sides
Actual phone call today at 3.37 MST…
“I was wondering what Bible do you use there at your church.”
Grant: “Well, we call it the Holy Bible but it’s made up of the 39 books in the Hebrew Bible, commonly called the Old Testament and the 27 books of the Early Church, commonly called the New Testament.”
Long pause.
Grant: “Sir, obviously that’s not exactly what you meant…um….did you mean what translation or version?”
“Yes…that’s what I meant.”
G: “You’ll hear us use the NIV or NAS, sometimes the Message. Heck, we’ll even through in a good King James Version every now and then.”
“Thank you. I’m looking for a church that only uses the good ‘ole King James.”
So I gave the names of a few churches he could call. As we were ending our conversation, he said this to me.
“You know, you’re the first person I’ve called that hasn’t judged me on my opinion. I’ve been called a legalist, a fundamentalist, and lots of other names. But from the very beginning of this phone conversation you’ve been kind and gentle and respectful.”
“Thank you and I’m sorry you were treated that way. Sometimes it’s shameful how we treat each other in the body of Christ. I hope you find what you are looking for.”
And we said good-bye.
6 responses so far ↓
1 LIZ // Aug 15, 2007 at 7:10 am
Thank you for sharing, it brought back memories and made me smile….
I come from a fundamentalist back ground
and can relate to the person to whom you spoke.
One night while reading the bible with my
parents I read the scriptures from my NIV, as I finished my dad handed me his King James and said, now sis read it from the bible and I did. I laughed because that was who they were, how they believed and I so loved them for the Godly parents they were.
Thanks again.
2 Adwire Guy // Aug 15, 2007 at 9:45 am
We must all be careful, regardless of “style” of church (dress code, worship, meeting times, translations, video vs. no video, etc.). NO group’s style is immune from the allure of being its own legalist in its own way. It’s called flesh, and as long as we are trapped in our earthsuit we’ve all got it.
3 daveb // Aug 15, 2007 at 10:31 am
“Hey, the KJV was good enough for Peter and Paul so it’s good enough for me.” Actually had someone say that to me in Bible College (and they weren’t joking–which I errantly assumed they were).
4 BB // Aug 15, 2007 at 10:41 am
….
5 Grant // Aug 15, 2007 at 10:44 am
true words - Adwire.
heard that as well - DB
I do hope that he finds what he’s looking for…(cue U2 music).
I appreciated his kindness in the conversation. I’ve been called my share of bad names for my preferences all in the “name of the Lord.”
To me it was just a conversation between two people who want very different things and both think they are following Jesus as best as they can.
He desires mercy, justic, and to walk humbly with him.
6 anitab // Aug 16, 2007 at 4:22 pm
I showed David’s great aunt my NIV once and she held up 2 fingers in the shape of claws and hissed at it like a snake. Good times.
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