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Originally Posted by sastark  Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristopherPaul I don't wish to debate this topic, but I would suggest reading one of the many threads dedicated to your point. May I just point out that your comment does not necessarily resolve all disputes on the matter.
In our case the vulgar tongue is English. The Geneva and AV are both translated into English and English in its finest and most accurate form regardless of who may be literate or illiterate - it is proper and recognized English. "Vulgar" as used by the authors of our confessions, does not mean slang or dumbed down English simply because the vast majority of the English speaking population has failed in speaking or understanding the English tongue. | Not wanting to debate either, but I will only ask one question in response: Can you name a single, living person who speaks King James English?
And, just so you know, I don't think either of us were saying our comments resolve any disputes, only that we both agree on this point, which is why we use modern translations like the NKJV.
Again, not wanting to debate, just wanting to clarify (and ask a rhetorical question).  |
I am not a "King James onliest" but use it and the Geneva Bible out of preference. Surprisingly, I find that the Geneva is much more readable than I expected and I love the notes by the original Reformers.
These two Bibles have been around for 399 and 409 years, respectively, and up until a few decades ago were the only game in town. During the early years of this country overall literacy was at a much higher level than it is at present - people read and were able to UNDERSTAND what they read. Almost every home had a copy of the KJV, Pilgrim's Progress, and sometimes, Shakespeare. Even though the Bible was written in an archaic form people didn't run around spouting "thee's" and "thou's" in their speech, except, of course, the Quakers! I find that a familiarity with King James/Geneva English promotes an easier understanding of Shakespeare, Spenser, and the Puritan writers, although Owen is still a bear to read!!!
Fast forward to our modern era - overall literacy is down, people, in general, simply don't read any more - education has been so dumbed down that they are incapable of reading, much less understanding, the English of the KJV and the Geneva Bible. New "translations" are coming out all the time, most merely paraphrases - and each is progressively more casual and more "vulgar" in its tone. At this rate how long will it be until the "message bible" is deemed to be too advanced to be understandable?