Customer Reviews

King James Version Debate, The: A Plea for Realism

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

D. A. Carson's primary purpose in writing The King James Debate: A Plea for Realism is to refute those who advocate the superiority of the Greek textual tradition behind the King James Version of the Bible. As a consequence, his effort has produced a wonderful primer on textual criticism. The book is divided into two parts: Textual Question and Nontextual Questions. Carson makes every effort to treat the position of his opponents with respect although it is quite evident their position frustrates and even angers him.

The first six chapters are dedicated to surveying the different text-types and their historical traditions. He gives his readers a succinct overview of very complex issues regarding the rise of the four major textual traditions (Byzantine, Western, Alexandrian and Caesarean) and briefly discusses their strengths and weaknesses. Carson also navigates the thorny issue of how variations between these text-types developed.

Carson briefly discusses the origins of the Textus Receptus (TR) and makes the case that the TR is based upon the inferior and late Byzantine text-type. He traces the history of the TR through Erasmus's Greek Testament. He affirms that the KJV translators used the best manuscripts available to them at the time, but subsequent discoveries cast doubt upon the accuracy of the Byzantine text-type vis-à-vis the other traditions. In Chapter 7, Carson methodically summarizes the reasons why the TR is an inferior textual tradition.

Part Two deals with what Carson calls "Nontextual Issues." In actuality, this major division addresses Carson's thoughts on translating scripture. He deals with seven popular arguments some uses to support the superiority of the KJV translation over other modern English translations. Carson respects those who have a deep personal and emotional commitment to the KJV but has harsh words for those who use historically and scholarly fallacious methods to claim KJV superiority over other modern translations. He points out that the KJV is quickly falling out of favor because the Elizabethan English is obscure, confusing and sometime incomprehensible.

Carson includes a lengthy appendix presenting a critique of the book "The Identity of the New Testament Text" by Wilbur N. Pickering. Pickering's thesis is that eclecticism is not a method to be trusted. Pickering objects to the concept of text-typing and supports the majority reading approach to determining the most accurate text. Carson refutes Pickering on eight points. Many of these points refer back to his 14 theses in chapter seven.

D. A. Carson's point-by-point analysis and refutation of the "King James-only" element in American Christianity should be required reading as an introduction to textual criticism. The book is also helpful for anyone entering the pastoral ministry. Carson thoroughly and forcefully presents both sides of the issue with more respect than his interlocutors provide him.

A response to a previous review:

"Mr. Carson does a good job of defending the modern versions."

Very true.

"Unfortunately, in order to do so, he must misrepresent the KJB only side and make it seem like Mr. Ruckman and Ms. Riplinger are actually representative of the KJB only position, which they are not."

Ruckman and Riplinger are NEVER mentioned in the book, nor are their writings.

"He ignores the scholarship of men like D. A. Waite, D. O. Fuller, Edward F. Hills, etc. to focus on two weirdos, Ruckman and Riplinger."

Carson didn't mention Waite, but he did deal with the theories of Fuller, Hills, Hodges, Ray and Pickering. Carson cannot honestly be accused of employing a straw-man argument. Thomas is either lying in saying he read the book, or lying about the book's contents.

"Of course, since Biblical preservation dictates the KJB only position, since the Textus Receptus is the vast majority text, it is necessary to distort the KJB only position to attack it."

Biblical preservation says nothing about the King James Version. The TR is not the Majority Text. It is never necessary to use a straw-man argument, on this topic or any other, and Carson does not do so. Rather, he deals with the best arguments available in favor of the proposition that the KJV is the best (or only!) Bible translation on earth, and he refutes them calmly and reasonably.

"However, if you want to defend the modern versions, this is as good as you'll get."

Unfortunately, if you are looking for honesty and sanity in KJV-Onlies, Thomas R. is about as good as you will find -- a person who shamelessly fabricates "facts" even though he knows anyone can read the book and discover that he's lying.

I commend D.A. Carson for writing such a calm and irenic book when I consider it's people like Thomas R. that he's responding to. Read the book yourself. Don't let Thomas put you off.

D.A. Carson's book, published in 1978, is a tremendous volume. However it has been surpassed by James White's KING JAMES ONLY CONTROVERSY published in 1995. Carson even endorses White's book. Buy both for a complete look at this convoluted subject.

D.A. Carson tried to bring peace and sanity to the controversy that rages over the notion that the King James Version is the only translation of the Bible that is the Word of God. Since he wrote this short but masterful book, Dr. Peter Ruckman and Gail Riplinger have brought more war and insanity to the issue, and James White has added his excellent book, The King James Only Controversy, to try once again to settle the matter. If you or someone you know has been exposed to the KJV-Only virus, get both Carson's and White's books today!

The book was recommended by Walter Martin and I was not disappointed. Carson does an exellent job of reviewing the history of the Bible,and it's compilation. He explains the different manuscripts and how they are weighed together as the bases for some of the major translations. It appears to be a very level presentation in which to inform the reader and allow that person to then decide which version they would feel to be the best to use. He helps to point out that all of the major translations do not suffer in supporting all Christian doctrine.

From an excellent author comes a good description of the problems associated with the KJV only position. Carson is a conservative evangelical and very cautious scholar. His writing style is easy and fluid. This book is divided up well and is nicely arranged. END

In King James Only debate there is far more emotional sensationalism (on both sides)than real examining of the evidence. This book avoids emotional sensationalism and gives a good, logical and historical look at the issues behind the debate.

Regardless of which side of the KJV debate you're on you owe it to yourself to examine this little book to become better informed on the issues at hand.

I'm not going to go into all Carson had to say but his thesis #13 is much needed in the KJV issue.
"Arguments that attempt to draw textual conclusions from a prejudicial selection of not immediately relevent data, or from a slanted use of terms, or by a slurring appeal to guilt by association, or by repeated appeal to false evidence, are not only misleading, but ought to be categorically rejected by Christians who, above all others, profess both to love truth and to love their brothers in Christ."

Love truth..... so I ask do you love truth or do you love your opinion? Do you ever not show t=both sides of an issue to make your opinion seem better? That'll show right there what you love.... Good book.

Carson is a great writer. Even though this is not his best book, it is very readable and helpful. He presents facts and draws out conclusions in a consistant and reliable way. And despite the rancor often associated with this issue, Carson remains dispassionate and fair. God's Word is reliable!

Highly recommended.

This book answers all of the false claims I have heard from the King James Only Movement. I personally had to deal with people who believe the KJV is the only translation that is God's Word. This book answered all of their claims and gave me ground to stand against that false doctrine. I read and researched the claims of the "KJV Only" leaders, and I found the evidence to support Carson's work. I wanted to know the truth.

Keep in mind that most of the "KJV Only" people love Christ and have this position based solely on what they have been taught and what they have read. So deal with them in love as a Christian brother. This book does a great job of NOT attacking the "KJV Only" side, but merely presenting the facts.

However, be on the lookout for those who push the KJV only movement to further their own agenda. There will be a "strong" resistance to anything that goes against their KJV only stance. I suggest much prayer before engaging in any discourse on this topic.

Great book. Wealth of information and wisdom. Use it lovingly, not arrogantly. Carson wrote this well. I am grateful.