THE LIVING BIBLE:

THE LIVING BIBLE: Blessing or Curse?

By David W. Cloud

This material is published by Way of Life Literature and is copyrighted by David W. Cloud, 1991. All rights are reserved. The material cannot be stored on the Internet or BBS systems. Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, fbns@wayoflife.org. http://www.wayoflife.org

CHAPTER ONE

THE LIVING BIBLE'S TEXT

Few versions of the Bible are enjoying a wider distribution in our world today than the Living Bible. It is published by the multiplied millions of copies. It is recommended by Christian leaders. It is translated into every major language of the world. It is produced in all sorts of editions: Catholic editions, condensed editions, youth editions, Protestant editions, study editions, evangelistic editions.

The Living Bible is not accurate, though, and that is the first and foremost consideration when selecting a Bible. It must be accurate. It must be a pure translation of the Word of God.

At best, the Living Bible can be called a commentary on the Bible, but even as a commentary, the Living Bible is corrupt. The Living Bible, in fact, is frightfully corrupt. We cannot recommend it for any purpose.

Yet it's popularity requires that God's people take a look at this version and know what it is. Come with us as we take a walk through the Living Bible and compare it to the honorable Authorized Version which has been blessed of God so singularly the past 400 years. This comparison, we believe, proves beyond doubt that the Living Bible is a corrupted version of Scripture and should be rejected as such.

The text of the Living Bible compared with the Authorized Version

GENESIS 1:1-2

KJV "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."

TLV "When God began creating the heavens and the earth, the earth was at first a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors."

GENESIS 1:5,8,13,19,23,31

TLB Each time the Bible has the phrase "the evening and morning were the ... day" in Genesis chapter 1, Taylor has a footnote with the following alternate reading: "or, `a period of time.'"

"This is a plain capitulation to the Theosophic Evolutionary Hypothesis [the false idea that God used evolution to `create' the world--Editor]. If `periods of time' were truly the explanation, Exodus 20:9,11 would be a direct contradiction. NOTICE: `Six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, AND RESTED THE SEVENTH DAY' (KJV). If God created for `a period of time,' then He also rested for `a period of time.' But this is not the explanation for God's creation of Genesis 1." <Ken Johnson, The Paraffin Sword (Lubbock: Plains Baptist Challenger).>

NUMBERS 25:11

KJV Numbers 25:11 "Phinehas ... hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel."

TLB "Phinehas has turned away my anger for he was as angry as I."

David Otis Fuller wisely remarks on this verse: "Who could be as angry as God!"

NUMBERS 27:1

TLB The names of the daughters of Zelophehad are entirely omitted.

JUDGES 7:20B

KJV Judges 7:20b "and they cried, the sword of the Lord and of Gideon."

TLB "All yelling for the Lord and for Gideon."

JUDGES 19:2

KJV Judges 19:2 "And his concubine played the whore against him."

TLB "But she became angry with him and ran away."

1 SAMUEL 20:30

In the first editions of the Living Bible, Kenneth Taylor had Saul saying, "You son of a bitch." This was the reading for many years, but because of complaints, Taylor has amended the wording as follows: "Saul boiled with rage. `You fool!'" Taylor claimed that the first reading is the best rendering of the Hebrew text, but he changed it to please his critics.

2 SAMUEL 16:14B

KJV "And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, My Lord, O King."

TLB "Thank you, thank you, sir, Ziba replied."

1 KINGS 18:27

KJV "Cry aloud: for He is a god: either he is talking, or he is pursuing." TLB "Perhaps he is talking to someone or else is out sitting on the toilet."

What nonsense! There is nothing in the Hebrew language of this passage which would require the strange translation Taylor devises. No other popular English translation has ever included such a translation as "perhaps he is ... out sitting on the toilet."

JOB 3:26

KJV "I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet: yet trouble came."

TLB "I was not fat and lazy yet trouble struck me down."

The majesty and accuracy of the KJV is certainly missing here.

PSALM 34:20

KJV "He keepeth all His bones: not one of them is broken."

TLB "God even protects him from accidents."

This is a prophecy of the fact that none of Christ's bones were broken during His crucifixion. It is quoted in John 19:36. What blasphemy to destroy a Messianic prophecy!

EZEKIEL 2:1

KJV "And He said unto me, son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee."

TLB "And he said unto me, Stand up, son of dust and I will talk to you." What right does Taylor have to change "son of man" to "son of dust"?

ZECHARIAH 13:6

KJV "And one shall say unto him, what are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends."

TLB "And if someone asks then, what are these scars on your chest and your back, you will say, I got into a brawl at the home of a friend."

In a footnote Taylor says: "That this is not a passage referring to Christ, is clear from the context. This is a false prophet who is lying about the reason for his scars." This is simply amazing. Zechariah 13:6 is considered a Messianic prophecy by most conservative commentators. The context DOES support this. Zechariah 12-14 is one long Messianic prophecy. Taylor claims to be an "evangelical" but in this instance he talks like a modernist.

MATTHEW 23:14

KJV "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."

TLB Taylor omits the entire verse.

MARK 9:29

KJV "And He said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."

TLB "Jesus replied, Cases like this require prayer."

Taylor deletes fasting from the text entirely. In this instance, the problem lies in the text Taylor chose for the basis of his work. The NASV, following the corrupted Westcott-Hort text, wrongly deletes fasting from this crucial passage.

MARK 16:9-20

The Living Bible includes this passage in the text but has a footnote as follows: "Verses 9 through 20 are not found in the most ancient manuscripts, but may be considered an appendix giving additional facts." This is a lie. The textual witness of the divine authority of these last verses in Mark is so overwhelming that there is no reason to have the slightest shadow of doubt about their trustworthiness. God's people can be sure that Mark 16:9-20 was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the first century and has been preserved in faithful Bibles to our day. This passage was is the Received Text underlying the Authorized Version, and it has been in the Authorized Version for almost 400 years. Mark 16:920 is Holy Scripture, and it is wickedness to cast doubt upon it as Taylor has done.

LUKE 11:1B

KJV "one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray"

TLB "one of his disciples came to him as he finished and said, `Lord, teach us a prayer to recite"

This spurious translation gives support for such sacramental denominations as the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox, with their prayer books, prayer candles, prayer beads, and hollow repetious invocations. Christ did not teach his disciples a prayer; he taught them to pray!

LUKE 11:2

KJV "And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth."

TLB "And this is the prayer he taught them: `Father, may your name be honored for its holiness; send your Kingdom soon."

Notice the carelessness of this paraphrase. The words of the Scriptures are ignored and changed at will.

LUKE 23:42

KJV "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom."

TLB "Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Here Taylor omits Lord from the text entirely, as he does in many other passages. Why? On what authority?

JOHN 2:4

KJV "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come."

TLB "I can't help you now, He said. It isn't yet my time for miracles."

This is simply an interpretation and not a translation in any sense--and a wrong interpretation at that! The Lord Jesus would not have said His time for miracles was not yet come and then do one immediately! He was speaking more of His Crucifixion and His time to reveal Himself to Israel as the Messiah. This verse shows the problem with paraphrasing. If the Bible is not translated accurately and carefully, it is impossible to get the correct Holy Spirit-led interpretation.

JOHN 3:36B

KJV "and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

TLB "those who don't believe and obey him shall never see heaven, but the wrath of God remains upon them."

The reading of the Living Bible teaches a false gospel of works plus faith.

JOHN 6:69

KJV "And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God."

TLB "And we believe them and know you are the holy Son of God."

Where is the authority for omitting such important words as "sure," "Christ," and "the Living God"?

JOHN 13:26

KJV "Jesus answered, he it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it."

TLB "He told me it is the one I honor by giving the bread dipped in the sauce."

Was the Lord Jesus honoring Judas here? Of course not. But Taylor's false translation makes it appear to be so.

ACTS 9:5

KJV "And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

TLB "Who is speaking, sir, Paul asked. And the voice replied, I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting."

Where is the authority for the omission here of `it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks,' or using `sir' in place of `Lord,' or using `Paul' in place of `Saul'? Where are all of the scholars who supposedly checked Taylor's work for accuracy? Why did Taylor not care if he changed words at whim, replacing God's with his own, and deleting large sections of God's Word? Why did the scholars who checked this work not care about such things?

ROMANS 5:1

KJV "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

TLB "So now since we have been made right in God's sight by faith in His promises we can have real peace with Him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."

There is a vast difference between "we have peace with God" and "we can have real peace with Him." Taylor makes God's certainty and absolutely security into a possibility.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:15

KJV "Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."

TLB "For now no one can think that I have been trying to start something new, beginning a `Church of Paul'."

The Living Bible attempts to be a commentary rather than a true translation, but even as a commentary it takes too much liberty with the meaning of the text.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:12

KJV "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away."

TLB "Here I want to add some suggestions of my own. These are not direct commands from the Lord, but they seem right to me: If a Christian has a wife who is not a Christian, but she wants to stay with him anyway, he must not leave her or divorce her."

The KJV gives the correct rendering of this verse. Taylor's reading removes the Divine inspiration from the entire passage. This is unbelievable and is certainly not what the Apostle was saying. Until this point 1 Corinthians 7

Paul had been reiterating things which the Lord Jesus had taught during His earthly sojourn, things such as those recorded in Matthew 19. Now he turns to questions which were not directly addressed by Christ while He was on earth. Paul had been quoting the Lord almost directly; now he is giving new revelation. The accurate reading of the KJV allows this. Taylor's reading does not.

Paul is not saying that he is giving his own uninspired ideas. The Apostle knew that he was writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In this same epistle, chapter 2 verses 12-13, he says: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teachest; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

1 CORINTHIANS 11:18

KJV "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it."

TLB "Everyone keeps telling me about the arguing that goes on in these meetings, and the divisions developing among you, and I can just about believe it."

Kenneth Taylor and his co-translators had a typical new-evangelical attitude toward the local assembly, downplaying the tremendous emphasis the Holy Spirit has placed on the local church in the New Testament and glorying rather in a man-made mystical, universal church which is referred to constantly by ecumenists. This is further evidenced by the many times Taylor changed "church" to such phrases as "all you Christians."

2 CORINTHIANS 5:21

KJV "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

TLB "For God took the sinless Christ and poured into Him our sins. Then in exchange He poured God's goodness into us."

This lends itself to the false Catholic and Charismatic doctrine which denies the subsubstitionary atonement of Christ, that He took our place of punishment and we take His place as blessed forevermore. The only possible conclusion of such Bible teaching is the truth of the eternal security of the true believer, but Taylor's paraphrase allows all sorts of error to find support.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:9

KJV "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ."

TLB "You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus was."

Where is the authority for omitting the name Christ? Also love and kindness are not the same as grace. Christ is full of love and kindness, but that is not what this verse says. Taylor's paraphrase again renders God's Word effective.

1 TIMOTHY 2:5

KJV "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

TLB "That God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus Himself, man, is between them to bring them together by giving His life for all mankind."

This is not the same thought at all. The words are different and the thought is different. Taylor omits the entire last part of the verse and changes the rest.

1 TIMOTHY 3:16

KJV "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh."

TLB "It is quite true that the matter to live a godly life is not an easy matter, but the answer lies in Christ who came to earth as a man."

1 Timothy 3:16 is one of the clearest and most lovely witnesses to the deity of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, and the reading of the KJV is supported by the best testimony of manuscripts and ancient versions and writings. Yet Taylor ignores this wonderful testimony and makes it into something about how to live a godly life. The verse is not speaking of a godly life, but of the God Life, Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, the Triune Godhead.

If any reader desires evidence about the textual support for the KJV reading of 1 Timothy 3:16, we recommend the study entitled God Was Manifest in the Flesh. This is available from Way of Life Literature.

1 PETER 2:2

KJV "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."

TLB A footnote says: "An alternative paraphrase of these verses could read: `If you have tasted the Lord's goodness and kindness, cry for more, as a baby cries for milk. Eat God's Word--read it, think about it--and grow strong in the Lord and be saved'."

This alternate reading was the actual reading of the text in the early editions of the Living Bible. Taylor now puts it in a footnote, but he does not say it is wrong. Here Taylor twists a verse about Christian growth and confuses it with salvation. The result is a false gospel. Lost sinners don't grow in the Lord and become saved thereby, but are born again instantly through placing their faith upon Christ and His shed blood and death for their sins. We grow in salvation, not unto salvation. It certainly is no puzzle that ecumenical groups with their manifold false gospels love the Living Bible with its confusion about salvation.

1 PETER 3:21

KJV "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting off of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

TLB "(That, by the way, is what baptism pictures for us: In baptism we show that we have been saved from death and doom by the resurrection of Christ; not because our bodies are washed clean by the water, but because in being baptized we are turning to God and asking him to cleanse our hearts from sin.)"

The teaching of the verse is made clear by the accurate translation in the KJV. Baptism is only a figure, a picture, and does not in itself save us, but is the testimony that we have been saved--"the answer of a good conscience toward God."

If we compare Hebrews 9:14 we see that our sinful consciences can only be cleansed through the blood of Christ and turning away from dead works, meaning works we do in a vain attempt to make ourselves right with God. Thus 1 Peter 3:21 is a beautiful teaching about salvation and baptism and

fits perfectly with the teaching of the rest of the New Testament on these subjects. Salvation is obtained through repentance and faith in the resurrected Christ and His Cross-work for us. At baptism we give witness to the good conscience we have received when we were were saved, and by being immersed in the water we also draw a picture of the Gospel we have believed--Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

The Living Bible reading, though, teaches baptismal regeneration. Again we see a salvation passage so terribly twisted that it teaches a lie and not the truth.

REVELATION 6:17

KJV "For the great day of His wrath is come."

TLB "Because the great day of their anger is come and who can survive it?" Taylor changed this verse entirely as he did most of the Bible. The singular pronoun of the original text becomes plural in The Living Bible, thus making a great change in its meaning and interpretation.

In light of this brief survey of the Living Bible, it becomes obvious that it is not an reliable translation of the Word of God. How it can be called accurate by Christian leaders is beyond our understanding.

CHAPTER TWO

THE LIVING BIBLE'S POPULARITY

What Christian leaders have said about the Living Bible:

PAUL B. SMITH, THE PEOPLES CHURCH, TORONTO

"It is our hope that God will send in a sufficient amount beyond our present commitments so that we can make a substantial investment in the International Living Bible ministry. This will put the actual Word of God in the hands of ordinary people in a dozen different countries." <The Peoples Church, Toronto, Missionary Letter of April, 1976. Signed by Paul B. Smith.> "The Living Bible is the best paraphrase of the Scriptures that I have ever read. I use it regularly in my own study of the Word of God and a very large percentage of the people in The People's Church use it." <William F. Kerr, The Living Bible--Not Just Another Version.>

BILLY GRAHAM

"[The Living Bible] speaks the language of the hour ... I read with renewed interest the age-abiding truths of the Scriptures, as though they had come to me direct from the Lord ... I believe that these paraphrased epistles communicate the message of Christ to our generation." <"Living Letters," Modern Versions of the Bible (Halifax: Peoples Gospel Hour), pp. 11-12> "I read The Living Bible because in this book I have read the age-abiding truths of the scriptures with renewed interest and inspiration. The Living Bible communicates the message of Christ to our generation." <Charisma (Mar. 1991), p. 98.>

JAMES H. SMITH, FAMILY LIFE CENTER, DALLAS, TEXAS

"Sometimes I read my text in three or four translations, and I still come back to The Living Bible because of the magnificence of the way it just translates and flows." <Ibid. p. 52.>

HAROLD LINDSELL, FORMER EDITOR OF CHRISTIANITY TODAY

"The Living Bible has already demonstrated its usefulness in the Englishspeaking world. The goal of producing Living Bibles in another hundred of the major languages of the world is a worthy objective and a tremendous challenge." <God's Inspired Preserved Bible (Halifax: The Peoples Gospel Hour).>

JACK MCALISTER, WORLD LITERATURE CRUSADE

"Never before has the Bible been paraphrased with such simplicity in thought as in the Living Bible. ... I earnestly pray that millions

throughout the world will be able to read with ease and that many will come to know Christ as their Saviour through the ministry of Living Bibles International. <Ibid.>

HAROLD J. OCKENGA

"The Living Bible has proved that modern man will read the Bible in a translation which he can understand. I rejoice to see the Living Bible is being printed in other languages. This will lead countless people to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." <Ibid.>

BILL BRIGHT, CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST

"I would encourage Christians everywhere to support the printing and distribution of the Living Bible in every major language. It is truly the language of the people. The masses read it gladly and with great profit." <Charisma (May 1991).>

CURTIS VAUGHAN, SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST SEMINARY

"The Living Bible is one of the finest aids to Bible study that I have come across. I recommend it highly to Sunday School teachers and others who sincerely want to get at the meaning of the Scriptures." <William F. Kerr, The Living Bible--Not Just Another Version.>

F.F. BRUCE

"The strength of The Living Bible lies particularly in its ability to communicate to young people. Of course, I know that it is by no means children and young people only that appreciate the (Living Bible), but they are a class for which I have a special concern and I am glad that you have met their needs so effectively." <Ibid.>

VERNON GROUNDS, PRESIDENT, CONSERVATIVE BAPTIST SEMINARY

"Your translation (The Living Bible) helps people grasp the truth and perceive its relevance to their problems." <Ibid.>

BARRY MOORE, CRUSADE EVANGELISM INTERNATIONAL CANADA

"We recommend The Living Bible to scores who come to Christ in our Crusades. Its language conveys biblical truth to the contemporary mind." <Ibid.>

ROBERT SCHULLER

"I truly believe The Living Bible is one of the instruments our God is using to bring His Word into the hearts and lives of the people of this generation." <Kerr.>

J. TERRY YOUNG, NEW ORLEANS BAPTIST SEMINARY

"I am greatly impressed by your remarkable ability to capture the sense of

the Biblical writers in your strikingly clear paraphrase. The Living Bible will certainly make a tremendous contribution to the spiritual life of many who will use it either for devotional reading or serious study." <Ibid.>

YOUTH FOR CHRIST

Reach Out is "an illustrated edition of The Living New Testament as developed by the editors of Campus Life magazine, Youth for Christ International." <M.L. Moser, Jr., The Case Against the Living Bible (Little Rock: Challenge Press), p. 16.>

WORLD HOME BIBLE LEAGUE

The World Home Bible League works closely with Living Bibles International to distribute hundreds of thousands of copies of the Living Bible in English and other languages. For example, The World Home Bible League helped distribute a copy of a portion of the Living Bible to every person in the massive city of Calcutta, a plan called Project Calcutta. The goal was to distribute one million LB portions over a three-year period. <LBINFO, quarterly report of Living Bibles International, Aug. 1986, p. 5.> The World Home Bible League has committed itself to publishing 25 million copies of the Living Bible New Testament to schools in Brazil,as well as more than half a million copies of the Living Bible N.T. in the Philippine language of Tagalog. <LBINFO, May 1987.>

ROCHUNGA PUDAITE, BIBLES FOR THE WORLD

"The World Home Bible League is also working with the Living Bibles International to help sponsor the Living Bibles distributed by Rochunga Pudaite and his Bibles for the World." <Ruth A. Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Books, 1983), pp. 442-444.>

THOMAS ZIMMERMAN, RETIRED GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

"Providing God's Word in the language of the common man has been the goal of Living Bibles International since its inception. This worthwhile aim is of paramount importance today as the Church seeks to fulfill the Great Commission of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature. ... Living Bibles International performs a vital service to God's kingdom by providing His Word in easy-to-understand language." <Living Bibles International brochure enclosed with advertising letter of Jan. 30, 1987.>

JOHN JESS, CHAPEL OF THE AIR

"Dr. John Jess, whose radio ministry `The Chapel of the Air' is heard widely, is another `Evangelical' leader who defends and promotes perverted Bible translations. In a recently published booklet, he defends the Today's English Version (Good News for Modern Man) and goes all out to promote the Living Bible." <FEA News & Views (Sept.-Oct. 1976).>

PAT ROBERTSON, 700 CLUB AND CBN

"Through the cooperation of the Japanese branch of Living Bibles International, CBN [Christian Broadcasting Network] was able to produce a beautiful series of animated Bible stories that are seen on television each week by 8 million Japanese people. We are profoundly grateful to Ken Taylor and his dedicated staff for their selfless work in world missions." <Living Bibles International brochure enclosed with advertising letter of Jan. 30, 1987.>

CHARLES SWINDOLL

"The Living Bible is like a stream of sparkling water wandering across life's arid landscape: intriguing, refreshing, nourishing, comforting. My thirsty soul is often satisfied by this invigorating wellspring." <Charisma (Dec. 1990), p. 5.>

LUIS PALAU

"Throughout the world, there is a need for clear and understandable Scriptures. That is why I am sold on the work of Living Bibles International and the kind of Scriptures they are producing. ... The beauty of the Spanish and Portuguese Living Translations, produced by Living Bibles International, is that they are not only good translations, trustworthy in content, but also serve as mini-Bible commentaries." <Luis Palau, speech given in 1987 in Kenya at the 3rd Living Bibles International Council, Front Line, Living Bibles International, Volume 3, No. 1, 1988, pp. 1,8.>

JONI EARECKSON TADA

"The Living Bible is like enjoying a casual, upclose and personal letter from a friend. I use it often when I just want to lay back and relax in God's Word." <Charisma (Nov. 1990).>

JERRY FALWELL

"The Living Bible has ministered to me personally every morning for many years. There is no way I can measure the spiritual contribution The Living Bible has made to my ministry." <Charisma (Dec. 1990), p. 5.>

CHAPTER THREE

THE LIVING BIBLE'S SUPPOSED ACCURACY

It should be obvious by now that the Living Bible is not something which can be ignored. With these and so many other key Christian leaders and groups recommending it, the Living Bible is taken seriously by multitudes.

Even more frightful is the fact that the Living Bible is not considered merely a paraphrase to be used alongside of a standard study Bible. Together with the Today's English Version, the Living Bible is upheld as one of the best examples of accurate Bible translation!

Many have commented to me that we should not worry too much about the Living Bible because it is "only a paraphrase." This simply is not true.

Kenneth Taylor himself claimed that the Living Bible is more accurate than a "literal translation." Consider Taylor's own claims as well as those of other professional translators and Christian leaders:

"In an interview with Mr. J.L. Fear published in Evangelism Today in December 1972, the translator, Mr. K.N. Taylor, introduces his work as `a paraphrase--a thought for thought translation,' in which `we take the original thought and convert it into the language of today.' IN THIS WAY, HE SAID, `WE CAN BE MUCH MORE ACCURATE THAN THE VERBAL TRANSLATION ... Once you get the real meaning of the Scriptures, they are life-transforming ... I felt such a thrill at my own privilege of stripping away some of the verbiage ... being a co-worker with God in that respect ... I flipped open my Bible and began to experiment with this new method of translation." <The Living Bible (London: Trinitarian Bible Society), p. 1.>

"The Living Bible has become a model for translations throughout the world where Bible translators are striving to present the Bible in the language of the members of specific ethnic-linguistic groups." <Dr. Marvin K. Mayers. Professor of Anthropology, Wheaton College, quoted by William F. Kerr, The Living Bible--Not Just Another Version, p. 42.>

"In my opinion, The Living Bible is the best on the market. That is why we are so anxious to put (it) into the hands of all those making decisions for Christ." <Bill Glass, Bill Glass Evangelistic Association, The Living Bible--Not Just Another Version.>

"A paraphrase is capable of far greater accuracy than a translation forced to be literal. Take The Living Bible for example, instead of quarrelling about this or that verse, let's admit the method of translation is superior. Just ask the professional translator!" <Dr. Ralph Winter, Fuller Theological Seminary, The Living Bible--Not Just Another Version.>

"Many Bible translations currently available in the world's major languages were done many years ago and do not communicate the gospel message clearly to the average person. The Living Bible is the most readable and the most natural English translation available. The fast-growing ministry of Living Bibles International is worthy of the prayer support of all of us." <John Beekman, Corporation Translation Coordinator, Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Living Bible--Not Just Another Version.>

"Before me lies a copy of the book entitled The Living Bible, Paraphrased. It is interesting to note, however, that in relation to the various editions of this Bible the word `paraphrased' is not always used. The Children's Edition is simply called The Living Bible. It carries a letter written by Kenneth Taylor which says: `Dear Young Friends: ... Now that you have received this beautiful new Bible ... this Bible is written in easy words.'" <The Living Bible Paraphrased: A Review (Halifax: The Peoples Gospel Hour), p. 1.>

"On the cover of The Way, the illustrated Catholic Edition, only the words The Living Bible are to be found." [There is no mention that it is a paraphrase.] <The Living Bible Paraphrased: A Review.>

"Of The Living Bible Tyndale's Eight Translation New Testament says, `The Living Bible: Widely praised for its easy readability by all ages. [It is] accurate and fluent. One of the largest selling editions of the Bible ever published, this paraphrase communicates the Lord's message to our generation,' says Billy Graham." <Ibid.>

"When the Living Bible was first released to the public there was quite a controversy over whether it was the `real' Bible. During the past 15 years, Bible translation as a technical profession has clearly defined paraphrasing as a legitimate type of translation. ... As a result of education and more understanding the general public has basically dropped the hangups of the 70s about paraphrasing. There will always remain a few who are unbending, but the Living Bible continues to enjoy wide acceptance for what it is intended to be. <Donna Birkey, Associate Director, Living Bibles International, Letter, April 17, 1986.>

"Living Bibles International has been greatly used of God to bring fresh and vibrant translations of God's Word to many major languages, and to point countless people to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World." <Billy Graham, Living Bibles International brochure enclosed with advertising letter of Jan. 30, 1987.>

"I would encourage Christians everywhere to support the worldwide printing and distribution work of Living Bibles International. Living New Testaments and Living Bibles are truly translations in the languages of the people. The masses read them gladly and with great profit." <Bill Bright, Living Bibles International brochure enclosed with advertising letter of Jan 30, 1987.>

"Throughout the world, there is a need for clear and understandable Scriptures. That is why I am sold on the work of Living Bibles International and the kind of Scriptures they are producing. ... The beauty of the Spanish and Portuguese Living Translations, produced by Living Bibles International, is that they are not only good translations, trustworthy in content, but also serve as mini-Bible commentaries." <Luis Palau, Evangelist, Front Line, Living Bibles International, Volume 3, No. 1, 1988, p. 8.>

It should be clear from these quotations that the Living Bible is not considered merely a paraphrase or a commentary on the Bible. It is considered by many to be an accurate Bible--more accurate, in fact, than a so-called literal translation. The Living Bible is considered to be Holy Scripture. But that it is not!

CHAPTER FOUR

THE LIVING BIBLE'S VAST SALES

The Living Bible has sold an amazing number of copies since its publication and struggling beginning. Consider just a few of the statistics which could be given of its numerical influence around the world.

"Over 36 million copies of the Living Bible in all editions have been sold." <Charisma (Dec. 1990), p. 5.>

NEW YORK -- A 1,285-page paraphrase of the Bible has sold more than 1 million copies since last August and by this summer, 1 million more will have rolled off the presses. The Book, as it is called, is being backed by a $10 million advertising campaign, the single largest promotion in the history of book publishing. The Book is merely a new name for The Living Bible ... "It's the best-selling Bible we have ever had," said Dara Tyson of Waldenbooks, the nationwide book chain. "It has been selling like a best-selling novel." <Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Mar. 20, 1985).>

In a British and Foreign Bible Society order form for July 1 to December 31, 1987, a majority of the Bibles listed were paraphrases: 72 were Good News for Modern Man (TEV) [this does not include the 200 or more TEV portions for children and other special groups], 11 were Living Bibles, and one was the Phillips' translation. Only 34 were the KJV.

CHAPTER FIVE

THE LIVING BIBLE'S WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION

Living Bibles International is working diligently to spread its corrupted Bibles throughout the world.

With the money from the phenomenal sales of Living Bibles in the West, and with the gifts of Christians who think they are supporting a worthy cause, Kenneth Taylor formed Living Bibles International with the following goal:

"Dr. Kenneth Taylor and Dr. Victor Oliver of Living Bibles International announced `a plan to reach 90% of the world's population with understandable scriptures by 1992.' The new translations would take the thought of the original and translate it into the same thought in the new language." <The Flaming Torch (May-June, 1983), p. 11.>

"The phenomenal acceptance of the English Living Bible in the United States led its translator, Dr. Kenneth Taylor, to recognize the great need for understandable Scriptures in other world languages as well. To help meet this need, Dr. Taylor founded Living Bibles International in 1968. Today, LBI is working with Christian nationals in more than 100 languages, with distribution programs throughout the world. To date, more than 30 million Scriptures and Scripture portions have been distributed." <Front Line Communique, Living Bibles International( Vol. 1, Num. 3, 1987).>

CHAPTER SIX

THE LIVING BIBLE AND BILLY GRAHAM

How did the Living Bible gain such great popularity so quickly?

The Living Bible was first produced in the form of portions of the New Testament which Kenneth Taylor called The Living Letters. In 1962 he printed 2,000 copies of his paraphrase of Paul's epistles, and attempted to sell them on his own, but he got nowhere. He even rented a booth at a meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters, but he sold only 800 copies. There was very little interest.

It was not until Billy Graham took a sudden interest in Taylor's paraphrase that The Living Bible caught on like wildfire. Someone sent a copy of the Living Letters to Graham as he was recuperating from an operation in

Hawaii, and he was so impressed by them that he printed 50,000 copies to use on his telecasts. That was the beginning of an avalanche of orders.

"The Living Bible might be called `The Billy Graham Bible,' for it was he who made it the success that it is. According to Time magazine, July 24, 1972, Billy Graham ordered 50,000 copies of the Epistles, and a short time later ordered some 450,000 more, and still later ordered 600,000 special paperback versions for his autumn television crusade in 1972. From that time on, orders began to pour in." <M.L. Moser, Jr., The Case Against the Living Bible (Little Rock: Challenge Press), p. 9.>

That was only the beginning of Graham's love affair with the Living Bible. At Amsterdam '86, Graham allowed Living Bibles International to distribute free copies of the Living Bible in 40 different languages to the 8,000 evangelists in attendance. <Light of Life (India, Sept. 1986), p. 23.> On the cover were stamped the words, "Amsterdam '86 - Living Bible Edition The Holy Bible." The Introduction to the Living Bibles distributed in Amsterdam was written by Graham, and he called it "this edition of the Scriptures."

Graham distributed 10,000 copies of the Living Bible to people who attended his Mission England Crusade. <Australian Beacon (No. 241, Aug. 1986).>

In 1987, Graham appeared in television ads for The Book, a condensed version of the Living Bible. He said it "reads like a novel."

Someone might be wondering how Graham could promote such a corrupted version of Scripture. Sadly, Billy Graham has been responsible for making many things popular which have been harmful to God's people.

He popularized the pentecostal movement and some of that movement's worst charlatans. As far back as the early 1960s Graham was speaking at meetings of the Full Gospel Business Mens' Fellowship International [FGBMFI]. I have a copy of a 1964 edition of the FGBMFI Voice magazine with Billy Graham featured on the cover. It was Graham who brought Oral Roberts into the mainstream of evangelical sympathy. He invited Oral to the World Congress on Evangelism sponsored by Christianity Today magazine in Berlin in late 1966, then spoke at the dedication ceremony of Oral Roberts University in April 1967. In 1987, Graham sent his blessing and greetings to the North American Congress on the Holy Spirit and World Evangelization, a massive charismatic ecumenical conference. Half of the 40,000 attendees were Roman Catholic, yet Graham said this: "I thank God for the vital role that your movement is having in bringing about a spiritual awakening in this country. ... May God bless you all!"

Graham also popularized the liberal Revised Standard Version which was produced by the apostate National Council of Churches of America. He advertised it in his crusades and recommended it highly. The RSV is the product of frightfully modernistic theology. Many of those who worked on this version denied Christ's virgin birth, deity, and bodily resurrection, as well as most of the Bible's miracles. For an enlightening look at the Revised Standard Version, we would draw your attention to the author's book Unholy Hands on God's Holy Book, available from Way of Life Literature.

Graham was one of the first evangelical leaders to fellowship closely with Roman Catholicism, turning over decision cards from his evangelistic meetings to the Catholic church as early as the mid-1950s, visiting the pope of Rome at least two times for counsel, and receiving an honorary degree from a Roman Catholic institution in North Carolina.

Graham also opened wide his arms toward the radical World Council of Churches and has spoken at many of their assembly meetings. In fact he has spoken at four of their six general assemblies.

In light of these facts, it is not a surprise that Billy Graham should be found in the center of promoting the Living Bible perversion, but it is sad to see a man so out-of-tune with God that he cannot discern truth from error, yet is considered by multitudes to be one of the greatest Christian leaders alive.

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE LIVING BIBLE AND ECUMENISM

The Living Bible is an ecumenical Bible. It has brought together Evangelicals and Modernists, Roman Catholics and Greek Orthodox, Charismatics and High Churchers.

The following quotes will prove our contention that the Living Bible has become a very important instrument of ecumenism.

There are many kinds of glue which hold the extraordinarily diverse ecumenical movement together. One glue is social work. Another ecumenical glue is prayer. Ecumenists have used things such as the International Day of Prayer to promote their inclusive goals. Another glue is the charismatic movement. Pentecostal experiences have become the common bond to draw together every sort of denomination and group. Another ecumenical glue is evangelism. Ecumenists and Catholics are using even evangelism as a tool for promoting inclusivism.

Another ecumenical glue is apostate Bibles. Versions such as the Living Bible and the Today's English Version are excellent glues for ecumenism. They are too weak and corrupted to offend anyone, including the devil. The shallowness of these versions also encourages the careless attitude toward doctrine which prevails among ecumenists. Yes, these paraphrases make excellent ecumenical drawing cards.

Consider the following reports which show the role of the Living Bible in the unscriptural ecumenical movement:

"The Roman Catholic Church is going for The Living Bible. Dr. Kenneth Taylor reports in Eternity for April 1973, that there are now over 7 million copies of The Living Bible in print. He stated in an interview that Catholics and Mormons are going for it big. He says: `Yes, a number of Catholic schools are using the Reach Out edition of the New Testament in their religious courses. But we feel that most of the Roman Catholic market is unaware of The Living Bible, so this will be one of our main efforts this year, to make them aware of it. One of our men just got back from a West Coast conference with more than 10,000 priests and nuns in attendance. We had a booth and many were interested. The Mormons are also beginning to pick it up. In fact, I don't think there are major denominations or groups that are opposing it.'" <M.L. Moser, Jr., The Case Against the Living Bible (Little Rock: Challenge Press), p. 6.>

"The Gujerati Living New Testament, released in January of 1985, marks the tenth major Indian language to have its own translation of the Living Bible. ... The release ceremony was attended by leaders of the Church of North India (a very liberal Anglican and Presbyterian merger), Catholic, Baptist and Pentecostal churches." <EP News Service (Mar. 22, 1985), p. 10.>

"Most significant is the introduction--by a Roman Catholic priest--to The Way, the Roman Catholic edition of The Living Bible. Concerning The Living Bible, which he heartily recommends, the priest states: `This present volume departs radically from (the) history of Scriptural translations ... Perhaps more than other translations, this translation cannot be used as a basis for doctrinal or traditional disputes. More than other English versions of the Bible, this one freely departs from a literal translation from the original languages. ... We caution those who wish to engage in theological disputes not to use this volume.'" <David Engelsma, Modern Bible Versions (South Holland Protestant Reformed Church), p. 13.>

"The Nepali LNT [Living New Testament was released by] the Living Bibles of India on the evening of 5th July 1984 at the Church of North India Local Church, St. Columba, Darjeeling. ... Besides the CNI and the Roman Catholic Church leaders, representatives from every denomination from the Nepali Christian world had gathered for this solemn occasion." <Reported by the S.K. Moral, Co-ordinator, Nepali department, Living Bibles International.>

"In response to questions about production and distribution of the new Bibles, Dr. [Victor] Oliver of Living Bibles International used the Italian version of the Living Bible as an example, boasting that it was printed on the Vatican Press and distributed in Italy by a Catholic lay group." <The Flaming Torch (May-June, 1983) p. 11.>

"This issue of Thought for Thought is devoted to the testimonies of people from all parts of the world transformed by the power of God's Living Word. ... Take a Catholic priest (Don Carlo, Italy) ... born again through contacts with Campus Crusade ... equipped with the Italian Living New Testament ... and Italy has got a `mover and shaker' on its hands. ... When Don Carlo first saw the Italian Living New Testament, he exclaimed, `This is what we've been waiting for!' He was instrumental in helping LBI with initial distribution efforts and insuring acceptance of the Living translation first published in 1981." <Thought for Thought (Vol. 3 No. 2, 1982), pp. 2,6,7.>

If this priest is truly born again, why has he remained in the abominable Roman Catholic priesthood instead of disowning his unscriptural priestly vows and separating himself from error as God's Word commands? This shows the root problem in the widespread acceptance of the wretched Living Bible. So many of those who claim to be born again today are, for the most part, a confused, rebellious crowd, who do not have enough spiritual discernment to know a true Bible from a counterfeit.

I believe it is important to note that the King James Bible does not promote ecumenism. You simply won't find the KJV favored in ecumenical circles. We are convinced that this is because it is a pure translation of the preserved Word of God. As such, it is "sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).

The pure Word of God reveals the error of ecumenism. God's Word calls for separation from error, not affiliation with it. For this reason ecumenists prefer watered down Bibles which don't speak with a plain, dogmatic voice.

We urge our readers to avoid the Living Bible and to be careful not to give money to support its distribution. As we have seen, many popular evangelical organizations support and distribute it, often without saying they are standing behind a paraphrase. Be careful that you do not support its distribution unawares. For those who desire to support faithful Bible publishing work, we recommend the following organizations:

Bearing Precious Seed, First Baptist Church, 745 Center Street, Milford, OH 45150
Trinitarian Bible Society, 39 Caldwell Crescent, Brampton, Ontario L6W 1A2, Canada
Russian Bible Society, 159 Davenport Road, Asheville, NC 28806