The King James Version has been trusted by Christians for generations. Today it's the center of a debate where critics charge that contemporary translations have changed essential Christian doctrines. In this revised edition of his noteworthy book, James White refutes the claims of those who believe the KJV is the only true translation of the Bible. In addition, White explores the differences between the NIV, NASB, and other translations while addressing some of the complex issues surrounding textual criticism. Sound reading for anyone engaged in, or intrigued by, the "King James Only" controversy.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michelle Saville (Calgary, Ab,), November 10, 2009
I found this book to be very informative.
He exposes the methods used by "King James Only" people which are not always honest in order to support the King James Bible. The grand irony is, as he points out, the King James Bible was well translated and misquoting authorities and other methods are not ncessary in order to support it, it only makes the King James Only writer look less than honest.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Annmarie (New York), June 30, 2009
I have been following the King James Controversy for sometime. I have not been convinced that a certain version is superior to another. While I do prefer reading one version, like others, I often read several version of a verse or chapter to see it from a different perspective. It is better for the bible to be read and understood then for a translation to sit on a shelf unread because the person finds the language archaic.
Mr. White does an excellent job of presenting the position of the KJV only group and refuting their objections to other translations without being derogatory to anyone. He gives suggestions on how to choose what version is best for you. If you enjoy the KJV he does recommend you stay with it. He does, however, explain that he is a conservative and does not recommend every bible version out there. I find him sincere in his quest to present his information truthfully. Information is stated clearly and lay people will be able to understand this book. Part two of the book includes an advanced chapter for those familiar with Koine Greek and want a deeper discussion of this topic.
Mr. White uses charts and many scriptural comparisons to state his arguments clearly. He also includes a chapter on problems with King James Version translation as no bible scholar know matter how hard they try, is infallible. The history of the bible translations also makes this a very interesting read. This would also be an excellent book for those doing bible translating.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen H (Winston-Salem, NC), June 25, 2009
The King James Only Controversey gives background information explaining the various beliefs of those who are a part of the "King James Only" movement. It provides an excellent exposition for the lay person of both the process of translating the Bible from the Greek text, and the process of compiling the Greek text from various manuscripts. The author methodically details the translational differences between the King James and other versions of the Bible, explaining the reasons for different word choices. Also included is a detailed examination of the differences between the Greek texts used to translate the King James version, and those texts used for modern translations.
I found this book enlightening in several different ways. First, though I was familiar with the fact that some people believed that the KJV was the best translation and chose to use it exclusively for their study and preaching, I did not know that some of those who are King James Only believe that the modern translations were intentionally corrupted by translators who did not believe in the deity of Christ. The book provides evidence to the contrary, showing that the translators had no such desire. In fact the modern translations do not diminish Christ's deity, but in some places actually give testimony to His deity where it is lacking in the King James version. In addition, I learned about the methods used to determine the inspired words from the various Greek manuscripts.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to understand how our versions of the Bible came to be. It is also a valuable resource for Christians on both sides of the King James Only Controversy.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Paul Wilkinson (Cobourg, ON), May 28, 2009
When James White first released The King James Only Controversy in 1995, he probably never figured there would be a need for him to be releasing an updated edition in 2009.
My take on this book differs from others in that I see the book as having value beyond its stated subject. It's a great window in the Bible translation process and it's also an excellent study on key scriptures, many of which are taught on as they appear in the KJV. So you don't have to have a friend or co-worker who is KJV-Only to appreciate exhaustive study that went into producing the original work and this updated edition. (Counting two complete reads of the first, this marked my third trek through this title!)
Although the average layperson may be intimidated by Greek and Hebrew words, most of the book can be appreciated without formal theological training; though there may be times when one needs to simply pause to take in the finer nuances of the various translation comparisons. White himself is very balanced and fair in this treatment, admitting that sometimes the KJV serves us well, but pointing out where more recent translations have provided us with greater clarity. He resists the urge to retaliate against the KJV, though later on devotes a shorter chapter to some familiar KJV passages which are cause for concern. He focuses on the larger message of a passage, thereby avoiding the danger of getting hung up on phrases isolated by verse numbers.
The new edition mentions newer translations -- particularly the ESV -- and the update also cites many online sources in the expanded footnotes. It also references the challenges to the Bible's authority that have come from the intellectualism of groups like The Jesus Seminar or the fiction of books and movies like The DaVinci Code.
While the book is clearly not for everyone, those drawn to this topic will be well-rewarded.
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