Book Review!

Here is a book review on The King James Only Controversy by James R. White. Hope you enjoy it and find it a worthy resource. I do understand that many people may not be involved in King James Only circles, but it is always good to be aware of issues that are happening within the Church community. Enjoy!

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James R. White is an elder for Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church. In addition to his eldership, White is also the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries and is heavily involved in the Christian arena of apologetics. Here we find White contributing a book that addresses the issues of King James Onlyism and asks if we can trust the modern translations of the Bible. White is sufficiently trained to handle such a topic having taught in the College of Christian Studies, Grand Canyon University.

The aim of the book is stated early in the book’s introduction. White clearly states his goal, “This book is written because of a desire for peace in the church of Jesus Christ. We are not speaking of a peace that is purchased at the price of compromise, but a peace that comes from single-minded devotion to the things of God” (Introduction—p. v). He clearly wants to bring clarity to the debate of King James Onlyism. His definition is also reiterated and given much more detail towards the end of the book stating, “This book has been a plea for understanding. It is my desire that the reader, upon completing this work, will first and foremost have a desire to understand why our English translations of the Bible read as they do . . . I have written this work for the person who has a godly desire to know the truth. I have not attempted to convince the already convinced. I have written for those who are seeking answers, facts, explanations.” (p. 249). The point of the book is very clear—we are to have clarity on the issues regarding the King James Only controversy for the practical purpose of knowing, appreciating, and understanding God and His Word and to use the information to bring Christians together in single-mindedness for God.

White seeks to accomplish this by laying some very early groundwork quickly describing the different categories of King James users may fall into. He defines the people groups and attitudes towards the KJV. He also gives the historical context for the formation of the KJV only Bible. After the introductory work about the KJV White transitions into presenting the case for modern translations by giving the system in which modern translations are based on and have been found to be accurate. After providing adequate information for the reader to understand both the background of the KJV and many of our modern manuscripts and translations White begins to pit the two alongside each other in the following chapters.

White clearly defends the modern translations’ credibility by presenting the reader with historical evidences, philosophical arguments, and sound theological insight. Historical evidences may include the errors in the printing of the AV 1611 or the translation philosophy of Erasmus and those who worked and helped provide the manuscripts of the KJV. Theological insight is found often in this book as White clearly presents Scripture that show common misconceptions in the doctrine of biblical preservation. White also spent some time in the book addressing the extreme KJV advocates and their horrible misconceptions of modern translations of the Bible. He exposes such people as G.A. Riplinger and Dr. Peter Ruckman. Among other issues that are addressed is the King James Onlyism translation hypocrisy. White notes that the translators of the KJV use the same translation philosophy of many modern translations.

White beautifully structures much of the book in a way that the reader can use as a quick referencing tool that may require knowledge on the KJV Onlyism controversy. White arranges the book in an “encyclopedic” fashion (p. 149). These sections are filled with information in addressing the KJV original manuscripts as well as addressing issues on the inspiration of the English translations. Examples are formatted in a way as to present a KJV translation and a modern translation followed by an explanation of the implications of the differences. Many examples are given when White presents his defense which helps the reader be thorough on the subject—understanding both views. His work is thorough and often points to minute translation/manuscript issues that may initially sneak past the eye but carry such great weight and consequences. He clearly communicates and argues for the acceptance to use modern translations.

I believe that this book can be especially helpful for any individual that may be struggling with the King James Only Controversy, any individual seeking to be in full-time ministry, or to anybody struggling with a friend, neighbor, or loved one who has a different view. Its “encyclopedic” format helps this book be a resource to any serious Christian seeking to deepen their understanding of God, you do not need to be a professor, pastor, or seminary student to understand and be aware of the KJV only controversy. Despite the book’s ability to be a resources to the everyday believer it also contains a section towards the end of the book that can give supplemental aide for those who know the original languages.

As stated, White wants this book to be used in an encouraging and God-honoring manner. White has done an adequate job in teaching and displaying the Word of God has authoritative and that the modern translations are faithful and accurate. White’s purpose in writing the book can only be fulfilled if the reader correctly applies the truths presented in this book. It is undoubted that the information is present and reliable, but to translate the information into ministry, life, or evangelism, is the key challenge.