Mark 400th Anniversary of King James Version by Studying Bible [Mormon]

LDS.org ^

[greyfoxx39]

• Mark 400th Anniversary of King James Version by Studying Bible

“It is not by chance or coincidence that we have the Bible today,” says Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He explains that the Bible exists because of the obedience of righteous individuals who followed promptings to record sacred experiences and teachings, as well as the faith and courage of others who later sacrificed much to “protect and preserve” the Bible. Credit is also due, he says, to men such as John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, and Johannes Gutenberg, who translated and published the Bible in languages that ordinary people could understand and read. “I believe even the scholars of King James had spiritual promptings in their translation work,” he says.

Knowing the Scriptures

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Read messages about the scriptures that today’s prophets and apostles have given during general conference.

• “The Blessing of Scripture,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson
• “‘My Words . . . Never Cease,’” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
• “Scriptural Witnesses,” Elder Russell M. Nelson
• “Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Elder Robert D. Hales

May 2, 2011, marks the 400th anniversary of the first publication of the King James Version of the Bible. Throughout the world, people of many religious and nonreligious backgrounds are already commemorating the publication of the Bible with symposia, celebrations, concerts, speaking competitions, and more. Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles suggest another way to mark the occasion: by developing a love for the Bible as we study the life and ministry of the Savior and the words of the ancient prophets and apostles.

“How grateful we should be for the Holy Bible,” Elder Ballard says. “I love the Bible, its teachings, its lessons, and its spirit. . . . I love the perspective and peace that come from reading the Bible.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles agrees. “We love and revere the Bible,” he says. “It is always identified first in our canon, our ‘standard works.’” He reminds us that the Restoration came about because Joseph Smith studied the Bible and exerted faith in the promise made in James 1:5 that God will answer our prayers.

Recalling the events of history that paved the way for the Restoration, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks with gratitude for all who made possible the translation and publishing of the Bible. Because of their work, the King James Version of the Bible was available for anyone to read—and because it was available to young Joseph Smith, the true Church was restored to the earth. “Is it any wonder that the King James Version is the approved English Bible of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today?” Elder Hales asks.

“We must ever remember the countless martyrs who knew of [the Bible’s] power and who gave their lives that we may be able to find within its words the eternal happiness and the peace of our Heavenly Father’s kingdom,” Elder Ballard says.

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shares a story about viewing a centuries-old family Bible and finding a quote on the title page that said, “The fairest Impression of the Bible is to have it well printed on the Reader’s heart.” He follows with this scripture (2 Cor. 3:2-3): “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in the tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.”

The best way for us to honor and remember those whose sacrifices not only allow us to read the Bible in our language, but also to enjoy the blessings of the Restoration of the gospel, is for us to know the Bible and its accompanying scriptural texts. By knowing and loving its teachings, we show our appreciation.

“Consider the magnitude of our blessing to have the Holy Bible and some 900 additional pages of scripture,” says Elder D. Todd Christofferson. “May we feast continuously on the words of Christ that will tell us all things we should do.”

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The Bible and the Book of Mormon

As separate testaments of Jesus Christ, the Bible and the Book of Mormon support rather than supplant each other. Elder Russell M. Nelson explains, “Scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the Book of Mormon was ‘written for the intent that ye may believe [the Bible]; and if ye believe [the Bible] ye will believe [the Book of Mormon] also.’ Each book refers to the other. Each book stands as evidence that God lives and speaks to His children by revelation to His prophets.”

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The King James Bible and the Restoration

Religious scholars presented LDS perspectives at a Brigham Young University symposium, The King James Bible and the Restoration, in February 2011.

[MHGinTN]

The LDS mind does not comprehend a 'work of faith', even when it posts the example Paul gave of Abraham. So, just for readers of this thread, let's make an analogy:

When Abraham was taking Isaac to the place upon the mountain where he believed he was to make sacrifice to God, he told the servants to wait at the foot of the mount, that 'they' --he and Isaac-- would make the sacrifice and return to them at the foot of the mount. Abraham was making a work of faith in that he believed God' promises to him regarding making his descendants so numerous as to be like the sands of the sea. Abraham believed God would restore Isaac regardless, so that God would keep His promises. 'Abraham believed God and it was counted for him righteousness.'

Now the clue, as provided by Jesus speaking to Thomas after the Cross: Jesus saith unto him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

When I place my faith in Jesus on my cross suffered He in my stead, then I act upon that belief by striving to keep the Two Great Commandments, God imputes to me righteousness, just as He did for Abraham in believing the promises of God. Thus salvation is by faith not of 'works' lest any man should boast. An act of faith is behaving as Jesus told the Pharisees was the work God required, as illustrated by Abraham's 'work of righteousness', where Abraham behaved according to his belief, his trust, in God's Promise.

A clue: Jesus told the Pharisees that David rejoiced 'to see His day'; Jesus taught them that 'blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.'

Finally, Paul differentiates 'works of righteousness which we have done' and the work which God requires, which is trusting in His Promises, as illustrated with the example of Abraham and the trust Rahab exhibited and ultimately as Jesus illustrated perfectly in going willingly to the Cross trusting God would raise up the body and 'not allow His Holy One to see corruption'. Trusting in God's Promise is a different 'work' than something one does in pride of self, such as charity work trying to earn God's favor.

[reaganaut]

Bear..

bare...

what DIFFERENCE does it make??

- - - - -
Whether you get killed or are just cold.

[reaganaut]

MormonDude(I get this warm and fuzzy feeling every time I read about Moroni...)

- — - - -
Here this might help then...

http://www.affirmation.org/

[SZonian]

Then why don’t you “correct” that which you allege is misinformation instead of just alleging the poster is engaged in spreading misinformation?

[SZonian]

Mormons have offered up absolutely no proof that the Bible was/is mistranslated. Nor can they turn to the JS translation either since you don’t use it.

I’m sorry, it appears that god lied to JS when he told him to “correct” the Bible. JS got killed before he could complete “god’s” assignment to him.

What you appear to be saying is that God is not omnipotent. That IF the Bible were not translated correctly and IF JS were a true prophet, why would God permit JS to be killed before he could complete God’s work?

Hmmm...

[SZonian]

Interesting gambit you got going there.

Instead of countering the information presented, you keep using a question as a “response” in an attempt to deflect and to keep the poster on the defensive.

How...alinsky like.

[svcw]

Are you as amused as I am that posting links to lds sites and publications, using lds’ own words, using the lds historical documents, quoting lds leaders directly is considered misinformation.
You are correct we never or rarely have a response that points out what the lds’ own words are misrepresented.

[SZonian]

"Unfortunately, you haven't provided a single quote where an LDS leader stated that Mary had physical sex with God."

Yes, svcw has provided the quotes, names, sources, etc. you so casually dismiss. Denying it does little for your "argument".

"You simply assumed that is what they were talking about because that is what you want to see."

Could it be that you're simply denying it because it contradicts with your worldview?

Aren't you simply assuming they didn't say it because that would contradict with that you want to see?

[reaganaut]

I suspect Oremites realised he got ‘schooled’ on this thread and won’t be back. SZ, I’m sure you remember what it was like (I know I do) when we (as LDS) were confronted with things we couldn’t explain or defend. It was easier to run away than try to actually defend LDS beliefs. We see it on here alot.

[reaganaut]

A faith that cannot be defended is a faith that is not worth having.

[SZonian]

It’s good exercise though and it offers up valuable insight about how TBM’s think and the tactics they attempt to bring to the table.

[Godzilla]

Then why don’t you “correct” that which you allege is misinformation instead of just alleging the poster is engaged in spreading misinformation?

You are so funny SZ. We have yet to see a mormon post the "correct" information here - always the pasturized milk versions.

[DustyMoment]

Got a list of these we can see; instead of us hoping that you are telling the truth?

You can start with these: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/feb/19/bible-king-james-version-david-edgar http://bible.org/article/why-i-do-not-think-king-james-bible-best-translation-available-today

[reaganaut]

That it does, brother.

[ejonesie22]

Ok, I'll bite, so what is the correct translation that does not “gild the lily”...

Where is this real unadulterated Gospel of Christ
found...

[Elsie]

I'm a MORMON ...

 

 

 

http://www.affirmation.org/

[Bidimus1]

Well the oldest is of course Codex Sinaiticus from 4th century A.D. Other fragmentary go back to 2nd or late 1st Century

As far as a modern language translation, for English there are 2 primary schools of thought

Literal word for word translation that may make the English some what less “modern” and a bit “wooden”

ESV and NASB are exmaples of this

while a more idiomatic / paraphrase style is represented by

NIV
Living Bible (a paraphrase of NASB)

Personally I tend to read NASB and NIV but if push comes to shove the most NASB would be my pref but smidgen.

There are of course many others, the works that translate from the most ancient manuscripts with the large number of scholars are to my way of thinking the most accurate.

[ejonesie22]

I tend towards the NIV in general use for teaching due to clarity as well as the ASV but don't see either of those making the KJV inaccurate or obsolete except in language. Even the Catholics and Orthodox find the KJV an acceptable translation of the books it contains.

Each translations sees its variations and direct accuracy varies but to say they are “fiction” or don't accurately portray the Gospel is a tick much.

I wonder what failings our friend sees beyonds that.

[Bidimus1]

If i recall there are a few grammatical errors in KJV , the were copied word for word by j.smith by the way.

The archaic language of KJV makes it some what harder to read as I tend to have to “translate” to modern English as I go.

At least one lds person I knew said other translations did not have the “feel” of the KJV. I guess its like old English script seems more.. “formal” than just reg text.

[william clark]

I see a problem with this approach. One thing I don’t think you can accuse Mormons of is a lack of faith. Holding fast to their position in light of the total lack of archaeological evidence to support the BOM; the multiple substantive changes therein; the demonstrated fraud of the Book of Abraham translation; contradictory accounts of the First Vision; apostasy and condemnation of the original “witnesses”; false prophecies, etc., etc.; they pretty much live and breathe faith. The question becomes, what is that faith based on?

There is what I call the Architecture of Faith, wherein one establishes a factual base (beginning with the concept that we live in and perceive a real, physical world relayed to us mostly accurately by our five senses) and then begins to build a construct of beliefs upon that foundation, each level tied to that which comes before. The mortar that binds these “bricks” is faith, filling the gap between what is believed and what can be objectively proven. There is always going to be some mortar required for any belief (for instance, the belief that while driving through an intersection on a green light, the belief that you’re not going to be hit by a car ignoring the opposing red light; sure it can happen, but the odds are it won’t, so driving through the intersection requires no great amount faith). The important issue is the ratio of faith to evidence; bricks to mortar.

A structure composed of more mortar than brick is extremely shaky and can collapse under very little stress. This is why it’s important for Christians to know why they believe what they believe. An individual’s beliefs may be sound, but if they’re based solely on faith (i.e., it’s what they were taught by someone they liked, so they accepted it), they may crumble in time of testing, or be deceived by whoever shows up at their door carrying a “customized” Bible or other gospel.