| Author | Message | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1170 Registered: 5-2007 |
I was reading another church's webpage on their beliefs and they said they only accept KJV. It reads: We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Bible, as it is in truth, the Word of God... (I Thessalonians 2:13). We believe in verbal, plenary inspiration in the original writings, and God's preservation of His pure words to every generation (II Timothy 3:16, Psalms 12:6-8). The Masoretic Text of the Old Testament and the Received Text of the New Testament (Textus Receptus) are those texts of the original languages we accept and use; the King James Version of the Bible is the only English version we accept and use. The Bible is our sole authority for faith and practice. I can see saying the KJV is what they prefer, but this sounds rather controling and closed minded. As if translating accuracy froze in time and circular reasoning resides in one version alone. | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 1934 Registered: 6-2006  |
My hubby's grandpa would only pray in the King's English (he was from Michigan). Go big or go home.  | ||
| Karethamiller Registered user Username: Karethamiller Post Number: 200 Registered: 8-2010  |
When I hear of groups like that, I also think of the Bible translations in so many other languages. Those other language translations are not KJV. Would this church believe those are not acceptable either? It's baffling to me. | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 1039 Registered: 7-2004  |
If the KJV was good enough for Paul, it's good enough for me! | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 1040 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jim, Are you going out of your way to find strange belief statements? | ||
| Asurprise Registered user Username: Asurprise Post Number: 1917 Registered: 7-2007 |
Karetha; perhaps in those groups, people from other countries are taught that they need to learn to speak English in order to be saved! Actually many, if not all, modern translations are more accurate than the King James Version. There were some little inaccuracies in the KJV - not serious ones - not enough to affect someone's salvation or anything. For example a word translated candlestick instead of lamp stand. Another example is one that Joseph Smith didn't catch, because he lifted the whole 4th chapter of Isaiah (and some other chapters too) into his book of Mormon - 2nd Nephi 14. (I guess he needed some filler.) Anyway in the KJV, Isaiah 4:5, it says in the last part; ...upon all the glory shall be a defense. Other than adding the word Zion and misspelling defense, Joseph Smith just copied it. Anyway, modern translations translate the word (which was translated defense), covering or canopy. (Message edited by Asurprise on May 25, 2011) | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 12631 Registered: 12-2003  |
There's a reason there are many new and very good translations; there have been more, older manuscripts discovered, and translations are actually more accurate when done from the oldest manuscripts. Not to mention that language has changed since 1610... Colleen | ||
| Mkfound Registered user Username: Mkfound Post Number: 89 Registered: 1-2011 |
Actually this 'KJV only' thing bothers me. I understand that we are each different, and have our own preferences for a particular version. That is totally understandable. But in listening to a Christian radio station which seems to allow various groups to buy broadcasting time, time and again, I'll hear this sort of thing. There is one group in particular, during their 'Letter reading' time, will often read letters like this, "And we are so thankful that we have found XYZ ministry (the one broadcasting), that will read from the true word of God, the KJV". And then they will underscore that they read from the KJV only--when reading the Bible text. Apart from that, those groups seem to have a good handle on the gospel, but this just irks me. It seems that they are suggesting that only the KJV is inspired, and the rest is other. Just my pet peeve. KJV lovers, feel free to take me on | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 9219 Registered: 3-2004  |
When I was challenged to read the NT by an adventist pastor all I had was, and I still have it and use it, a Berkeley New English edition of the Bible. When I went to First Step I bought other versions of the Bible and they all teach the one important lesson of the Gospel... Jesus Christ only. Diana L | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1172 Registered: 5-2007 |
No Ric I am not. I am going "out of my way" to find a church that does not present Spiritual abuse in the opening round. | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 1041 Registered: 7-2004 |
OK, good plan! So I take it these are ones making the reject pile? | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1173 Registered: 5-2007 |
I pondered on the last question. (Actually , I expected the question would pop up) He is the situation. Having fallen out of moving car (The SDA church) onto the expressway (doctrine) , I find that I am dealing with assorted wounds and confusion and have realized that I am still in the middle of a 12 lane wide highway (religions and churches). Meanwhile, wondering how to reach safety. I am trying to find a church that is not only safe, but one that at least I can engage without undue conflict of beliefs. Is it unreasonable to look at a church's belief statement before visiting? Since I already know that there is no perfect church belief system. I feel it reasonable to try to cover the main things and to find a place where I can grow in truth and grace. Doctrines and beliefs: Point by point , Is it Positive, Negative or indifferent to Salvation. In other words, do we agree on the main things or is there a base issue that will cause Spiritual conflict. Or is it perhaps something that is not a vital issue and can be tolerated and held in silence? I have found problems in every Religion among the mainliners. There is no perfect anything this side of heaven. I get that. The KJV question represents a Pastor who is possibly closed minded and controling. 'My way or the highway'. It is indicitive of a narrow viewpoint and thus I would question the teaching enviroment there. Fact is , as I have said before. I am looking repeatedly at going back to the SDA as a friend of the church because I need to get out of the the highway. I need fellowship. I am not finding a church anywhere else, just too many issues and no sense of commonality culturally. This is why I am going out of my way to keep looking, keep trying, either way, I have to do something to change this stagnation of being unchurched and out of fellowship. Just an example: Today I get a mailing from I church I had visisted a few times. Saying, Free I-pod drawing giveaway , during two services, register in the lobby. Why is this not comfortable to my mind? This same church has spent a massive amount of money to build a cafe. So , I try to excuse rather than accuse. People see things differently about such things. But as far as my ability to relate to it??? I looked at another church website. A conservative church, but they have this belief about no instruments in church. A belief that if it is not specifically sted in the NT they do not allow it. Sort of reminds me of the Amish. I am looking for a means of authority or reference points that I can count on, trust and know thte carpet will not be pulled out from under me. This is not a game to me. But it is discouraging and increasingly futile. Where was the last place....... | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1174 Registered: 5-2007 |
Ric, I do not consider these churches a reject pile scenario. I have been to some of them more than once already. It is not about rejection, it is about knowing where I belong. Where I might find a place that will help me find what I am missing. I have not found that yet. Why are you attempting to put words in my mouth? | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 1042 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jim, I truly feel for you. During the roughly 2 years we spent looking for a church I had many frustrating set backs. I believe that returning to SDAism, even as a non-member will just expose you to increasing doctrinal confusion. I'm not suggesting any of these as ideal doctrinal choices, and I worry that all of these are too liberal in their views of Inspiration. But some churches where you won't generally be confronted about your views include United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, and the Independent Churches of Christ (not to be confused with the non-instrumental Church of Christ-although they share common roots). Much of the on-line criticism you will read of the last 2 are because of their emphasis on free-will. These may not be long-term solutions, but they can help you get out of the traffic for a while and tend to be good about accepting people how they are, where they are. And you can begin unlearning the errors you were taught as Biblical truth. | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 1043 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jim, I'm not trying to put words in your mouth. I am trying to understand what you are hoping to accomplish within these threads. | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1176 Registered: 5-2007 |
Thank You Ric for the suggestions. I truly have enjoyed the two area Methodists churches I have visited, though I could not join them as a member because I am Pro-Life. I realize taht many if not most Methodists are Pro life as well. I understand that. This is the same reason I would not join membership with the SDA. So in both cases, I could be a friend of the churches, but not a member, unless and until they change that Position statement. What am I hoping to accomplish in these threads? To discuss and exchange experiences and points of view to help me navigate more effectively and to gather useful insights taht may help me formulate an approach and attitude that will get me past some of the roadblocks , including the ones I create. Maybe I am a hard case, obstinate or dense. That is not my intent. My thinking tends to be linear and when something does not add up or fit, I try to find a workaround or a way to deal with it. I suppose a big part of the problem is not wanting to waste my time in false efforts. But even in doing that, I am causing myself to be stuck in the rut of inaction. I do not trust church leaders, "because we say so" anymore. |
