preacher4truth
Active Member
I wish to examine some of the beliefs and conclusions of KJVOers and also allow them opportunity to bolster their defense of this system.
A little ground work concerning where they may get some of their ideas follows.
One huge concept of KJVOers comes from the fact that Peter S. Ruckman believes the KJV is an inspired translation, even to the point of it correcting the Greek and Hebrew and is the therefore THE PURE and ONLY Word of God. In fairness not all KJVOers follow Ruckman but there are some who do, and it is consequently truthful to conclude that many of their ideas stem from his system whether they claim allegiance to Ruckman or not.
With Ruckman’s concept of Double Inspiration (DI) in mind, we can look at a text of Scripture used to support this claim:
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times -- Psalm 12:6
This text somewhat explains and lays down the foundation of how this (DI) took place and becomes a part of their apologetic platform. The theory goes something like this; There were 7 translations that came along, and the KJB was number 7 (so say some, but not all). All these other translations were ok, but Gods Word needed to be purified via man (obviously because allegedly He used man to do so and assisted him via Divine Inspiration) until finally translation number 7 came along, and now we have a pure and perfect Bible in the KJV.
That is the logic in a nutshell and therefore it has happened according to Psalm 12:6, that is, God’s Word was in fact purified 7 times.
But how did this translational process transpire, and how did God purify the text to make it perfect and pure? Ruckman’s belief is, that by his own testimony, God came down upon the men of the 1611 AV translation committee and said to them ‘WRITE’ and so they did. He also told them specifically and in context to use the word EASTER in Acts 12:4, so in saying this he is implying that exact Word was inspired by God, so it is now the correct Word. In other words either God corrected Himself, and/or at the very least He corrected the Greek text. All of this is showing that Ruckman had to have had a revelation of some sort, so on this basis his statements must be true. But this is in all totality an arbitrary argument and if any person were to buy into this, in so doing, he or she are simply believing a man’s word with absolutely no other solid evidence of it being true.
Nonetheless this is still an held belief even with these known factors. Ruckman’s allegations of DI fall nowhere short of prophesying (in a backwards manner so to speak) and/or are, again, at the least to be considered a revelation to some extent. To shed more light upon his beliefs we have this statement from Ruckman: ‘Mistakes in the 1611 KJV are advanced revelations.’ Thus what we find is twofold; Any corrections are considered ‘Double Inspiration’ and any ‘mistakes’ are ‘advanced revelations’. We see that seemingly every hold is barred within the defense of the KJV being the only true Word of God. No matter what argument is brought forth there is an answer, no matter how strange such answers may seem to be to those outside the camp.
Another defensive strategy used by Ruckman and his followers falls along this line of thought and is used to brush off any opponent:
Here’s a quote by Ruckman to set the stage:
"Every major, recognized Christian scholar in this century is an habitual, chronic, intentional, pathological liar... (Gen. 3:1)."
Apparently no one is allowed to challenge him (nor can they) without rebuke, thus to do so is basically to get an ‘anathema’ pronounced upon said persons. Challenging these beliefs is apparently used as evidence that those who do so are in fact corrupt and not to be trusted. This may lend itself toward their rejection of modern scholars, theological texts, other Christian writings and may limit them in their understanding of theological truth, something that could be beneficial to them if other works were trusted and employed– see Eph. 4:11ff
But is his indictment fair? It looks as if Ruckman has found a reason for everything, while his main defense is to discredit anyone who opposes him.
That is the basis of Ruckmans defense and his reason to disregard modern scholarship. It may be important at this point to recognize that much of modern scholarship is based upon the writings of the Church Fathers and is an extension and elaboration of their writings. But even if you aren’t a well-known scholar Ruckman concludes that all are untruthful who would embrace or employ their works. This may be the major reason behind his book ‘The Christian Liars Library’ as within it he allegedly elaborates upon his belief in his statement above, and solidifies his belief that only those who believe in his system are correct.
He also rejects just anyone calling the Bible ‘Scripture’, because they have no right to call it this unless they subscribe to his beliefs about DI and the KJV.
These are only some of the maneuvers used by some KJVOers to shut down their opponents. However, even though these things are true, they do not represent each and every KJVOer since there are several differing levels of belief among them. Some are not as strict, but the point here is to create dialogue among all camps within KJVO and to have each show solid evidence for their given beliefs.
With that said here are some of the conclusions coming from within their belief system:
1) 'Mistakes' are 'advanced revelation'.
2) The KJB is purified and perfect and proven so by Psalm 12:6 (with some elaboration).
3) No Bible can be His unless it is perfect.
4) God inspired the 1611 translation in the same way He did the original autographs.
5) If any person is against these beliefs, are a well-known scholar, or not, then it is concluded said persons are dishonest.
6) No one but those in his camp are allowed to call the Bible Scripture – they have no right to do so.
7) Some in this camp will therefore not receive any writings by any modern scholars because they are dishonest.
8) We can see evidence from these held arguments as to why some in this camp will not allow any so-called modern scholars to influence them as by some they are seen as enemies of truth.
9) It has been held that many who hold these beliefs believe they are the only ones that are of the truth.
10) There is an ostensible bias against academia among some within this camp unless such academia comes from within the camp itself. Scholars are not to be trusted. ONLY the Bible is to be used &c.
11) 'Corrections' are 'Double Inspiration'.
There are also other proofs used by KJVOers and in this example we can see how their minds work in defense of this Bible as being inspired (DI) and as evidence of it being 'the only true Bible'. Such is found and defended within the following argument:
'How many letters are in ‘KING JAMES’? '''Well there are 9 and 9 is the number of fruitfulness, ‘because’ Paul was saved in Acts chapter 9, ‘and’ a woman is pregnant 9 months, ‘and because’ in Genesis 9 Noah is told to be fruitful.'''
The clincher? 'Add up the numbers ‘1611’ and you have 9 again.' Thus the concluding thought is this is proof that the KJV is the only true Word of God and is used as evidence of God’s exclusive stamp of approval upon it. This argument seems to extend the meaning and time frame of ‘advanced revelations’ to today.
In all fairness, even as strange as these claims appear I would like to have KJVOers bolster the defense of their beliefs and give some differing proofs concerning their position.
What proofs outside of Ruckman thought, (or within) can be shared to defend the KJVO position?
- Blessings
A little ground work concerning where they may get some of their ideas follows.
One huge concept of KJVOers comes from the fact that Peter S. Ruckman believes the KJV is an inspired translation, even to the point of it correcting the Greek and Hebrew and is the therefore THE PURE and ONLY Word of God. In fairness not all KJVOers follow Ruckman but there are some who do, and it is consequently truthful to conclude that many of their ideas stem from his system whether they claim allegiance to Ruckman or not.
With Ruckman’s concept of Double Inspiration (DI) in mind, we can look at a text of Scripture used to support this claim:
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times -- Psalm 12:6
This text somewhat explains and lays down the foundation of how this (DI) took place and becomes a part of their apologetic platform. The theory goes something like this; There were 7 translations that came along, and the KJB was number 7 (so say some, but not all). All these other translations were ok, but Gods Word needed to be purified via man (obviously because allegedly He used man to do so and assisted him via Divine Inspiration) until finally translation number 7 came along, and now we have a pure and perfect Bible in the KJV.
That is the logic in a nutshell and therefore it has happened according to Psalm 12:6, that is, God’s Word was in fact purified 7 times.
But how did this translational process transpire, and how did God purify the text to make it perfect and pure? Ruckman’s belief is, that by his own testimony, God came down upon the men of the 1611 AV translation committee and said to them ‘WRITE’ and so they did. He also told them specifically and in context to use the word EASTER in Acts 12:4, so in saying this he is implying that exact Word was inspired by God, so it is now the correct Word. In other words either God corrected Himself, and/or at the very least He corrected the Greek text. All of this is showing that Ruckman had to have had a revelation of some sort, so on this basis his statements must be true. But this is in all totality an arbitrary argument and if any person were to buy into this, in so doing, he or she are simply believing a man’s word with absolutely no other solid evidence of it being true.
Nonetheless this is still an held belief even with these known factors. Ruckman’s allegations of DI fall nowhere short of prophesying (in a backwards manner so to speak) and/or are, again, at the least to be considered a revelation to some extent. To shed more light upon his beliefs we have this statement from Ruckman: ‘Mistakes in the 1611 KJV are advanced revelations.’ Thus what we find is twofold; Any corrections are considered ‘Double Inspiration’ and any ‘mistakes’ are ‘advanced revelations’. We see that seemingly every hold is barred within the defense of the KJV being the only true Word of God. No matter what argument is brought forth there is an answer, no matter how strange such answers may seem to be to those outside the camp.
Another defensive strategy used by Ruckman and his followers falls along this line of thought and is used to brush off any opponent:
Here’s a quote by Ruckman to set the stage:
"Every major, recognized Christian scholar in this century is an habitual, chronic, intentional, pathological liar... (Gen. 3:1)."
Apparently no one is allowed to challenge him (nor can they) without rebuke, thus to do so is basically to get an ‘anathema’ pronounced upon said persons. Challenging these beliefs is apparently used as evidence that those who do so are in fact corrupt and not to be trusted. This may lend itself toward their rejection of modern scholars, theological texts, other Christian writings and may limit them in their understanding of theological truth, something that could be beneficial to them if other works were trusted and employed– see Eph. 4:11ff
But is his indictment fair? It looks as if Ruckman has found a reason for everything, while his main defense is to discredit anyone who opposes him.
That is the basis of Ruckmans defense and his reason to disregard modern scholarship. It may be important at this point to recognize that much of modern scholarship is based upon the writings of the Church Fathers and is an extension and elaboration of their writings. But even if you aren’t a well-known scholar Ruckman concludes that all are untruthful who would embrace or employ their works. This may be the major reason behind his book ‘The Christian Liars Library’ as within it he allegedly elaborates upon his belief in his statement above, and solidifies his belief that only those who believe in his system are correct.
He also rejects just anyone calling the Bible ‘Scripture’, because they have no right to call it this unless they subscribe to his beliefs about DI and the KJV.
These are only some of the maneuvers used by some KJVOers to shut down their opponents. However, even though these things are true, they do not represent each and every KJVOer since there are several differing levels of belief among them. Some are not as strict, but the point here is to create dialogue among all camps within KJVO and to have each show solid evidence for their given beliefs.
With that said here are some of the conclusions coming from within their belief system:
1) 'Mistakes' are 'advanced revelation'.
2) The KJB is purified and perfect and proven so by Psalm 12:6 (with some elaboration).
3) No Bible can be His unless it is perfect.
4) God inspired the 1611 translation in the same way He did the original autographs.
5) If any person is against these beliefs, are a well-known scholar, or not, then it is concluded said persons are dishonest.
6) No one but those in his camp are allowed to call the Bible Scripture – they have no right to do so.
7) Some in this camp will therefore not receive any writings by any modern scholars because they are dishonest.
8) We can see evidence from these held arguments as to why some in this camp will not allow any so-called modern scholars to influence them as by some they are seen as enemies of truth.
9) It has been held that many who hold these beliefs believe they are the only ones that are of the truth.
10) There is an ostensible bias against academia among some within this camp unless such academia comes from within the camp itself. Scholars are not to be trusted. ONLY the Bible is to be used &c.
11) 'Corrections' are 'Double Inspiration'.
There are also other proofs used by KJVOers and in this example we can see how their minds work in defense of this Bible as being inspired (DI) and as evidence of it being 'the only true Bible'. Such is found and defended within the following argument:
'How many letters are in ‘KING JAMES’? '''Well there are 9 and 9 is the number of fruitfulness, ‘because’ Paul was saved in Acts chapter 9, ‘and’ a woman is pregnant 9 months, ‘and because’ in Genesis 9 Noah is told to be fruitful.'''
The clincher? 'Add up the numbers ‘1611’ and you have 9 again.' Thus the concluding thought is this is proof that the KJV is the only true Word of God and is used as evidence of God’s exclusive stamp of approval upon it. This argument seems to extend the meaning and time frame of ‘advanced revelations’ to today.
In all fairness, even as strange as these claims appear I would like to have KJVOers bolster the defense of their beliefs and give some differing proofs concerning their position.
What proofs outside of Ruckman thought, (or within) can be shared to defend the KJVO position?
- Blessings
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