Questions for Roman Catholics about the King James version
To those, we would ask the following questions.
1. Is the King James version based in part on the work of Erasmus ?(yes)
2. Is it true not only that Erasmus was Roman Catholic, but also that he was a friend of the Pope ?
(Yes)
3. Is is true that the Versions of Erasmus in Latin and Greek were AUTHORIZED and received the Nihil Obstat ["no objection" ] imprimatur of the Roman Catholic Church ?
(Yes)
4. If this is the case that the New Testament of Erasmus received the official sanction (approval) of the Roman Catholic Church, and if the King James is based partially on the work of Erasmus, then on what basis is there a reason to condemn the use of the King James Bible ???
5. If the work of Erasmus played a part in the Textus Receptus of 1550/51 (of Stephens), (it did), and if the work of Erasmus was approved by the Pope and the Vatican, then what basis exists to suggest that the Textus Receptus is somehow NOT a Greek text that is approved by the Vatican ???
Reasons to Ignore the Questions above
Check or Circle the Reason that applies to you:
1. I don’t want to do this research. I worked pretty hard to get my own theology "straight", but now I may have to go and change some of it. In other words, if my theology disagrees with God, I would prefer (even rather than simply asking the questions) to prioritize my unbiblical theology over my relationship with the Living God who loved me so much he sent Jesus Christ to die for me. This is my way of saying Thanks to Him.
2. I am too busy. Well, not that I could not do the research. After, all who is kidding who ? I am smart enough ! I could read this stuff, and you know..."get into my relationship with God" more, but I simply am too busy. Whatever else I have going on, I prefer it over the activities of doing research on Bible Translations. Come on....let’s see A Good Game of Golf versus Seeking Truth and making tough choices...well we know who wins out there...that’s just the kind of Christian I am.
3. The King James Version Sucks. That simply is a "fact". I could change my mind. But you know...all the research...learning new things...reading was never really "my thing". Besides I don’t like all of the stupid old words it uses. Yeah yeah, I know, I could "buy a dictionary", or I could look the words up at the Library, or I could even learn the Greek (That’s a Good One !), but then it would be tougher for me to prioritize other things in my life. In other words, studying the Bible would get in the way of my current lifestyle. Nuf Said (I may actually start to listen to that conviction...from "that Guy", you know, that "Holy Spirit"...)
4. I will look stupid ! Look, come on, I did not really realize what I was getting myself into. My budy told me about the KJV Version stuff, and I did not know what I was saying, at least not all of these details and questions that you are asking about. I just said I favored many versions instead of one. I did not think that it really was such a big deal (and I am not sure how I feel...even now...though I should probably study this more - "off the record"). But I am a Pastor, and I have already taken a PUBLIC stand on this ! I even got my Board to agree with me. Now I would have to go back, and then they would have to study the Bible, and they would have to not be so lazy and spend a few bucks to find out which Bible is the right one, and then they would have to read the books....you should see these elders & deacons, man ! Just to get them to show up to a regular meeting is a miracle....of course...I could Pray about this...I could pray that they attend a special meeting....I could even give them some material in writing, or print out this list of questions...and give it to them and let them wrestle with the issue.
After all, if they understand the scope of this problem, then maybe they will start to become interested, and being a deacon or an elder is supposed to be about helping the church, not the building but the PEOPLE, to learn more about Jesus, and how to grow in Him. If other people really are trying to take our historic Bibles away from us, then maybe it might be worth it to investigate and find out why those old Bibles were so precious to those who had them, and how much of a difference memorizing those versions made. After all, those old churches and Pastors were a lot stronger - spiritually - than many of the pastors that most Seminaries are turning out these days....
5. My friends won’t approve. Well I am not really sure if that is a "reason" or simply a fact. But most of them already think that "Church stuff" takes too much of their time. Now, not only should they know what they think, but they should know why, and history, and how other believers stayed strong throughout History, and more things...You know if I was to share some of that with them, maybe in time they might start seeing that their own relationship with God, could be a lot more awe-some than what it has been so far, maybe we could pray more, or have a good bible study. I mean Christians say all the time that they are "truth-seekers", so what is wrong with a little actual truth-seeking ? Leadership is not just "speeches". It is about Doing more than Saying, and Leading by example...so maybe I should remember not to worship anything other than the Almighty, and not to put my Friendships above God and my own relationship with Him...
6. It’s my wife and I am a coward. I am kind of comfortable in my life. I did not reach where I am today by rocking the boat, and I sure don’t want to start now. ! Look the problem is not simply that I do not know or understand what questions to ask or how to teach others. It is bigger than that ! My wife uses her standard Bible version (the NIV) and she really likes it. Now not only I am supposed to be concerned about all this, but my wife is supposed to be concerned ???
Come on ! What planet are you from ? I know...the Bible says Let the women Learn...but that is theoretical...now you want me to talk to my wife, maybe have a Bible study with her on this subject or ask her to read some of these books....She is pretty comfortable too, and it was not always this easy....Well, OK some issues may be worth it, and yeah this could have an impact
(both directly and by example) on our Kids or Grandkids, and yes it may even make a difference 10 years from now about the growth of our Grandchildren, but can’t we just ignore this a little longer ? Can’t we all just get along ? Think of the hassle you’re suggesting that I start ! I don’t have peace with my wife in Normal life (who knows whats normal in anycase). Now I’m supposed to prepare my wife, and start asking questions, and give her stuff to read, and lead maybe by sitting down and talking with her, and asking her face-to-face to think about these things, and her own commitment and our commitment to truth...Do you know MY wife ? Do
you Know what you are saying ?
Well yea...wedding vows...I married her didn’t I ? In sickness and in health, but not during times of confusion....you know we are all confused enough every day...now you want to upset that by
taking some confusion out of our life, and then she may hold me responsible for more things you know. And then I may have to learn to get more spiritual strength. And if were talking about my own wife, you KNOW I’m gonna need More strength....What kind of a MONSTER are YOU ?
Asking all of these questions, next thing you know, you’ll be suggesting that I take my "spiritual walk" seriously, come on...I was already doing good...now you think that God somehow is going to give me strength for this...well He Better....
(Mat 6:30 KJV) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
(Mat 8:26 KJV) And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
(Luke 17:5 KJV) And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
I Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Questions for Thinkers and Historians about the LATIN VULGATE
=========================
Vatican Ambitions for Jerusalem ?
- Protestant Bible Good Enough for Eastern Orthodox Church 100 Years ago - Problems in the Eastern Orthodox communities - Questions we had (and still do) for those who claim to be Eastern Orthodox - For those who know very little about the Septuagint - Historic Eastern Orthodox versions - HISTORY OF ARABIC VERSIONS of the BIBLE ARMENIAN GOSPEL of JOHN The Word of Jesus Christ - What he says about himself - Pontifex Maximus: Pagan Title or Christian Title - Historical Records - Apocrypha Free New Testament in LATIN - Free New Testament PDF in SPANISH - BUSH & RICE to PRESS FORWARD WITH PALESTINIAN STATE in JUDEA, SAMARIA & GALILEE - Uncovering the Secrets of the Septuagint - Creed of the Council of Nicea - Our QUESTIONS about the LATIN VULGATE
----------------