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The Word: Methodists and the Bible

Hey!

Welcome to our church's blog. I hope your week is off to a great start. I'm going to try to do a weekly blog where I write about something related to Christianity, Methodists, or our church.

Since some of you may have resolved to read through the Bible this year, I figured we could start there. John Wesley believed that Scripture was inspired, and he said that the Bible is "infallibly true."

Did you know that Wesley translated the Bible? In 1755, he published his translation of the New Testament. Wesley could read Greek, and he used the best Greek manuscripts of his day to compose his translation. Ultimately, though, it was a slight revision of the King James version (1611). There was nothing groundbreaking or exciting in his translation. However, some phrases were easier to read and understand than in the KJV.

If you look at the journals and sermons of John and Charles Wesley, you'll see that they used a variety of different translations: the Geneva Bible (this is the translation Shakespeare quoted from), Martin Luther's German Bible, as well as others.

Since Wesley's day, there have been so many translations. On my desk, there is a New International Version (2011) and a Common English Bible. On the bookcase behind me, there are several more translations: English Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, New International Version (1984), New Living Translation, Christian Standard Bible, the King James Version, and the Message paraphrase.

So, which Bible translation is best? The simple, honest, and blunt answer: the one that you'll actually read.

Unlike other denominations or church groups, the United Methodist Church does not have an official or recommended translation. However, the Sunday school material and other UMC resources primarily use two translations: the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the Common English Bible (CEB).

If you're interested, the NIV is my favorite translation. I don't have any fancy theological reason or explanation why. Very simply, it's what I grew up reading. My first Bible was the NIV teen study Bible.

Here is a link to the Cokesbury guide that tells you more about popular translations, such as how they were translated, as well as reading levels.

My favorite preacher, Bill Hinson, had a tradition. Every year at Christmas, his wife Jean would buy two Bibles. She tried to buy a different translation every year. During that year, Bill and Jean would read through those Bibles, highlight, underline, and make notes in the margins. Their plan was to eventually give all those Bibles to their grandchildren.

Also, if you haven't tried reading the Bible on your phone, give it a try. The YouVersion Bible app is amazing, and there are some exceptionally reading plans available.



If you're interested, here is a link to our Facebook page.

Blessings,
AK

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