Recent debates concerning the theological orientation of the King James Bible translators necessitate a careful examination of historical evidence regarding their doctrinal positions. Historical records strongly indicate that a significant majority of the translators adhered to Calvinist theology or demonstrated strong Calvinistic leanings in their soteriology. Historical Context and Anglican Identity The theological landscape of the Anglican Church during the Elizabethan era, which immediately preceded King James's reign, shows substantial Calvinist influence. Gerald Lewis Bray, a prominent British theologian and Anglican priest, provides crucial insight into this historical reality:"The Thirty-nine Articles of Religion follow the outline of Calvin's Institutes to a surprising extent, and their content is similar... the theologians who shaped Anglican identity in the Elizabethan era were deeply indebted to Calvin, whose major works were quickly translated into English to become the … [Read more...]
Seven Arguments Against Applying Psalm 12:6 to the King James Version
Question: Does Psalm 12:6 refer to the KJV version? "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." (Psalm 12:6)As Christians we are supposed to study, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. I am sorry to say that the KJV-Only camp does one of the worst exegeses of this verse. In some sense I am not surprised as a lot of people in the KJV-Only camp is fond of eisegesis instead of doing proper exegesis. (May God forgive them for mishandling His Words, adding to what His Words really mean... for they know not what they do... or do they?)Arguments that Psalm 12:6 does not apply to the KJV are as follows: ARGUMENT #1 – This is a completely wrong interpretation of the verse. Frankly speaking, I am ashamed to call myself a pastor if this is the way I interpret the verse. Such interpretation of the said verse that it refers to the KJV is one of the many lies, illogical fallacies, and serious misinterpretations of Scripture that the KJV-only … [Read more...]
Has the Vatican corrupted modern Bible translations?
In the complex landscape of biblical scholarship and translation, the N0vum Testamentum Graece (New Testament in Greek) otherwise popularly known as the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament (After its after its most influential editors, Eberhard Nestle and Kurt Aland), stands out as a cornerstone for contemporary biblical research and translation. This revered text, now in its 28th edition (released in 2012), represents a collaboration between the New Testament Textual Research (INTF), the Vatican and the United Bible Societies (UBS) that aims to provide an accurate and reliable Greek text of the New Testament. This scholarly cooperation started in the early 1960s in the 25th edition of the Novum Testamentum Graece and underscores a shared commitment to textual integrity across Christian denominations and has been widely adopted by Bible Societies globally. However, this edition has not been without controversy. It finds itself at the center of heated debates, particularly from the … [Read more...]
Debunking KJV Onlyism: Stephen full of grace or full of faith?
Question: In the KJV Acts 6:8 describes Stephen as being "full of faith and power" while modern Bible translations describe him as being "full of grace and power." KJV Onlyist insist that modern translations are wrong and some extremist even go as far as saying that modern translation translate it this way because they support the perpetual virginity of Mary as modern translations uses "full of grace" in describing Stephen in the same way as Mary is being described as "full of grace" Roman Catholics. In this particular text, Acts 6:8, the Majority Texts which is the basis of the KJV, uses "pisteos" (faith), whereas several older manuscripts, the underlying Greek text used by most modern translations employs "charitos" (which means conveying grace or favor). image from youth.rcdow.org.uk (Acts 6:5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and … [Read more...]
Debunking KJV Only myths: On 1 Cor 13:3 and Wescott & Hort
Question - "Why should we accept modern Bible translations that follow Westcott and Hort's manuscripts, especially in verses like 1 Corinthians 13:3, when KJV Onlyists claim these scholars are heretics whose work is unreliable?" The criticism of modern Bible translations and their alleged reliance on the work of Westcott and Hort especially by those in the KJV Onlyist camp often stems from a misunderstanding of textual criticism and a flawed logical framework. It is essential to evaluate these translations based on scholarly rigor, historical evidence, and the broader context of biblical scholarship, rather than on ad hominem attacks or conspiracy theories. In light of 1 Cor. 13:3, consider the following arguments: 1.) The major errors and logical fallacies associated with the KJV Only position, particularly concerning Wescott and Hort, are as follows: a.) The major error of KJV Onlyists is their insistence that scholars and textual critics today completely and … [Read more...]