Review by C. Lloyd Chesser

White, James. 1995. The King James Only Controversy. Minneapolis MN; Bethany House

About The Author James White is Scholar in Residence in the College of Christian Studies at Grand Canyon University. He is Director of Ministry for Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetic organization. He is an apologist, and is the author of several books including Letters to a Mormon Elder, The Potter’s Freedom, and the Roman Catholic Controversy. He obtained a B.A. Degree from Grand Canyon University and an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He and his wife have two children, and live in Phoenix, Arizona

James White has written a book that defines the essence of a modern movement among Evangelicals. This issue is one that has split many churches and friendships. It is a highly divisive issue that is based more on emotion than fact. Reason, seems to have been thrown out the window, by many who advocate this position. What has been looked at as just a minor issue has come the forefront in recent times. The movement is known as “King James Only.” White has risen to the occasion with his masterful work on this subject. This work provides excellent insight to all those who dare challenge their personal traditions on Bible translations

White’s book was written for the sole purpose of sorting through the confusion that surround the volatile issue of English translations of the Bible. White states that he “wrote the work for the person who has a Godly desire to know the truth.” He seeks to dispel the ignorance of the KJV- only advocates, in relation to modern translations of Scripture. The book begins with an introduction to the controversy about the King James only position. White states that he is “ not opposed to the King James Bible, but to the position of KJV - only.” The author moves on explaining the different positions that groups take in this controversy. White moves on to address the underlying texts associated with the King James Version. A brief overview of church history that pertains to the King James issue is featured, as well as accounts of Erasmus, and others who have had an influence on the writing of the King James Bible. Proponents of the King James Only camp are addressed next, followed by chapters on translational issues, textual differences and the deity of Christ. White next addresses’ the problems with the King James Version, and concludes the book with a helpful ” question and answer”section. White’s emphasis throughout the book is clarity. His passion and keen discernment are evident. White stands toe-to-toe theologically with the proponents of the King James only position. The author keeps reality in tune with the theological presuppositions of his treatise. He focuses on biblical perspectives in dealing with the deviant arguments set forth by the King James only crowd. It is through his theological frame work that the reader can see the fallacy of the KJV only position. One of the best chapters in the book was on certain high profile advocates of the King James only movement.. White’s ability to disseminate the faulty logic of these misguided persons prove that he possesses a peculiar, polemical ability. White argues that these authors who promote the KJV only position do so on the basis of the “lure of absolute certainty.” The author illustrates how these type of fallacious individuals propagate a position of being an absolute authority on the position they defend. White succinctly states that the reader should be “quick to question any such notion of absolute religious certainty.” White’s theology, through out the book, is clearly sound. He points out the fact that whatever translation we use to understand John 14:6, is irrelevant because the absolute truth is that the only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ. The author shows how Christians must avoid getting caught up in emotive theological positions. White clearly portrays the ignorance of the KJV only crowd. He says,” From the KJV only viewpoint, you are either with them, or you are against them. There is no middle ground.” The author’s intent is not to “bash” the King James Version, but to expose the misconstrued zeal that traps many blinded believers.

The tone of the book is not so much persuasive, as it is informational. White is not seeking to make people turn from their King James Bible. It is clear that he is simply exposing the unstable foundation of the KJV only position. It is abundantly evident that White knows his subject when it comes to defending the accuracy of Scripture. The book contains many examples of textual variances and correct renderings of Scripture (including Greek variants). The author’ s extensive research is confirmed by the voluminous amount of endnotes per chapter. The propositions of the author are concise and, well thought out. The book does not become laborious or too tedious, on the contrary, it is very readable. All audiences will benefit from this book. White mercifully keeps all the Greek variant readings in the back of the book, so the reader will not “stumble” through the distractions of the New Testament language. White does an excellent job of critiquing the staunchest proponents of the KJV only position, without any declension to their level. He is not a theological “mud-slinger.” It is my opnion that White accomplished his purpose in writing this book. It is interesting how so many Evangelicals will believe just about anything that is presented “forcefully” enough. White’s book exposes a tendency in modern Christendom to think with emotions rather than fact. In this age of political correctness, it is worth noting that sincerely passionate people can still be wrong. To some this KJV only platform appears to be a peripheral issue; I beg to differ. White clearly has written his book from a love of truth. He is not concerned with what others may think of him, based on his desire to expose the hidden dangers of the KJV only movement. The need for White’s book demonstrates the sad state of affairs with modern Evangelicals. The Body of Christ is to be One of unity. This movement thrives on authoritarian exclusiveness, which results in damage, and a fragmented church body. White’s book flirted with becoming too dogmatic in certain sections. It is my opnion that this was not done intentionally, but was merely written to thoroughly cover the spectrum of this issue. White seemed to overkill the point at times. He repeatedly talked about traditions. I understand the point of the author, however a lay person would probably see this as trying to “one-up” the KJV only arguments by overemphasizing the role that traditions play. I am enthralled by a writer who writes with abounding passion. James White is this type of author. The author emphasizes the reason for his book is for the sake of Scripture and truth. It is clearly the author’s intent to see people make a decision about this issue based on irrefutable evidence, rather than a militant emotive, argument. White’s intelligence and manner do not come off as not being condescending, but edifying. He demonstrates concern for the reader by being delicately persuasive. White is informative without being academically dry. In the book, White maintained a good balance between scholarship and readability without insulting the intelligence of the reader. It is abundantly evident that White extensively researched his topic, and was not trying to sensationalize. It is clear that his treatise was motivated by truth, and not by profit. In the Prologue of the book White says,”This book has been a plea for understanding...... This is the one thing I have found lacking in most KJV only advocates with whom I have spoken.” The clarity of this book lends itself to the seeker who is trying to understand the reasoning of this dangerous movement. White has clearly though about the person most likely to read this type of book. I also appreciated the excellent organization of the book. The author clearly and systematically organized the content of the book. This is tremendously beneficial to the reader. The book’s balance will help anyone who reads it, to take a stand on either side of the KJV only issue. White writes in such a manner as to almost be” right there with you” as you read. He is candid and specific. White has mastered the difficult task of putting his ideas onto paper without losing the proverbial “meat” of the thought. The book is very useful to anyone who is in vocational ministry. So many people seem to be fascinated by this issue. White’s book gives one enough exposure to the KJV only position, to gain meaningful insights. The book is a great help one to who is seeking to help someone who is swayed by this movement. White has done all evangelicals a great service by publishing this work. Scripture commands us to “redeem the time.” James White’s book would be a great way to implement that command!