Let me begin by asking a challenging, and seemingly, an intrusive or personal question. It is not meant to be. Still, the question is, “Which Bible do you read?”
In the days of our grandparents the question would be unnecessary. In the home and at houses of worship the same Bible was found. When I say “the same Bible” I am speaking of the same version of the Bible. In this case it would be the King James Version which was commonly called the Authorized Version.
The question of “which Bible” is a valid question today. There have always been many versions available to Bible reading people. But the last half century experienced an avalanche of versions coming on the scene. The appropriateness of the question “which Bible” is justified by the introduction of these many versions.
Someone is sure to ask why this issue or question would arise for discussion in a column like this. It is a fair question and the answer might both surprise and interest you. At least the details seem worthy of discussion.
Just four days ago, a random and aimless search of the many books in my library revealed a book entitled Human Nature in the Bible by one William Lyon Phelps identified as a Lampson Professor of English Literature at Yale.
The book is an old book, printed in 1922. I bought the book from a used-book dealer for one dollar back in the 1970s. It had never been examined by me. A casual reading of the introduction provided the hook and now I have completely read the book.
Oddly, Phelps did not present himself as a preacher, a Bible scholar or a student. The list of books he had written did not indicate a pursuit of Bible teaching. I say that to emphasize the point that the man was more than familiar with the Bible and the Bible story.
Phelps position toward the King James Version of the Bible set forth in the introduction is in such harmony with positions offered and defended by scholars I have known and loved in decades long past. Unlike the polemic tone of others, Mr. Phelps seemed to present his position in a cordial but steadfast manner.
Those older in years will appreciate the words and feelings of Mr. Phelps. It is to that end I chose to write about and share his position today. I will not come close to saying and sharing all I want to in this column. Possibly, this discussion will continue in next week’s column.
Phelps first words of the introduction are wide in scope as he says, “Priests, atheists, skeptics, devotees, agnostics, and evangelists are generally agreed that the Authorized Version of the English Bible is the best example of English literature that the word has ever seen. It combines the noblest elevations of thoughts, aspirations, imaginations, passion and religion with simplicity of diction.”
Phelps expressed feelings toward the Bible would not set well with the politically correct of our day and probably would be opposed by many in high places in our land. Listen as he says, “Western civilization is founded upon the Bible; our ideas, our wisdom, our philosophy, our literature, our art, our ideals, come more from the Bible than from all other books put together.” He further says, “It is a revelation of divinity and of humanity…”
The author becomes more exact and definite in his feelings toward the Authorized Version as he states, “I have no theory to account for the so-called ‘inspiration of the Bible,’ but I am confident that the Authorized Version was inspired.” Of course, that is a far-fetched statement but it is one I wish I could share with the late Thurman Chitwood. He, along with many of his generation, would delight in knowing a learned man set forth a position the same as their own.
Mr. Phelps position is one embraced by my friend, the late Foy E. Wallace, Jr. Brother Wallace boldly stood in the pulpit and declared, “I am using the same Bible I used when I began preaching in the early 1900s.” I look across my study to a shelf holding his scholarly work of over 800 pages “A Review of the New Versions.” Brother Wallace was not as merciful in his opposition to the modern versions as Mr. Phelps was in his warm endorsement of the King James Version. But, then Phelps had not witnessed in 1922 the introduction of those seen by Wallace by the time he composed his work in 1976.
There are many more comments and observations to be shared.
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