I was in Lifeway the other day and a lady came in with her 11ish year old daughter. They were Bible shopping for the daughter’s first “real Bible.” I love Bibles and I thought it was cool to be there while they looked for the perfect one.
The mom walked all around the Bible section while telling her daughter that she knew exactly what they needed. She pulled a bunch of Bibles together and, at one point, they were sort of arguing over what color to pick. The daughter wanted a brighter color and the mom wanted something more conservative.
I was thinking to myself about how wonderful it is that kids today have so many choices in this regard. Then, my mouth dropped in horror as I turned and glanced at the Bibles they were choosing from. They were all KJV! The mom had pulled only KJV Bibles. What a pity. What a shame.
Please tell me why on earth anyone would give their kid a plain KJV Bible when there are so many wonderful Bibles designed specifically for kids in MODERN translations? I just don’t get it.
I guess that’s better than no Bible at all…but just barely.
Maybe they don’t know any better – but coming from the cult of KVJ Onlyism the really sad thing is that many KJV only people actually believe that the KJV text (1728 version of the 1611 edition) is superior to the Textus Receptus and in some cases actually provides more truth that the original manuscripts. The sad thing is many KVJ only advocates have never read a 1611 KJV bible and probably couldn’t since many of the words are spelled differently. Sadly, KJV onlyism breeds an attitude of spiritual superiority and elitism and proud parents want to indoctrinate their children early and hopefully perpetuate the myth that the truth they read in a bible that they have to basically learn and new language to understand is somehow going to help them be a better Christian than those of us who read perverted translations.
Maybe they don’t know any better – but coming from the cult of KVJ Onlyism the really sad thing is that many KJV only people actually believe that the KJV text (1728 version of the 1611 edition) is superior to the Textus Receptus and in some cases actually provides more truth that the original manuscripts. The sad thing is many KVJ only advocates have never read a 1611 KJV bible and probably couldn’t since many of the words are spelled differently. Sadly, KJV onlyism breeds an attitude of spiritual superiority and elitism and proud parents want to indoctrinate their children early and hopefully perpetuate the myth that the truth they read in a bible that they have to basically learn and new language to understand is somehow going to help them be a better Christian than those of us who read perverted translations.
Oh come on now Tony. If the KJV was good enough for the Apostles to use shouldn’t it work for an 11 year old. :)
Rev Scottie
Oh come on now Tony. If the KJV was good enough for the Apostles to use shouldn’t it work for an 11 year old. :)
Rev Scottie
Don’t worry about her too much, Tony. When I was saved when I was 12, the KJV was the only Bible in our house. I read that Bible the first few years of my Christian life – and understood it. The Holy Spirit opened it up. Years later, I was introduced to and have enjoyed other versions. But for certain scriptures, nothing can take me back to the first glorious days like the KJV. The language is truly beautiful.
p.s. I also like very old hymns:)
Don’t worry about her too much, Tony. When I was saved when I was 12, the KJV was the only Bible in our house. I read that Bible the first few years of my Christian life – and understood it. The Holy Spirit opened it up. Years later, I was introduced to and have enjoyed other versions. But for certain scriptures, nothing can take me back to the first glorious days like the KJV. The language is truly beautiful.
p.s. I also like very old hymns:)