With so many versions of the bible (and Christianity,) how can I know which one is the right one?

Question

I've been raised as a Baptist, and lately I've been wondering what it is that defines me as a "Baptist." I started looking through many different versions of the bible and talking to people associated with different denominations, but I can't figure out why exactly there are so many different "brands" of Christianity. I realize that most denominations all have the same, overarching goal in mind but everyone seems to be going about it their own way. The Bible is supposed to be God's word as written by man, but there are over 200 versions of it! Who's right? What's the best way to strive for God's grace? I've resigned to searching for the right way within myself, but I haven't made any real progress on where to go with religion. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

This is a question almost every self-respecting Christian should be asking themselves at some point or another - of only because it shows you are thinking and searching for the truth! The answer lies in the wonderful realisation that in God's overall purpose there is a wonderful realisation that there is space for all of us! God welcomes diversity - not uniformity. He has huge wide open arms which welcome differences of opinion, which welcome divergent thoughts and which welcome every one of us - regardless of the ways in which we might feel most comfortable worshiping Him and praying to Him and living out our lives according to His purpose for us - individually. I do believe that the Bible is God's inspired word - but our experience of that word changes over time - and so our understanding of His word for our lives today will be different to what it was for, by example, Moses, or Job, or James or Peter or....! The monk who lives in a monestary on a far away hill will experience a different life with God when compared to the tele-evangelist who feels called to a life of evnagelism. People will also change as their callings lead them through different walks with God and so do't be too purturbed about seeking out a particular "version" as the "right" version. Choose a version of the Bible which is right for you, perhaps try reading a couple together. Personally I read "The Message" on a daily basis but I also use a study Bible when I want to undestand something more deeply. Some people find great comfort in a church which offers a style of worship which is traditional and full of lots of symbols - thats ok for them if this enables them to worship God and hear His message there. If you prefer something more contemporary - with guitars and drums and lots of clapping - thats ok too! God just wants you to be in a place where you can approach Him and hear Him and worship Him. There are many cars on the highways and byways and so there are many ways of worshiping a truly accommodating God. Anyone who tells you there is only one way has missed the mark - God created us diversely and He wants us to celebrate that, not curtail it!

Your journey with God will always be an exploratory one and that is the most exciting part of it all - you may even find you change your own style from time to time - just make sure you are where God wants you to be. Listen to Him more and a little less to what others are telling you - feel your way through the journey of life not with fear and trepidation but with a sense of knwoing that wherever you are in your journey, God will be there too.

Answer 2

There are many different denominations but the all believe in the same Bible. The only time it starts to get weird is when it's Jehovahs witnesses or mormon. They have actually changed or added to the bible. Other denominations are the same some just may be more reserved than others. The bible warns to stay away from new age type things also. I've never heard that there are 200 different versions of the bible. There are different translations, but they have been gone over and over by hundreds of people to make sure that the meaning stays the same. They have just been put into English that is easier to understand. The New International Version (NIV), and New King James are the translations that I prefer. The Amplified version is good if there is a scripture that is really unclear. Really though, pray and ask God. He will show you truth.

Answer 3

When I was in college ii started a search for the "right church". I had been raised a protestant but had an obvious "Catholic Name". I was disappointed at the cool reception I got from most denominations. Little did I know then that there were so many different denominations in the world. At last count there were 33,820 separate and distinct Christian denominations* in the world. I never stopped practicing the moral and ethical precepts I had been taught but decided as you have to go it alone.

I had read much of the Bible as a child of 11 or 12 and didn't like it. I have studied much more of it since. I still don't like it but it has some good advice. One passage you may like is Matthew 6: 3-8 RSV and KJV, which states that one should not make a show of their faith but go into ones closet to pray in secret not in a church.

Answer 4

For the Bible part of the question, make sure you are reading a translation and not a version. A translation is word for word translation, while a version is just that-someone's version of what it says.

As for the search for what is truth, if you believe the Bible to be true, look for a religion that uses the Bible as it's standard and not only preaches, but practices, what the Bible says. It is a quest we all must make on our own.

Proverbs 3: 5, 6 tells us that we can't lean on our own understanding. Pray for help to understand and then do your own studying and research. Proverbs 3:13-18 tells us it is like hid treasure but if we seek for it we will have life.

Answer 5

Jesus seminar replaced right into a comedian tale. Their view of Jesus stems from their own philosophy. the unique writings are inspired. there's no such factor as an inspired translation. If all of us spoke Greek there could be no choose for translations. All Christian bibles have 4 gospels. so which you ought to be greater precise and learn the information to hand with the aid of fact in case you won't be able to even get that straightforward factor actual how can the rest you're saying be depended on? i could communicate concerning the Deuterocanonicals yet Fr. has already finished so and that i do no longer prefer to waste my time. God bless.

Answer 6

Well, the Apostle Peter was called simon. Jesus called Simon Peter which means Rock and Jesus said Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail agains it....So where is the Rock or the Body of Peter at ? actually was found under the Cathoolic church or something like that. So the Catholics were the first organised group, right. long time later, they split, the Catholic church and the split church. well the Catholic church has remained the Catholic church every since. but the split church has split and then split and each splitting would split and so on and so forth. Why ? "The smart man build his house upon Rock that will withstand the elements while the fool builds his house upon sand and once the storm (or whatever) comes it will fall and everything will be lost. So I ask you , honestly.. Which church has lasted throughout time (it has had its problems as all churches have) ? Then that would be the one I would look into but with an open mind to learn and put it to the test.

Answer 7

The essentials define one as a Christian.Jesus was God the son from all eternity.He took on human flesh,died and was buried and was raised on the 3rd day.He took our sins and was virgin born.That's the Gospel .Everything else can be debated somewhat.What day to go to church.How to be baptised,whether to raise your hands or sit stoically,etc etc.
Basically if you believe the Apostles Creed ,your a Christian.
The King James is a fine version.but the NIV is OK,and the Living Bible is good too.They all say the same thing.Only the cults(Jehovah witlesses,and Mormons )change what the bBible says and I will add 7th day Adventists bad teaching of end times and legalism.

Answer 8

I use the NIV or Children's Bible as it is easy to understand for me. There is so many versions of the Bible as people like to read different versions of the Bible. If you have trouble understanding a certain version of the Bible like King James version or whatever it is then try The Message Bible as it puts the Bible into language of today so you can understand it better. Check out The Message Bible real soon.

Answer 9

The only title you need to wear in life is the title of Christian if you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior. Stick with the KJV bible. It sticks with the true word of God.

All those "new versions" easier to understand " versions are created for the sole purpose of creating and applying for new patents on them. It all a gimic to make money. It dilutes the pure word of God and turns it into the word of man. All those different versions are confusing, and who is the author of confusion, none other than satan himself.

All those versions are like this... Take a glass of pure water, then slowly add viginar to it. Eventually the water is no longer pure water, but diluted vinigar and no longer looks or tastes or resembles its' original form of pure water. The same goes for the word of God.. The new wordings do not have the same meanings today that they did back then when it was orginally written.

Answer 10

They all have the same message in them. The JWs have altered the meaning a little in their version.

If you are born of God, then you have the seal of the Holy Spirit who will guide you in the Holy Bible.

I had many struggles when I was first recommitted to God. The Mormons & JWs confused me. So, I purchased a Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT) bible words for the King James version. The oldest bible of the OT is in Hebrew & the oldest bible of the NT is in Greek.

The different versions is written for different reading comprehension easier for different people.

The King James with a Strongs is the best for me.