King James Onlyism: A New Sect by Dr. James D. Price (2006-05-03)

As a Fundamentalist, I have read several of the works that address the King James Only issue (White, Carson, etc.). They are all good works that are worth having on the bookshelf. However, Price's work stands out because it is the most comprehensive that I have seen on the subject. Indeed, this was one of Price's aims for the book: "This book is intended to provide a more complete and comprehensive treatment of the subject" (18-19). It is a 658 page work absolutely filled with charts and statistics relevant to the issue. For instance, on pages 320-324, Price analyzes the statistics on how many times various Bible versions explicitly affirm the deity of Christ. There are 10 passages that can affirm Christ's deity. Did you know that the KJV only translates 7 of these as affirming Christ's deity, while most modern versions translate 9 of them so? (1 Tim 3:16 being the one exception due to a textual variant. But see the ESV, which footnotes "God," allowing the reader to decide for himself). There is so much brute fact in this book that it is useful in other realms outside of King James Onlyism. For instance, Price's discussion of the insignificance of textual uncertainty due to corruption is first rate. The manuscripts are really not even close to as bad as most people would have us think (the Mormon Church comes to mind). His testimony to God's ability to preserve His Word through the millennia is scholarly and potent. Overall, a fine apologetic resource, and a must-have for the Fundamentalist pastor. It is high time that genuine Fundamentalism recognizes the pail of King James Onlyism for what it is--false teaching (God never said it) and heresy (unnecessarily divisive). Since this group essentially denies the orthodox position on inspiration, they are worth separating from just as much as liberals, cults, and inclusive evangelicals. This double-standard that exists within Fundamentalism must be rectified.

This book by James Price was an outstanding treatment of the subject. His argument was scriptural and factually accurate. This subject is particularly interesting to me since I currently go to a kjvonly church. I've read at least 5 books on the subject from a kjv only perspective. Grady - final authority, Sorenson - touch not the unclean thing, riplinger - new age Bible versions, waite - defending the king James Bible, and fuller - which Bible. 3 books on the (what I've found to be true) anti kjv only. (Not anti King James version. Just anti kjv ONLY) I've read in this order: White - the king James only controversy, Carson - the king James only debate, and now Price's book. This was a fair treatment of the subject. Written with a Christian spirit, Price refutes the arguments used against modern versions. It is filled with facts and I filled my book with high lights. I can only hope that more on the KJV only side will read this book and seriously examine the facts. Hope this helps.

See the whole ebook online by searching for "King James Onlyism James Price PDF". This book is so expensive and not available at CBD. Anybody know any cheaper sources?

First of all, let me state that I am not a strict KJVO advocate, yet I do thoroughly believe that the KJV is the very best English Bible available and to be preferred above all others from W-H 1881 on. There are many good reasons for this. The KJV is the most elegant English, characterized by majestic phrasing, poetic cadence, elevated style, and an unparalleled fitness for liturgical use. In continuous use now for 400 years it is still unsurpassed for study and preaching. Everyone in the Church should be united under one English Bible so that we all follow the same text. Nothing but the work of Satan can be seen in proliferating so many English versions that confusion on the reading everywhere disrupts the fellowship and liturgical unity of the congregation.The present book under review fails in so many ways that I cannot cover them all here. The overriding complaint is the author's rejection of the doctrine of preservation of the inspired Word. Inspiration can mean nothing if it does not also include preservation. Or can you really think that God will cause His Word to be written only to have it lost by careless men?Secondly, the 5 reasons the author presents (p. 295-6) to justify new versions all fall short of application. (1)English changes over time. — This was once true, but with the universality of print media and standardization through radio, TV, and computers English has become pretty well fixed. (2)Literacy is declining so we need simpler English versions. — So we must now dumb down the Word of the Eternal God? How low shall we go? We should be lifting people up, not pandering to their ever-lowering state of literacy. (3)Differing audiences demand different versions. — Why? Because you are uncomfortable with what God is telling you? (4)There are different theories of textual criticism. — Ah, yes! There's the rub! The bottom line is the conflict between TR and CT (or W-H). This is where all the trouble starts. The real issue is not the translation, but the source-text you are translating from. Will it be the pure Antiochian stream of MSS or the corrupted Alexandrian stream? (5)Differing theories of translation, whether Formal Equivalence (literal word-for-word) or Dynamic Equivalence (thought for thought). — When dealing with God's Word we should obviously be concerned with every single word that He utters, for nothing is superfluous with the Almighty God.Thirdly, among the grave deficiencies of the book are an honest evaluation of both the mysterious history of the famous Uncials Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, and the deplorable condition of their respective texts; as well also a complete lack of discussion of the disputed pericopes Jn. 7:53-8:11 and Mk. 16:9-20, among others.The author's animus against the KJV is evident throughout his highly detailed book. His most dangerous view is that God's Word has been mishandled and lost, and it is up to the professional textual scholars to recover that Word, although some actually think we shall never have a "final text" of the Bible.This is bizarre on theological grounds, but it is the unfortunate end of the whole textual enterprise since Westcott and Hort. Notwithstanding all the above, I would recommend a careful study of this book to provide a nuanced and balanced view of all the components in any position you may choose to take on the question of KJV-Onlyism. The KJV has withstood all assaults since its inception and I have every confidence it will survive every attack yet to come.I love the KJV, I respect it, I cherish it, I honor it as the finished Word of God, I trust it, I live by it.You should, too.