Keeping my word to list some good books on this topic, I would say the following are the eight best to start with (and probably in this order):
Dr. Thomas Holland,
Crowned With Glory: The Bible from Ancient Text to Authorized Version). To see some of his work (scroll down a little when you get to the page):
http://av1611.com/kjbp/faq.html. I read this only recently, and found it excellent, both on the NT Greek text and the OT Hebrew.
Myths about the Modern Versions, by David Cloud (ISBN: 1583180591). Just Google the ISBN number and pick the lowest-priced vendor:
http://wayoflife.org/fbns/mythsabout.htm The King James Version Defended, by Edward F. Hills (ISBN: 0915923009)
Forever Settled: A Survey of the Documents And History of the Bible, by Jack Moorman (ISBN: 18883280610)
The Revision Revised, by John Burgon (Google: revision revised burgon hobbs – [I like this edition])
Ted Letis (Dr. Theodore P. Letis) has some cutting-edge, can’t-do-without research on textual matters, especially the history of the Textus Receptus from the Reformation on, and also what part B.B. Warfield played in turning the P&R churches to the German/modernist criticism. The Letis books get here, as otherwise they generally cost a fortune:
INSTITUTE FOR BIBLICAL TEXTUAL STUDIES
5151 52nd Street, S. E., Grand Rapids, MI 49512 - Telephone (616) 942-8498 –
email@kjv-ibts.org The Majority Text: Essays & Reviews in the Continuing Debate, Theodore P. Letis IRRBS 2000 $20.00
Paper back, 210 pages
The Ecclesiastical Text: Text Criticism, Biblical Authority and the Popular Mind, Theodore P. Letis IRRBS 2000 $28.00
Paper back, 232 pages.
Edward Freer Hills's Contribution to the Revival of the Ecclesiastical Text, Theodore P. Letis, Paperback, 177 pages
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Burgon is not easy reading, but once gotten into, and gotten used to, he is a textual detective
par excellence! Letis has vital material none others have. Hills is a classic. Moorman's a great resource. Cloud's book I would say is good foundation material. Holland also a great intro to the KJV / TR issues from a scholarly, irenic, gracious viewpoint.
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Rob (CH), don’t jump the gun. There may be folks preparing a response!
I should also say that while there may be a few “railers” in the CT camp (and for sure we have our share!), most folks who hold to the various CT editions are serious and devout followers of the Lord Jesus, who simply differ in their take on the data. My own wife is such a one, and she is a godly woman who loves the word of her God; the pastor I had in NYC before moving to the Middle East is another.
Though he is a formidable opponent in this fray, James White is a top-notch scholar and apologist for the Faith, whom I love and respect. I refuse to villainize him for his views, although I hold him to seriously err in this one area. Can brothers not disagree on a matter and yet remain in gracious unity in their hearts in the presence of the Savior? I seek to exemplify this approach. There is swordplay among brothers and friends, and there is the drawing of the sword against the evil one – it is part of spiritual maturity not to confuse the two.
It is almost always wise to discuss the issues and data rather than the personalities of those who differ. We are on much safer ground that way, for the gospel is,
We are more wicked than we ever dared to think [the “remaining corruption” and self-love within us],
and more loved than we ever dared to hope [seeing our Savior poured out His heart’s blood for love of us even while we were ungodly and enemies]. One who is aware of his or her own profound wretchedness is slow to look askance at his brother, whom the Lord loves as He loves us! Is not this a truly
Reformed state of heart and mind?
Those who would wield the Sword of the Spirit well walk in this light.
Samurai of the Almighty
The modern warrior in reality is not the martial arts and weapons master of popular story, but the one who walks so as to give no inward place to the Devil, who walks humbly and meekly before God and man, yet has the authority and the power to lay waste demonic strongholds. The modern warrior's rule is purity of heart, simplicity of life, and the presence of God. Such a one can call on the Almighty, and is His samurai in the nether realms, wielding a lightning sword, the sword of the Spirit.
Steve