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Showing posts from June, 2025

Not What You Want It to Say: Reading the Bible as It Is

Listen to this Article One of the biggest differences between the way we communicate in the modern West and the way Scripture communicates in the Ancient Near Eastern world is the order of logic and story. In the Western mindset, communication usually starts with a point, a thesis, or a logical argument. Only after the point has been made, do we bring in examples, illustrations, or stories to prove or clarify it. Think of a school essay: “Here is my argument. Now here are three examples to support it.” But in the world of the Bible, things often work in the opposite direction. Instead of leading with logic, teachers, poets, and prophets led with illustration. They told a parable, painted a metaphor, used a simile, or set up a vivid image. Then the meaning or logic was left to emerge, often through wrestling, reflection, or further explanation. Jesus followed this ancient pattern. He did not usually say, “Here is the truth: love your neighbor.” Instead, He told a story abo...

Was the KJV Biased? A Look at the King’s Instructions to the Translators

Listen to this Article “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.”  Psalm 119:140 (KJV) Introduction: For many believers, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is not just a translation; it's the Bible. Revered for its majesty, poetic rhythm, and theological weight, the KJV has influenced English-speaking Christianity for over four centuries. Yet behind its beauty lies a royal blueprint few Christians know about: fifteen specific rules issued by King James I to guide its translation . These rules not only influenced how the Bible was translated but also reveal the political, ecclesiastical, and theological atmosphere of the time. Understanding them helps us read the KJV with greater appreciation and awareness. Why Were the Rules Given? In 1604, King James authorized a new English translation to settle growing disputes between Puritans and the established Church of England. To ensure unity, consistency, and political harmony, he appointed 47 sc...

Why Does the Bible Sound Different in Every Version?

Listen to this Article One of the most frequent questions Christians and even honest seekers ask is: Why are there so many English Bibles? Is it the King James Version (KJV)? The New International Version (NIV)? The English Standard Version (ESV)? Or perhaps the New Living Translation (NLT), The Message, or The Passion Translation? Is this a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth  or a beautiful testimony to the richness of God’s Word made accessible in every generation? Let’s explore this essential topic: Why so many translations and versions and how should we think about them? 1. Translation vs. Version: Understanding the Terms In the context of biblical texts, scholars and Bible publishers use the terms "translation" and "version" to describe different English renditions of the Bible, often with some overlap. A translation refers to the process of rendering Scripture from the original biblical languages,  Hebrew , Aramaic , and Greek  i...

Is the Bible Reliable?

Listen to this Article In an age marked by skepticism, historical revisionism, and the rise of alternative spiritual narratives, the question "Is the Bible reliable?" remains more relevant than ever. For some, the Bible is a sacred book, divinely inspired and historically grounded. For others, it is a collection of ancient myths, subject to human error and cultural bias. But what does the evidence actually say? Can we trust the Bible as a reliable source of truth, historically, textually, and spiritually? This blog seeks to offer a clear, compelling, and scholarly-informed response that’s also accessible for seekers, skeptics, and believers alike. What Do We Mean by “Reliable”? To ask if the Bible is reliable is to ask whether it can be trusted: Historically  - Did the events it describes actually happen? Textually  - Has the Bible been preserved accurately over time? Theologically  - Are its teachings internally coherent and relevant across cul...