Christian Book Notes

Ryken, Leland.  The Legacy of the King James Bible: Celebrating 400 Years of the Most Influential English Translation.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  272 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $10.38.

Introduction

The King James Bible is arguably the most polemical book every written (I guess I should say translated as it was written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit thousands of years ago).  May 1611 was when the KJV was finished and published.  We are now in 2011 and have witnessed much in the way of Christianity since the publication of this translation of the Bible.

Leland Ryken is professor of English at Wheaton College and has written a number of quality books.  He also, interestingly enough, served as the literary stylist for English Standard Version Bible.

Summary

Ryken divides this work into four parts.  The first part looks at the KJV in its own day and how much is actually owed to William Tyndale.  Part two looks at the KJV in history.  In this part, we the influence of the KJV on the actual history of Bible translations, on language, on education, and on culture.  The most surprising influence (at least for me) was the KJV’s influence on religion in general.

The third part looks at the literary masterpiece that was and is the KJV.  Here, Ryken seems to be at his best as he traces and compares the prose and poetic styles in the KJV.  The final part discusses the further influence of the KJV in literature since its publication in 1611.  Ryken traces this right up to today.

Review

There is a lot of information to process in The Legacy of the King James Bible. Unless you are a literary genius, you will be mesmerized by the far ranging influence of the KJV Bible.  It is one thing to read the KJV as the Word of God (which is obviously the primary reason for reading the Bible).  It is something completely different to read about the other influences the Bible has had on the history of the world that does not include faith in Christ alone unto salvation.

Ryken’s research is phenomenal as is the extent of where the quotes come from lauding the KJV.  In essence, the King James Bible stands head and shoulders above all other Bible translations as well as above all other literary works throughout the history of the world–a case made and effectively and efficiently argued by Ryken through the quotes from others.

Recommendation

I grew up being taught that the KJV was heresy and not Christian (I grew up Catholic).  Ever since becoming a believer in 2001 I have struggled with reading the KJV.  Personally, I do not care for the style of English from the 1600′s.  More than that, however, is the lingering effects of being taught that this Bible was not Christian for so many years.  I needed this book.  It helped me to overcome some misconceptions and biases that were implanted years ago.

It also helped me to see just how influential the KJV has been in the world and in Christianity.  I recommend this book to all Christians.  I believe Alister McGrath nailed it when he wrote, “Few will fail to benefit from its wisdom and learning.”

Ryken, Leland.  Understanding English Bible Translation: The Case for an Essentially Literal Approach.  Wheaton:  Crossway Books, 2009.  208 pp.  $12.99. Purchase at Westminster Books for $9.74.

Introduction

Leland Ryken has been professor of English at Wheaton College since 1968 and has written over 30 books.  Most notably, he was the literary stylist for the English Standard Version translation of the Bible published by Crossway as well as the coeditor of the ESV Literary Study Bible.

Review

When you ask the typical Christian why they read the particular Bible translation they are reading they usually give an answer like, “I understand it” or “I was raised with it” or “It was given to me when I became a Christian.”  When you ask the typical Christian what translation of the Bible they study, they more than likely offer similar responses.

If you were to ask them to explain the difference between a literal translation and a dynamic translation and points in between, you would undoubtedly get a deer in the headlights look.  Most do not know about the style of translation to care (though some care a bit too much) and really have no clue as to the repercussions of what translation they are reading.  It is one thing to read The Message (a dynamic-equivalent translation) as a devotional, but to study from The Message is to leave one drinking lake water as opposed to the pure spring water found in more literal translations.

Fortunately, Leland Ryken has written a book that greatly helps to introduce the necessity of knowing more about the style of translation used in a Bible.  His book is “thick” enough for the seminary student to read and “light” enough for the layperson to read and both glean the nuances of the problem at hand.  Divided into five parts, Ryken takes his readers on a journey from not understanding the discussion to engaging and wrestling with the issues.

Part one is a simple overview of what is at stake.  Here the reader learns the definitions and questions that need to be asked before embarking on the journey.  The second part offers a short synopsis of how we first got our English Bibles.   I would recommend Paul D. Wegner’s book The Journey from Texts to Translations to anyone wanting to know more about how we got our various translations of the Bible.

The third part might be the most interesting to many readers.  It is in this section that “the gloves come off” so to speak.  Ryken looks at the dynamic equivalence translations that are used extensively in the pews and in studies today and the essentially literal approach.  Upon laying this foundation, Ryken proceeds to argue rather convincingly for the latter.  He concludes his treatise with reasons why an essentially literal translation ought to be predominantly used in the church today.

Recommendation

If you have never given any thought to which translation you are reading, then you need to read this book.  If you are using say The Message or the New International Version, then chances are you will be upset by this book.  That is a good thing!  I have learned over the years that whenever I read something that makes me angry or upset, unless I am reading about something that is sinful, it is usually a good thing.  Read Ryken’s book and be challenged.  Approach the discussion with an open mind and you will be delighted to engage the issue more than you know.