Posts Tagged “King James Bible”
On reading old books and Bibles
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, The Bible on January 17, 2013
Old bibles truly bless me, they are so full of age and character and records of past lives. Many old Bibles contain much hand written history of times gone by, where people have lived and died, loved and lost and lives have been changed by the scriptures and their brief histories written down within the old pages.
Old books and history can help us reflect upon our own mortality, indeed it helps me and forever reminds me that one day all of us will die. Each of us will lose our earthly lives but for those who belong to Jesus, each of us will win a much better one. This is not morbid in my eyes, but a demonstration of true glory. For the true Christian who departs this life, will be within a life that has no end.
Thomas a Kempis, an early author who wrote one very old book named, ‘The Imitation of Christ’ said, “Very quickly there will be an end of thee here, look what will become of thee in another world. To-day a man is here; to-morrow he hath disappeared” (Book 1. Chapter 23) Such a touching verse, and one worthy of the memory. No one knows the hour when we will depart this life for our venture into the next, be it heaven or hell?
So next time you see an old book, or see a grave, remember that one day, you will be history, you will go the same way. And if you have ever seen a man die, remember that you must pass the same way. Therefore, think upon these things daily and remember yourself, that you may be remembered.
Why a King James ‘only’ movement?
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, The Bible on January 15, 2013
The King James Bible is an absolutely beautiful translation. Its language and use of the Hebrew and Greek texts is one of a kind and stands out high above nearly all other translations. The translation is exquisite and graceful, poetic and ancient sounding, Christ magnifying and full of grandeur and splendor. It is a true translation and worthy to be called the word of God.
But aside from this, there is a movement which is strange and totally opposite to the text it claims to represent. The KJV only movement is embraced by many and is often agressive in attitude and forceful and totally rejective of other translations and even esteems the KJV text above the Hebrew and Greek texts. I believe this movement is a huge error. There are other old translations which are true and good also, the Tyndale New Testament, the Coverdale Bible, the Geneva Bible, and more. Should we reject them too?
It seems that something that could be beautiful and good has been clouded over greatly by a movement which has little actual clear reasoning or openness to other translations of scripture. So, it seems odd that many people today embrace the KJV only movement, and since there is not one verse in the entire cannon of scripture that claims that English people are to be subject ‘exclusively’ to a translation that would be set forth in 1611 in Olde English, the movement has little Biblical support.
I can understand the worries that many have today regarding modern translations and the corruptness that can be found in many of them. But does that mean we are to cast away any goodness that can be found in other translations? I think not.
After all, the King James only movement is inconsistent with itself since the original 1611 King James Version (Authorised version) is not the same as those in the shops today. The original 1611 version had the apocrypha in it and did so until the 19th century when it was edited out by certain publishers.
So what then is the King James only movement if its followers do not read the actual original unedited Authorised Version?
If only we could just read the King James Bible without having this cloud of extreme KJV onlyism over our heads, then we could see the beauty of the KJV and enjoy its beauty.
David Cameron: “Revival of Christian Values”
Posted by simon peter sutherland in England issues, Issues with Christianity in England today, Reform on December 19, 2011
David Cameron while giving a speech at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford has attacked the moral decline of Britain and has openly called for a revival of Christian values in England and stated that people should openly proclaim explicit values of Christianity.
He also presented critique of the ideas that claim that by standing up for Christian values, we do somehow put down other “faiths”.
He also hailed the King James Bible.
Despite the distinctive observation that the word “faiths” is a historical fallacy concocted by political minds, the word ‘Religions’ is a better description, Cameron rightly spoke against Islamic extremism and claimed that an “almost fearful, passive tolerance of religious extremism” has resulted in Islamic Extremism to remain unchallenged.
One of the things which stands out regarding Cameron’s speech is that he spoke of a “revival” of Christian values and England certainly needs reform and a Christian awakening.
England is forgetting her own history.
Reform is certainly in the air and would involve a new Reformation and a restoration of Truth. But before a reformation of this nature could begin, the Church must get her own house in order first. And since Cameron said this to the Church of England, that is the context and this would call for reform within the Church of England, who has neglected the Bible in favour of passing trends, cultural pursuasions and theological windrushes.
It would be hypocrisy and a burying of ones head in the sand to imagine that the Church of England is in a good way, but there is always hope of reform.
Likewise there is always hope of a Christian awakening within the hearts of the people, but the Church and Parliament must get their own house in order first and remove the plank of wood that is in their own eye, before they can attempt to even suggest that their are splinters within anothers eye. In other words, you cannot expect the people to respect or embrace Christianity and Parliament, if much of Christianity and Parliament has become a harlot. People will not listen to anyone if they do not practice what they preach and the Church and the houses of Parliament of today have not presented themselves without fault.
However there is hope that things can change and it is out of hope that charity is born for without love and charity, ministers and politicians can give speeches all day long, but if they have not charity, they “become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13: 1
And as Paul says, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth” 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8
Will Parliament be willing to seek a restoration of Christian values within England while at the same time feeding the poor of England? Or will it offer a restoration of certain morals only? Is Cameron being genuine at all, or is he just playing a voting game, using Christianity to gain popularity?
If he is being genuine in then I humbly suggest that we must go all the way with this or not at all.
However, regarding Camerons speech, it is interesting to note that in this very same Cathedral that he gave this speech, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer was publicly “degraded” in 1556 and in the 1720’s John and Charles Wesley were ordained as Priests in the Church of England.
Thus, just as great awakenings and reform did come in times past through the church, they can also do so once again in the future.
Thus, these three remain, “Faith, hope and charity” 1 Corinthians 13: 13.
Simon Peter Sutherland
17th December 2011
Simon Peter Sutherland
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Simon Peter Sutherland 