Ask the Pastor

Q: I have a good friend who is a very good and zealous Christian, but he constantly criticizes me because I use the New Living Translation of the Bible. He believes the only reliable version is the King James. I read the King James, too, and enjoy it, but the New Living Translation helps me to understand difficult passages. Am I wrong, or is he wrong? Which is the best and most reliable translation of the Bible?

A: Your question raises a number of issues for me. The first of these issues does not relate to the question; it relates to your good friend. You describe your good friend as a very good and zealous Christian who constantly criticizes you because of your choice of Bible translation. I would submit that I have to first question your premise of a very good Christian. Very good Christians should not be people who go around criticizing people, especially their good friends. Your friend obviously does not understand that we can disagree with one another without being disagreeable. As it so clearly states in Galatians 5:19-23, the fruits of the Spirit that we reveal in our relationships with others tell far more about how good a Christian we are than any other measure. Being a criticizing person does not sound like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. I think your friend needs to spend some time in Gods Word, whatever translation he prefers, and learn about Gods love and commandment about loving one another.
It has been my experience, sadly, over the years t ...