Myths of Today's Christian Culture - Modern Translations

By -
In light of my most recent response to a comment, I decided to write posts in regards to myths that are frequently mistaken for truth in today's climate of Christianity. Starting with the topic of modern translations.

Some Christians from various denominations promote their preferred translation against the KJV. Their most popular argument against it is this:

"The KJV is out-dated in language, therefore (insert point/argument here) and should not be studied out of".  

While, I unabashedly prefer the KJV and use it in all my posts, I have never encouraged others to abandon their translations, only that they research it. The truth of the matter is, not all translations are created equal. The author/publisher of the translation should be researched. And if you have full trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to give you wisdom in choosing a translation, where can it be "wrong" to question the motives of a modern author/publisher, considering the capitalistic climate in which this Christian culture resides in? 

These publishers are certainly not "not-for-profit" companies. They are certainly are in competition with other translations, after all, they have a bottom line to support along with employees, as well as their own livelihood be it modest or wealthy. I should know... my husband used to work for one. 

There are Christians out there who certainly don't agree with my preference of the KJV and even more, dislike my encouragement of other Believers, truly seeking Truth, to "search out a matter" by faith in the leading of the Holy Spirit. These are the Christians who promote ONE translation to be better than all. They are ones typically associated with ONE denomination, group or pastor who espouse such beliefs. Such behavior and beliefs are reminiscent to personal dedication to the works of man over the truth of God.


Clearly my exhortation to research, pray to be led to the translation that conveys the sound doctrine of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is a threat to them. And anyone threatened by my exhortation for one's responsibility to accountability (Holy Spirit) should truly examine by what means they call themselves Christian. 


But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:9

My exhortation to "double-check" what you're reading/studying from and to be led of the HOLY SPIRIT should be "common sense"... instead it is an offense.

In any event, these are the people who declare "out-dated" language as a reason why one shouldn't read the KJV. While the argument may appear to be "common sense", it is weak in the sense that, "old" does not automatically infer inferiority. The argument assumes that "old" means inferior. This argument borderlines on silly because the implications of that kind of thought process apply more to cell phones, televisions and cars than the adaptations of the English language over time. Yes, it is a "new age" argument, where everyone should be "up-to-date" with the latest and the greatest.

BUT...the Word of God does not change. .

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. - Hebrews 13:8
Our concern should be interpretation. Which leads to point two of their argument, other translations are easy to read, thus, easy to understand. This argument is also a myth. Specifically, it is a myth that appeals to the "diet pill mentality" I described in my last post. Easy reading does not equate to knowledge. It is only by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT by which we receive knowledge and understanding. The HOLY SPIRIT is the interpreter by which the principles of God are revealed. (Read 1 Corinthians chapter 2, 1 John 2:17)


But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. - 1 Corinthians 2:10

Why??
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned - 1 Corinthians 2:14
The confusion in today's Christian's culture is this...Christianity is applied in the physical sense, by which physical means for understanding and knowledge is sought. The truth is this...God is a spirit and those seeking to worship Him, must worship in spirit and in truth.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. - John 4:23

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. - John 4:24 
If God is a Spirit and we are physical, i.e. human, it can only make sense that the only interpreter who can adequately interpret HIS TRUTH would be His Spirit.

It is by this principle I exhort the Believer to research, question and PRAY for guidance in studying out of ANY translation, for the matters of salvation and the Gospel are not physical, but spiritual.

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; - Ephesians 4:14 

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated.

Please note the changes to this blog. ONLY respectful comments and questions are accepted. Special note to other Christians: This blog no longer caters to debate and or arguments about the Bible. If you have a comment in SUPPORT of clear and concise understanding of the saving power of Christ Jesus, you are welcome to leave comments on this blog.

Popular posts from this blog

The Law of Sin and Death

By -
A relative and I were having a fascinating discussion about sin. He made a statement that rang very true to me. "So many Christians are obsessed with sin". For a long while, since reading other posts and forums about sin, I've been dwelling upon and studying about that matter. Although I've been compelled to analyze the subject by post, I haven't felt prepared to do so. As you all know, I'm experiencing a trial that proves to be a continuous battle for my faith. It has been a trial which continues to manifest the truth of Scripture, the Word of God, to my soul. It is during hard times such as these when the Glory of God is a sight to behold. And His goodness, a pleasant taste! "O taste and see that the LORD is good..." Psalm 34:8 Why do we obsess with sin? Either of our own or those of fellow Christians? Has Christ not set us free from the law of sin and death? "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of
Read more

Confessions of a Former World Wide Church of God Member

By -
Now some of you may have heard of The World Wide Church of God. For those of you who haven't here's a brief, basic, summation of WWCG, as described by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia : "The Worldwide Church of God (WCG), formerly the Radio Church of God, is a Christian church currently based in Glendora, California , USA. Founded in 1933 by Herbert Armstrong as a radio ministry , the WCG under Armstrong had a significant, and often controversial, influence on 20th century religious broadcasting and publishing in the United States and Europe, especially in the field of interpreting biblical end-time (eschatalogical) prophecies. However, within a few years after Armstrong's death in 1986, the succeeding church administration, led first by Joseph W. Tkach, Sr. and then his son, Joseph Tkach, Jr. , examined and changed the doctrines and teachings of which the WCG held fundamental differences with more mainstream Christianity. Many members and ministers left the WCG to
Read more

Translation vs. Paraphrase

By -
Up until about four years ago, I studied primarily out of the New Living Translation. It was simple to read and I was comfortable with it. However, I did notice through out my studying in that specific translation, that passages just weren't making any sense. My husband preferred the King James Version and studied out of that, our studying together almost always ended out of the KJV version for the simple fact that the NLT was not adequate in conveying some of the principles of the Word. My husband, at that time worked for Tyndale House Publishing (which publishes the NLT version) gave me a Bible published by them called "The People's Parallel Edition". This edition had the KJV and NLT side by side. It was only then I began to see a true difference between translations. Romans 8:1 in both of these versions comes out different. Romans 8:1 KJV says "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Read more