Preface

The following articles are offered in response to questions I've recieved. I want to emphasize I believe the King James Version is God's Preserved Word for English speaking people. I do not disallow that modern versions have some merit; however, they do not all equally share that position, Nor, do any of them measure up to the purity of the text and the language of the King James Version. Proponents of the modern versions cite various reasons why we should abandon the KJV and turn to the new. However, each of these reasons for abandoning the KJV has been satisfactorily responded to by able men. The point is, there is no valid reason for abandoning the KJV; on the other hand, there are many good reasons why it deserves our utmost confidence, respect, and continued use.

I recommend the King James Version of the bible because there are many practical benefits for students who do so. For one thing, the greatest study aids available are geared to the King James Version, notably, Strongs Concordance with its numbered system for the Hebrew and Greek words. If I had a choice of only one book in addition to my bible it would be Strongs Concordance. If allowed a second choice, it would be The New Englishman's Greek Concordance And Lexicon. This is another wonderful tool which will enhance your 'word study' and save hundreds of hours of time. It has been coded to Strong's numbers which makes it simple and easy to use. Couple these tools with plenty of fervent humble prayer, a double-dose of self discipline, and you have the ingredients for a life time of spiritual discovery and groweth!

Sources for the information contained in the articles is available to all. I've made an honest attempt to provide credit to the authors and source of the material quoted herein. I claim no credit for the bulk of information contained in the articles. If there be any originality it will be found in my particular style of selecting and presenting the information. My original and primary purpose was:
1) Gather and categorize specific, relevent information for my personal use and benefit.
2) Present this information in a brief, concise way that would be easy to read and thus be beneficial to others, particularly, those who lack the time or the inclination to do the research for themselves.

It is not my intent to deceive and present myself as an expert in this matter; I'm only a student of God's Word. I'm aware that my presentation in these articles may appear superficial and inadequate to those who have studied and attained deeper knowledge of the subject matter. To these, the following articles may appear crude and simplistic. I have no appology for that. My purpose does not include going into great detail or treating some of the deeper arguments and broader information relating to the subject; I will leave that to those more qualified than myself.
I want the reader to be aware that the information presented here is but a very, very small portion of that which is available to anyone who desires a greater in-depth study. Rather than these articles being the end of your study, it is my hope that they may serve to stimulate you to pursue study of this important subject in greater detail.

Those familiar with the debate surrounding Bible Versions are aware of the heat that has been generated in the course of the discussion. I've attempted to keep the heat out of the articles but the reader may detect some degree of passion in the quotes from various writers. To some extent impassioned language is inescapable considering the importance of the issue and the fraility of human nature; neither side is innocent in this respect.

It seems clear to me that the deluge of modern versions is primarily fueled by "the love of money". Few of those involved promoting these new versions are found to be defenders of the Biblical and Orthodox position regarding Scripture Inspiration and Preservation, or for that matter, Orthodox Christianity in general. While this statement may seem harsh to some I shall stand by it. I believe the rise and influence of Skepticism, Liberalism, and Modernism during the past 150 years fully support this conclusion. Also, it is evident that numerous respected writers have recognized this trend in their treatment of contempory issues that pose a challenge to Biblical Christianity. It's unlikely that the deluge of modern versions will cease to plague us so long as there are big profits being made in their publication.

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