09/13/25 ESV LEANING

09/13/25 ESV LEANING

I use a variety of translations (not including those which are obviously counter-Christian "versions," such as the New World Translation)

I use a variety of Bible Commentaries, written by men from varying Christian camps, but I don't use them blindly.

I use a variety of reputable and Christian based word studies, linguistic studies, historical studies, cultural studies, while keeping in mind that scholars can also differ.

The subject of translation is fraught with questions, problems, intentions. I don't know of any absolutely perfect translation. Therefore, I study the best translations and seek insights from the best Biblical scholars concerning the linguistics, culture, times, which are related to the Biblical writings.

I favor KJV, NASB (especially 77), NKJV (while recognizing their errors and weaknesses). All translations need to be checked and compared with the best and most consistent documents of the New and Old Testament record and examined in the light of the original languages.

The English Standard Version is touted by some to be the best literal translation, but I have seen some disturbing weaknesses. We should be careful with every translation, but we are at least forewarned that this translation is "Reformed-leaning." This means that it is biased toward Reformed Theology, which is very close to Calvinistic Theology, as attested by this REVIEW. Sadly, Reformed and Calvinistic Theology are not far enough removed From Roman Catholic Theology.

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"CONSERVATIVE, REFORMED-LEANING
The ESV Study Bible was created by a team of 95 evangelical scholars and pastors. The theological perspective is consistently Conservative and Reformed-leaning, and rooted in a high view of Scripture"