I think it was C.S. Lewis who said, “The more the Bible is translated, the less it is read.”
There seem to be no end to Bible translations. The motive behind them is sometimes questionable, sometimes understandable.
Although most SI participants do need need to be cautioned, I do not want this poll to serve as an opportunity for long tirades and posting endless links about why all versions are bad except for the KJV. This is about which version your church uses.
Feel free to write a brief comment as to whether you agree that this is a good version, and, if so, what you like about it.
Feel free to comment as to which versions your church may have used in the past.
When I came to the church I now pastor in 1983, I brought the NASB with me. Years later, due to lay leaders who pushed for the NIV, I went along it, although it was not my favorite. Then, about 7 years ago, because of changes in the NIV (and their tipped hand when they promoted TNIV with a feminist agenda) we went to ESV (I secretly prefer NASB, but the Lockman Foundation has done too good a job of locking it up!), and I am pretty content with the ESV. It is about as literal as the NASB, but the ESV retains some awkward KJV language, e.g., “Forsake me not” (Psalm 27:9) instead of “Do not forsake me.” But, all in all, I am happy with it, especially in contrast to the NIV.
What about you and yours?
Poll Results
Which Version of the Bible does your church use?
ESV Votes: 12
Our church has no single version that is typically used. Votes: 7
NASB Votes: 2
NKVJ Votes: 10
KJV or KJV revised (as in New Scofield) Votes: 6
NIV Votes: 1
CSB/HCSB Votes: 1
RSV/NRSV Votes: 0
ASV Votes: 0
Other Votes: 0
Discussion
NewRSV
I’ve used the RSV for the past two years, and really like it. I’ll likely be switching to the ESV, more or less permanently, in the next few weeks. My church has no standard translation.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewKJV
Our church uses the KJV, though our pastor may have occasionally referred to another translation a time or two. In my classroom (of the Christian school associated with the church), I use (with permission) the NKJV for my foreign exchange students.
NewMy church has used the NASB
My church has used the NASB since way before I came. I believe the goal is to eventually switch to the ESV. I personally prefer the NASB but I think the ESV would probably make a better pew Bible.