circular reasoning from proponents of the KJV only camp, such as Gail Riplinger, whose New Age Bible Versions is a classic example of propaganda. White adopts her style of chart comparisons in order to reveal the ease with which conspiratorial promulgations can be foisted upon the unsuspecting. By addressing the movement’s arguments in this manner, White unveils the myriad of logical fallacies present in KJV only writings.

The King James Only Controversy also highlights various KJV only advocates, revealing the spirit with which they write (91-121). Using their own words, their arguments are exposed as bombastic and irrational. They consistently vilify anyone associated with modern versions, spending a great deal of time attacking the character of these men instead of their work. Their own words prove them to be ignorant of textual intricacies, if not downright deceptive. Yet through all of this, White maintains the composure of a man concerned with the facts, and not someone who is just bent on making a lot of noise. This approach is consistent with the Scriptures, which contrast the fool and the prudent man. “A fool does not delight in understanding” (Pr. 18:2), and, “The prudent man acts with knowledge” (Pr. 13:16).

Another helpful part of the book identifies errors in the King James translation. White laboriously, yet as he admits, somewhat reluctantly, focuses his attention on addressing some of the ambiguous and archaic language of the King James version that has potential to confuse the modern reader. He refutes the aberrant claims that the KJV is easier to read, providing many clear examples to the contrary. He also equips the reader with an arsenal of words that have long been absent from modern vocabulary. Again, he approaches these subjects with a levelheaded demeanor that comes through in his writing.

White also points out that the KJV only movement avoids any rational dialogue regarding textual criticism. He makes a pertinent observation when he states, “You cannot get far with a person who does not wish to travel with you” (249). I discovered this truth by first-hand experience. Having worked alongside a KJV only proponent for several years, I can attest to the fact that those who hold this view can be more difficult to convince than many cult members with whom I have dialogued. This particular person was so convinced that the KJV is the only true Bible, that none of White’s 300 pages of argumentation could sway him in the slightest bit. This is a common reaction by one who has been so deceived by King James only propaganda.

I believe that The King James Only Controversy is an important book for the modern church. Not only does it service the layperson by providing a brief look into the world of textual criticism, but it equips the pastor with a response to troubled church members who cross paths with KJV only literature. It defends some great men of the faith who have been verbally assaulted by some of the movement’s leaders, and also reveals the tremendous undertaking it is to produce a readable English version of ancient documents. Through this book, James White has further established himself as a true defender of the faith and of the church of God.
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Nov 11, 2011 Phillip Lemons rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads

Read this book for a class called "The Origin and Development of the Bible". I never took the KJV only argument seriously and after reading this book only confirmed why. White addresses the arguments of the KJV only crowd with respect while making a counter argument that is intellectual, yet accessible. For those who are interested in why the different translations have some variance, this is a good place to start, I think anyone who is struggling with the KJV only debate, this is a good book to...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Rex Blackburn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book is a must-read. Whether you know anything about the issue or not. White's book is a great intro for textual study.

I came from a highly KJVO background, and am still attending a TR Only Christian College. I use the ESV, but could never fully justify my use of it until now.

White gives great historical background of textual transmission and translation, as well as a revealing look at the translations done by Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza for the Textus Receptus. He follows the TR up...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, non-fiction, books-i-own

Do you have a favorite version of the Bible? If so, it may be your preference for a number of reasons: perhaps it’s the version you grew up reading, or you like the poetic or old-fashioned language it uses, or maybe you just find the language easier to understand than in other versions. For most people, choosing a Bible version to read and study is based on factors like these.

Some people have their reasons for preferring or only using the King James (also known as the 1611 Authorized) Version o...more Do you have a favorite version of the Bible? If so, it may be your preference for a number of reasons: perhaps it’s the version you grew up reading, or you like the poetic or old-fashioned language it uses, or maybe you just find the language easier to understand than in other versions. For most people, choosing a Bible version to read and study is based on factors like these.

Some people have their reasons for preferring or only using the King James (also known as the 1611 Authorized) Version of the Bible. Dr. James White makes it clear that he has nothing against the KJV or people who like using it. But his book "The King James Only Controversy" focuses on that group of people who go beyond preference to insistence, to the point of considering all other translations as corrupt. These individuals believe that if you use other translations you are rejecting the true Word of God. People who hold to this extreme view are known as KJV Only advocates. White insists that even the translators of the KJV would disagree with this view.In the Preface to the 1611 AV, the translators state, “variety of translations is profitable for the finding out of the sense of the Scriptures.”

Dr. White begins his book with this statement: "I am sincerely convinced that if most Christians had a solid grasp on the history of the Bible, and were familiar with at least the broad outline of how translation is undertaken, the KJV Only issue would be more of a slight disagreement than a full-blown controversy."

Dr. White begins by providing a fair amount of detail about the early history of Bible translating and discussing the challenges of translating from the original Greek and Hebrew.

Next White explains the use of and differences between word-for-word translations and translation for meaning, and includes examples. He does go into some detail about text-types and families; some people may find this a little dry, but I found it interesting and helpful.

White then discusses several outspoken King James Only advocates and the problems with their position. Dr. White sums up the problems associated with the KJV Only position this way:

"King James Onlyism is a human tradition. It has no basis in history. It has no foundation in fact. It is internally inconsistent, utilizing circular reasoning at its core, and involves the use of more double standards than almost any system of thought I have ever encountered."

For a more details about this book, see my review at www.ImAllBooked.com (less)

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Jan 25, 2013 Megan-Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, biblical-devotional-apologia, to-buy

As an Independent Baptist, I have been frustrated for years by the hang up of this particular breed of church on deifying a single, extremely error-ridden and outdated translation of the Bible. Before I knew anything at all, I complained of its cumbersome text; later I found out that everything I had ever heard in defense of the KJV was an outright lie.

I was told it was the first translation in English -- but that would be John Wycliffe's Bible, 1380-1400.

I was told it was the first [English]...more As an Independent Baptist, I have been frustrated for years by the hang up of this particular breed of church on deifying a single, extremely error-ridden and outdated translation of the Bible. Before I knew anything at all, I complained of its cumbersome text; later I found out that everything I had ever heard in defense of the KJV was an outright lie.

I was told it was the first translation in English -- but that would be John Wycliffe's Bible, 1380-1400.

I was told it was the first [English] Bible to be popularly available -- but there were 11 complete English Bibles available between 1547-1553, and 31 English New Testaments between 1542-1553.

I was told it was the first [English] Bible supported by the government -- but Matthew's Bible (1537) was printed with royal license and the basis of all later Authorized Versions; Cromwell commissioned The Great Bible of 1539; even Coverdale's had a note reading, "Set forth with the Kynges moost gracious license." (Also, side note, why would the government's approval be something I want? If the American government put its stamp of approval on a translation, I'd be sure to never touch it!)

I was told there had never been another Bible like it before -- but it lifted fully ONE-THIRD of its material straight from Tyndale's 1526. It also copied straight from Coverdale (1535) and the Rheims New Testamen of 1582 (a Catholic vernacular translation).

But then I started coming up against arguments that my background in Jacobean history couldn't solve. I was told that the KJV got its authority from the Textus Receptus -- what was that? Verses and textual issues of translation that I had no background in started surfacing in these arguments, and I needed help. That's when a KJV critic who also happens to be a Baptist posted this video on my Facebook page. I watched James White's succinct argument strip away all the credibility of the "Authorized Version," of the "Textus Receptus," and explain in plain language just what the issues of this controversy are.

This warmly sarcastic bald guy with a book-stuffed office immediately won me over and I began searching for him on Goodreads. As soon as I saw The King James Only Controversy, I knew it was a must-read. I enjoyed every moment of it, and learned a great deal. He is very gentle about the KJV, not looking to offend anyone but simply to explain the truth about Bible translation. In fact, I've now given this book to my KJV-proponent mother because I know his style won't offend her.

Everyone who is interested in apologetics should definitely read this book, no matter what translation you prefer to use. You may ask, why is this even an issue? Or, why should I encourage this issue by reading up on it? White points out that many cultic offshoots such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses prefer the KJV, and emphasizes how difficult it is to witness to them using this error-pocked version. Unfortunately, the KJVOers have made this an issue, and a responsible student of God should definitely be acquainted with the argument and its defense.(less)

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Dec 23, 2010 Mark rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Having spent three years in my life in a rural Tennessee city where King James Onlyism is still a major controversy, James White's book is very helpful in disarming the accusations of KJV Onlyists. However, this book is not just a book about why the KJV should not be the only English Bible translation. It is also a brief history of how the English Bible came to the form that it is now. While this topic is fairly narrow, it is a helpful treatment on the subject for those who are interested.

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Dec 06, 2012 William rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: apologetics, biblical-studies

An interesting read. I'm a big fan of the King James Bible, but for strictly stylistic and literary reasons. It's a good translation, technically speaking, but it has its problems. That said, I have only recently run into those formally part of the "KJV Only" movement and thought this might be worth reading as it's been collecting dust on my shelf for a couple of years. White does a good job of explaining the KJV Only position. For anyone knowledgable in the fields of text criticism and church h...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Chad rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

James White does a great job of debunking many outrageous claims made by KJVO advocates. He also paints a great picture of what textual criticism looks like for even the non-scholar to understand. I was a King James Onlyist for some time and struggled greatly with this debate. However after reading this book my struggle was put to rest and I have faith God has preserved His word in other translations than the KJV.

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Aug 03, 2011 Glittervomit added it · review of another edition

A very interesting look into what could be easily lost in translation, literally. It also approaches a few of the verses often used to question the Bible's reliability. It is full of endnotes and might be a bit dry for some people.

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Jul 09, 2010 Jay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent book! A great introduction to textual criticism and the history of English Bible translation. The bizarre beliefs of King James Only enthusiasts are a little discouraging.

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Jan 19, 2009 Jimmie L. added it · review of another edition

Excellent refutation of those who want to make the King James Bible the only official Bible.

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May 22, 2011 Daniel rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is not an anti-KJV book. Useful in refuting the claims of KJV-onlyism, but also a good introduction to textual criticism and issues concerning the reliability of modern Bible translations. Intermediate read. Not light reading, yet not to technical.

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Sep 05, 2012 Eric Durso rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Glad someone wrote this book. Review coming later

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Aug 20, 2012 Andy added it · review of another edition

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Sep 10, 2012 Doug Dale rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian

This was a re-read, but it was again helpful. Beyond the specifics of the KJV issue, this book is helpful in understanding (and gaining confidence in) the process by which we have current, original-language texts and also the translations of those texts to English.

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Feb 17, 2008 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: you!

"If it ain't King James, it ain't Bible!" If you've ever said, or been attacked by someone who's said this to you, you should really read this book. James White isn't always the easiest read, but he knows his subject matter. He carefully explains how we got what we now call "The Bible," and makes it painfully clear how ridiculous the King James only debate is.

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About James R. White

James White is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a professor, having taught Greek, Systematic Theology, and various topics in the field of apologetics. He has authored or contributed to more than twenty books, including The King James Only Controversy, The Forgotten Trinity, The Potter's Freedom, and The God Who Justif...more

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The Potter's Freedom: A Defense of the Reformation and the Rebuttal of Norman Geisler's Choosen But Free

Scripture Alone: Exploring the Bible's Accuracy, Authority, and Authenticity

The God Who Justifies: A Comprehensive Study of the Doctrine of Justification

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