Jeff Spry on the "King James Only" Controversy

Selected quotes from Jeff's paper at http://www.monergism.com

A very real but sad truism regarding the church of today is that we may be knowledgeable about the Bible
but we are mainly ignorant about the text of the Bible. Why are there different translations? Why are there
controversies over specific words (or the lack thereof)? Why are there controversies over entire passages,
such as the ending of Mark? Why does my pastor’s Bible read differently or “omit” a verse? Ignorance in
areas such as this are the perfect breeding ground for controversy and emotional damage.
The “King James Only” movement, by its very nature, brings disruption and contention right into the pews.
People, including pastors, are often drawn unnecessarily into heated and passionate arguments over “God’s
one true Bible.” Grand conspiracy theories are tossed about as factual historical statements. Time that
should be spent in ministry are wasted on this intramural debate over an issue whose foundation is built on
ignorance of history and Bible transmission, sensationalism, emotionalism, tradition and preference for a
seventeenth-century Anglican translation of the Bible.
Responsibility for the destruction of many churches lay directly at the feet of the KJV Only camp.
Churches have split as the proponents of this falsehood have brought fear and defensiveness into the body
of Christ.
The KJV Only controversy feeds on ignorance. Therefore, the solution to the turmoil is education. We
discuss this knowing controversy can ensue. But discuss it we must in order that peace and unity may
abound. This peace is not to be found at the cost of compromise but from a single-minded devotion to the
things of God. Our relationship with Christ is not based on a particular Bible translation. It must be
believed that men and women had true and faithful and meaningful relationships with God through Christ
for fifteen hundred years before Robert Barker printed that first page in 1611. You can live a fruitful and
joyfully blessed life without ever opening a King James Bible.

The Inspired KJV ONLY – Most KJVO advocates would fall into this group. They
believe that the KJV itself, as an English translation, is inspired and therefore inerrant. The
affirmation you hear from this group is found in the following equation:

The King James Version ALONE = The Word of God ALONE


It is extremely important to realize that this is the starting point in the thinking of most KJV Only
believers. It is this belief that gives so much “heat” instead of “light” in this controversy. In the
minds of the people of this group, an “attack” on the KJV is an attack on the very Word of God.
To use another version is to “deny” and “reject” the “real” Bible.
Furthermore, it must be recognized that once the above equation is firmly entrenched in one’s
mind, then all the remaining arguments fall into place. The most popular argument is to list verse
after verse after verse from the KJV and then “reveal” how the modern versions have been
corrupted because they change or omit words or entire verses. It seemingly never crosses the mind
of the person making these charges that he or she should be concerned about making the KJV as
the starting point and standard by which all other translations are measured. It is perfectly logical
and reasonable to ask “Why should the KJV be the standard?” The only answer is found in the
above equation. This is circular logic at is best (or worst).


What do you think?