White, James R. The King James Only Controversy. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bethany House, 2009.
Purchase: Amazon
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 can disagree with an issue and yet remain charitable, not resorting to personal attack against the other side. I want to give some of my personal highlights in reading this book.
The KJVO controversy requires a bit of background, and White does a good job explaining what the controversy is, and the different shades of KJVO. White also provides a good introduction at a lay level to the history of the Bible, Bible translations, the concept of textual criticism and a useful discussion on biblical manuscripts. White’s presentation on the manuscripts and textual criticism covers largely the New Testament rather than the Old, which is a legitimate criticism of the book. However, in all fairness, one must realize White’s strength has been in New Testament textual criticism. Furthermore, there are very few Evangelical scholars engaged in Old Testament textual criticism; there is probably one percent of Old Testament Textual critic that are Evangelical Christians.
So often King James Only advocates are theologically driven such as the instance of an advocate pointing out how John 6:47 in the NASB does not state believe “on Me” (that is, Jesus), when it does in the KJV (218-220). This seem to be a case where there is a denial of believing in Jesus, but as White points out, this is not the case, citing counter-examples of how the KJV does not name the object of faith (Jesus) in other verses. There is a problem in this line of argument used by those in the KJVO camp as well, since the same form of argument used by KJVO proponents can be turned back against them. White cites Acts 4:25 of how the NIV names the Holy Spirit as the source of inspiration of David writing Psalms 2, whereas the KJV fail to have this reading (222). One who argues for a theological superior reading would prefer the NIV here over the KJV Only, since it is theologically more superior, having mention the Holy Spirit.
James White’s presentation is largely quite fair. There are times he adopts what the KJV reading as the original, such as in the instance of Philipppians 1:14 against the NASB (229). It’s moments in the book like this, that should make the reader cautious when one read online criticisms from the KJVO camp that question White’s motivation in writing the book. White however, does offer problems of the KJV in chapter 9, but even then the purpose is not so much to destroy the KJV as to demonstrate that like any other translation, the KJV as a translation is not infallible. It is subject to critique and corrections, like any other version. He cites the KJV reading of 1 Corinthians 10:24, which sounds as if it is encouraging to seek someone’s wealth (294), and the saying in the King James, “fetch a compass”, as an Old English idiom that most probably do not understand today, which means “turn around”(293). From these observations, White provide a devastating critique: “Some AV defenders insist that all one needs is a good dictionary at hand and all will be well when encountering such terms. But why should we always need a dictionary at hand when reading the Bible? Why make reading the Scriptures a laborious task when rendering them in our modern tongue would do just as well?” (295-296).
I was glad to see White address the argument that I heard as a young Christian of how there were homosexuals in the NIV committee (299-300). I have always wondered if that was true, and who were these individuals and their role in the translation process. White discusses this, informing the reader that the person in question was a certain Virginia Mollenkott, and how she was not part of the Committee but was consulted briefly in a minor way in the beginning, and had no influence on the final decision of the NIV production. White also provides here a devastating counter-argument, reducing the KJVO argument to absurdity by pointing out how there are scholars who now believe that the King James behind the KJV was a homosexual. Should the KJVO camp be consistent, they would be led to reject their favorite version.
A KJVO argument I heard in the past was how the KJV was superior because of its lack of footnotes. The certainty of the Word of God in the King James is implied here. White mentioned twice in the book that the KJV has notes also (see 122-124, and 263-264). All counted, the KJV has 8,422 marginal readings and notes when it was first published! It is hard to imagine that this is what most KJVO followers would like to hear. It is also quite enlightening, as it reveals the translators of the KJV understood the importance of interacting with the original languages and manuscript evidences, the process in which is still carried on in the works of modern translations.
In review of the book at large, I would definitely recommend this work to every pastor, to be equipped in handling KJVO. I would also recommend this work to anyone who struggles through this divisive issue, and wants an informed and balance response.
[…] SlimJim Review: James White’s King James Only Controversy […]
This was a help to me, Pastor Jim. Would you pray that the Lord would reassure me about this matter. Someone I respect is an ardent KJVO defender.
I shall Maria, I know it’s not easy with the situation you described. In one sense I respect and love some of the KJVO advocates I know but I also have seen how destructive some can be…definitely will be praying Maria.
Thank you! God bless you!
Pastor Jim, we ordered a copy – bless you!
Nice, let me know what you think!
Will try to! :0)
Reblogged this on BibleProphecyWatch.
Thank you for reblogging this!
Your welcome brother how are you doing and how was your day?
My day was good since its day two of vacation! Got to read for my own personal spiritual life with my slow devotions through Mark 9, a book on ministering to those with cancer and a book on singleness. I enjoyed spending time with my daughters, wife and God! How was your day?
That’s good my day was good thank you for asking. Did you watch Dr. White on YouTube today I watched most of it.
I have not since I’m on vacation and the wifi where we stay is too weak for videos. How was it when you watched it?
Ok it was good. Would you agree that the UMC denomination is in trouble i mean they don’t believe what the Bible says anymore they have women and homosexual Pastors etc.
Even before UMC have women and homosexual pastors the denomination was already heading towards very problematic direction theologically. Now they are even more theologically off. Do you know much about the UMC? How are you doing by the way?
Yes I agree I know a little about the UMC as well as that what I have a problem with is when there are husbands and wife Pastors in a UMC Church or not something way off there. I just know about the UMC from what I hear from Christian News sites. I’m doing good thank you asking
I don’t get it when someone says they go to and or went to church for years and they aren’t even Born Again.
Man I have bad internet where I have vacation at…I just lost a whole comment when I press enter since the internet keeps going down every few minutes! I guess God is using this as a mini-lesson where I’m learning to appreciate the good internet I have back home. Is your internet at home pretty good?
Yes and maybe Satan doesn’t want you to get the messages my guess. Mine is good it has troubles at times luckily we won’t need internet in Heaven.
Do you have any posts on Presuppositions?
You mean on presuppositional apologetics? Our biggest hit in the thousands of views is this: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2015/10/30/ultimate-collection-of-free-presuppositional-apologetics-lectures/
Many often give links to it including Monergism Dot Com. Have you checked out that website before?
Yes that. Thank you for both the link and webite brother I have not seen that site will check it out
Oops spelled website wrong lol.
Lol. How did you first heard of Presuppositional apologetics? James White?
Yes he talked about it today in a nutshell what it and how do we as Christians use it? Dr White talked about it today.
Glad Dr White talked about it. The person I thought did the best explanation is Dr Jason Lisle. Have you heard of him before? Here’s his introductory lesson for something that can get quite abstract https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/01/30/jason-lisle-the-ultimate-proof-of-creation-lecture-at-the-masters-seminary/
Yes Dr Lisle partners with Answers in Genesis. Thank you for the link brother.
So when we say the Bible is the Word of God and we stand on the Word of God is that presuppositional apologetics?
Yes it is! We start with God’s Word as being true and show what happens when we don’t assume and start with it being true, we run into philosophical problems at a worldview level. Presuppositional apologetics also show how the presuppositions of false worldviews also destroy rationality and human experience as well. Does that make sense?
Yeah makes sense so it destroy like the Evolution or Mormon worldview based on what the Bible says. We know the Word of God is true be it says that right?
Sorry my internet is slow and keeps on stopping and working again so I see some of your comments later. Here’s an example of Presuppositional apologetics against Evolution. We know from a Christian starting point our minds can reason because God created it purposely to reason and know things. God has revealed in His word we are made in His image. But evolution starting point destroys the foundation for reasoning itself since everything came about not by God but by chance (non-directed and non-purpose processes). The best analogy I came up with is this: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/09/10/apologetics-sermon-illustration-36-doing-math-with-dice-and-atheisms-destruction-of-knowledge/. Concerning Mormonism I think Jeff Durbin and James White have done a better job refuting it presuppositionally than I could at the moment. I’m sure you are knowledgeable with their use of Presup on Mormonism. Hope that helps!
That’s ok it happen. Thank you for all the info.
I’m going to bed in a few minutes talk to you tomorrow unless the Rapture happens first. The Lord Jesus protect you! Check out these Bible Verses.
Romans 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 3:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Not Carnality but Christ
3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Hebrews 13:3 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
God bless you brother!
We don’t assume God’s Word is if we did would have problems and add things that don’t belong in the Word right?
Sorry did you want to ask your question again, got confused (my fault). If I read it correctly you are right we shouldn’t add to God’s Word! By the way here’s Jeff Durbin using Presuppositional apologetics on Mormonism: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/presuppositional-apologetics-and-mormonism-jeff-durbins-apologia-academy/
Also, good night!
That’s ok I get confused too here it is again. We don’t assume God’s Word is if we did would have problems and add things that don’t belong in the Word right? Thank you for the link. Good night brother enjoyed the fellowship.
How do we use it on lost people like Mormons?
At least I think I have heard about it from Dr White.
What is it about Limited Atonement that gets Christians debating just wondering.
Bibleguy,
It is night for you but afternoon here in Korea. I recommend the blog you commented as a treasure trove on Presuppositional apologetics.
Yes I agree. Can I send you a link to my Testimony?
Go ahead and send it to him. I appreciated Reformed Korean’s encouragement! Those links will keep you busy but start with Jason Lisle’s lecture I linked earlier
I sent it to him. Yes those links will keep me busy listening to Jason Lisle’s lecture now will finish it tomorrow.
For some reason it went to my spam box, just unspammed it and he should be able to see it now. WordPress is weird sometimes!
Yes sometimes I get moderate this reply or something like that.
Your site is not working Bible guy or it’s blocked
Ok here it is. https://bibleprophecywatch.wordpress.com/2018/03/08/my-testimony/
I was confused about Presuppositional apologetics until I heard Sye TenBruggencate. He made things easy to understand even though English is not my first language.
Ok.
For some reason it’s not working I think my work blocked it
Some wordpress is ok at work but some they block. Bigger wordpress seems to be ok.