Question for any Christians on here.

[Skillet]

Hey all, just wanted to pick some brains. I have always read the NIV, yet despite the efforts made to clarify language and meaning, I have a lot of trouble following the book. I think I miss the point a lot of the time, because I can't understand what the authors are saying. There are a lot of complex references and analogies used, along with older literary technique. In order to be able to grasp the message they are trying to put out, I have just ordered a copy of the CEV (Contemporary English Version) It puts the bible into modern language, while trying to remain a literal translation, it is supposedly easier to read than even the NIV. However, I have found some sites calling anything but the KJV a "perversion" of God's word. I have the feeling that these folks are the extremist hypocrite types (The ones who say "I'm going to heaven, but you're not because you don't do it this way") They claim that anyone wanting to study the bible, needs to read the KJV. Anything less is not a faithful version according to some, because they feel that meaning is lost when the bible is translated to modern language. Is this true? Am I being mislead unless I read the old one that I can't understand at all? I think that if that were the case, then we would have to read the texts in latin and hebrew script to get the true jist of it. I feel that God's word is for all of us, and that anything which makes it easier and more accesible it a good thing. Probably not the best site to ask this, but I know at least several of you who are Christian. Thoughts?

[Deerthug]

As a Greek Orthodox Christian I was raised to read the Evangelion (Gospel). It is the Byzantine version coupled with th KJV. But as I grew older I found it difficult to understand it myself. Instead over the last couple of years I've been reading the Youversion bible on my iPhone. It allows you to choose whatever version you want to read and if you don't understand a verse you can switch to a different version to help understand. Also I don't read the Bible from cover to cover. I usually look up different passages depending on my thoughts and feelings on that particular day.

[nyantler]

There would be nothing wrong with reading the version easiest for you to understand first, then go back and read the KJV... you will follow the KJV much better then... the message is still the same... the fact that you have opened yourself to reading it is most important..., however you receive it's message.

[Skillet]

Thanks guys!

[erussell]

I would suggest a comparitive study Bible. They come with 4 versions in one Bible for easy reading and comparing of scriptures.

[Kevin]

Hey there Slikket.... there is nothing wrong using whatever version keeps you in the WORD. Wether its the KJV, NIV, the Message ... you read whichever you need to.

KEEP IT UP

[SteveMcD]

As a Roman Catholic, I grew up on the St. Joseph's Version of the Bible. However, I have the KJV and the NIV, as well. Just making sure I got all may bases covered! ;-)

Being a good Christian is about the Llfe we lead. Not how pious we are.

[Skillet]

I appreciate the feedback guys, Thanks.