"Clearly, there is a group of churches for whom the Bible version issue is paramount, but such a view is historically and theologically ignorant."

That was an interesting article. I was a member of a KJV only church for approximately ten years. The pastor became embroiled in a very public debate with Jack Schaap over the issue, devoting a large article to the flap in a periodical the church publishes. That, combined with a few other things, prompted my move to a great, Gospel-centered SBC church.

My hope is that the crowd that wants to make an issue of Bible versions is limited to the group of schools and related churches that I think the author is referring to. That group, if it is the same one I have in mind, is very vocal, giving the impression that the Bible version debate is a central issue. Fortunately while they are loud, I think they’re still the minority. I’d go so far as to say they’re treading on dangerous ground elevating the KJV to such a lofty status.

[“From the op responses”] I agree with you Dr. Pratt. Bible versions should not cause separation or become “a key element of orthodoxy” for anyone. That includes people who use something other than the King James.

Those of us who have chosen it (KJV) for many of the very reasons you cite, including accuracy and usefulness, have endured “clouds of disappointment” or even rebuke from many within today’s fundamentalist spheres. The attitude goes something like this: “you can choose any version you like, as long as it’s not the King James.”

I personally believe the man who is most isolated in today’s fundamentalism is the one with a preference or even strong affinity for the King James Version. He is often incorrectly labeled KJV-Only or assumed to be lacking scholarship and sophistication. It is indeed possible that neither is the case.

My concern is that too many of us become so firmly established within a system of thinking, Biblical or not, that we disallow the introduction of differing views. Isn’t this, rather than the version debate, the real issue?

This responder and I are on the same page. I have preached from the KJV for about 34 years and know it like an old familiar hammer. I preach to a mixed group of people; some who are ambivalent on versions and some who are like myself.
I too feel that some look down on those of us who choose to use the KJV. I don’t argue with them and there is no need for them to waste their breath or key strokes trying to dislodge my preference.

My problem is *not* with those who prefer the KJV over other translations. Nor do I have a problem with anyone who chooses the KJV for the sake of unity in the congregation. I really don’t even have any problem with those who sincerely believe that the KJV is the best English language translation.

The only time I have a problem is when somebody tries to tell me he has Biblical proof that the KJV is the one and only English language translation authorized (allowed? approved?) by God for use in English speaking churches. The “proof” just isn’t there.