Dealing with KJVO in my church

Our church by doctrine is not KJVO but the couple who just took over the teaching of our young adult Sunday School class is, and this is causing a problem for me that I'm not completely sure how to deal with. Now, I have respect for those who choose to use only the KJV bible, even those who think its the "best" version, as long as they have respect for the fact that I have owned an NIV bible since I was 12 and, although I don't believe its the "only" bible, I use it most often. However, this couple, actually just the girl, is not at all respectful of that position. We had a talk about it one night when I first started attending this church. I pointed out that I have was most comfortable using my NIV bible because I was so familiar with it although I did often read other versions, mostly the KJV and NKJV. (actually, now that I think of it - its MY bible w/ all its notes and highlighting that have been there for ten years that I love using, I wouldn't even want a different copy of the NIV!), Her response to this was that most people only read the NIV because they think it is easier to understand and can't understand the KJV bible. Her attitude was very condesending, it made me feel like she was implying that I (who has a college education when she does not) was TOO STUPID to try to understand the KJV bible. During this talk she proceded to point out numerous "flaws" in "my" bible that were not in "hers" - she focused mostly on the Isaiah 14 issues in regard to Christ as the "morning star" (which I can now refute after doing some research). Her most rediculous arguement was this: she pulled out a parallel bible and showed me a passage in both versions, then pointed out "Look how much shorter the NIV is! Look at ALL THEY TOOK OUT!" Although I didn't argue with her on this, It was obvious to ME why the NIV passage was shorter: It was written in paragraph form while the KJV started over on each line! If the KJV hadn't so much white space they'd be nearly equal. OOOH I won't even go into her arguement about the bible being a "stand alone book" that shouldn't have footnotes (those nasty footnotes in my NIV that just aren't there in her KJV), although I know beyond a doubt there are SO many words in the KJV bible she would not be able to understand w/o looking in a dictionary. However, I refused to argue with her during this time, I listened to her babble on and on w/ respect for her position, and finally told her I needed to leave.

I could deal w/ this person if it wasn't for the fact that she and her husband are now teaching our class, becaues I could chose just to walk away from an arguement about KJVO. But now that they are teaching they (or, I should say, she - I have never had a problem with this guy) have chosen to bring their KJVO views into the class - even though I don't believe that our church advocates KJVO (if it did I would probably be looking for another church!). It is humilating and hurtful to be asked to read a passage of scripture (when they KNOW darn well that I have a NIV bible) and then "corrected" in front of my peers because "MY KJV says it this way" (although the variation in every instance she has done this has been so MINOR it is just completely rediculous) especcially when this is said with an attitude of arrogance, judgementalism, and extreme pride. I can deal with people who want to read things in different versions but the ATTITUDE is what really hurts. If someone were to say, "I think it's interesting that the KJV uses this word that means this" or something similarly intelligent, I would be okay. But for someone to point out "MY KJV says it THIS way" (sharp, condescending emphesis added on the capitalized words!) is, to me, just plain rude. Most people in our class have a KJV (although I think perhaps only one of them is KJVO) so it is only a problem when my sister or I are asked to read. Neither of us are going to change the bible we've carried for the last 10 years to please our teacher, nor do I feel God would want or require this. But it is very hurtful and embarrasing to me to read scripture and hear "well, MY KJV says this..." Not to mention that I'm getting NOTHING out of our studies because I'm sitting there ready to cry in our class after being rubuked in it for reading things "wrong."

I have posted about this on another board and got a lot of encouragement, along with the recommendation to use the guidelines in Matthew 18 to confront this issue. I just don't know how to address this issue with this girl, she is very stubborn and I don't expect that she is going to listen to what I have to say and have any respect for it (she doesn't even have respect for the fact that I can't stay out till 4 A.M. w/ her and other members of our class because I have to work for a living - when she stays home and relies on her husband) ::sigh:: I know that I'm dealing with more than just the KJVO issue here, its more me dealing with her attitude, but the KJV thing is giving me the most discouragement: I have already skipped Sunday school many times to avoid being (1) embarrased and hurt (2) drug into an arguement about versions that I don't want to take part in, and (3) possibly getting angry and saying hurtful things. I have searched my own heart and prayed about my attitude being right - I don't feel like I"m being prideful (I feel that I am very humble, and its not my pride that's being hurt, its the fact that I would like to be able to study God's word w/ my friends in my church without ridicule)and God is giving me a really level head about this and keeping me from getting angry. However, I feel so hurt over this. I have been a christian since I was 8, raised in church and educated in a christian school. I quit going to church about 3 years ago because of - you guessed it - hurtful Christians. I just returned to the church 5 months ago and am already being hurt, wishing I could go somewhere else. I can't stand this. So, if anyone can offer advice, especially how to take that first step of confronting her with this issue, please email me. My address is mandieanne79@aol.com. Thank you all for at least listening and God bless.

Amanda

 

Thank you everyone for your replies. I am sorry that my post had to bring about arguements though - I don't think God would want the response to Christians pouring out their heart's burden to be personal attacks on anyone.

In response to KJV1611only, I did not mean my post to be an attack on or a complaint about anyone. It was just an honest explanation of the way that I am feeling: hurt, disrespected, embarrased, and let down. I hope I didn't come across as angry because I am not. I wrote this after a vexing situation with this person, and I think that might have had some undue influence in my speech. If it was taken as anything but a hurtful response I am truely sorry.

As far as going to my pastor (Thomas do you know Pastor Roe?) it may come down to that but I don't want to...I don't want anyone removed from their position in the church, don't want start fights or arguements over who's right or wrong, don't want to set up "sides" (I HATE THAT) - but I don't want to hold this hurt in my heart anymore either. And I know I am dealing with more than just a versions issue, I know that the root of the problem is this is a person I am just not comfortable being around (although I have been in the past, and wish I could be again - and I guess that makes it harder because this is a person that was becoming a friend and I think I also have some feelings of betrayal and discouragement) I guess I just don't know how to deal with that. It makes it very tough in our small church, especially because in our class we are all friends and do a lot together outside of church activities, and especially when it is someone everyone seems to look up to, some I think TOO much. So you see, the KJVO is only one part of the issue here. And I think my personality only makes it harder to confront this issue: I am a very happy-go-lucky person and I think I just have a very loving demeanor, so to admit even to myself that I have a problem with another person is next to impossible for me. So how does a person, especially a person like me, tell someone that "hey, your personality bothers me" or "The things you do hurt me?" I don't want anyone to change for me...I don't want this girl to change her views on anything, even the KJV. I just want her to accept me for who I am (hmmm the way God does?) I guess I just want to feel more respected, appreciated, and accepted as a friend with this person rather than a dumb young christian that she needs to guide to the truth (wow - didn't even realize I felt like that until I wrote it)

::sigh:: this has gotten long and very off topic - guess I"m venting again. All in all, I agree w/ what someone wrote me in an email today: God has put me in this situation for a reason. Already I have learned so much by studying the version issues (beforehand I had no knowledge to argue the point even if I wanted to), although I would rather be studying His word to grow and not to feel as though i need prove myself. And I wish that Christians could all just get along and quit judging each other on silly little doctrinal issues - I've seen people hurt over this my whole life and it makes me sad beyond belief.

-Amanda

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.