The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Should we add anything to the Bible?
I have a lot of Bibles. Occupational hazard. I have my "marrying" Bible, which was a gift from my Aunt Faye, Uncle L.M., Aunt Gloria and Uncle Willard. It's the Bible I use when I marry people. I have my "preaching" Bible, the one I use to hold my notes on Sunday (confession - I don't read directly from this Bible. I have to print the passages in large, bold print to see them clearly). I have a large-print Bible I use in sermon preparation. I have my "funeral" Bible, which has paper clips marking passages I use at the cemetery. I have my personal Bible, which I read at home. I have a treasured ordination Bible, given to me 42 years ago when I was ordained to gospel ministry by New Hope Baptist Church. In addition to these, I have my Greek New Testament and my Hebrew Bible, which reveal deep truths when I translate the scriptures from the original languages. Plus, I have about a dozen or more different translations that have been given to me through the years, usually by people who want to buy a translation in bulk and distribute them to our congregation. I really don't need any more Bibles.
I grew up in an era when the King James Version was the standard. In college, we argued over which translation of the Bible was the best. I will never forget asking that question to the president of the American Bible Society, Dr. Eugene Nida. His memorable answer: "The best translation of the Bible is the one you will read." I was humbled that day and have repeated his answer many times over the course of my pastoral career. The King James Version is unmatched for its majestic use of English.
For readability, I like the New International Version. One of my professors was on the translation team for the Old Testament. When I read certain passages, I think I can see his hand at work. Every translation has strengths and weaknesses, but all of them present the clear message that Jesus was sent by God, died for our sins, rose on the third day and now offers us forgiveness and grace.
Recently, I heard of versions that are adding material to the Bible. This is not anything new. Throughout the centuries, people have sought to include or exclude material in the Bible. In recent times, there was the "Jesus Seminar" that voted on whether passages in the Gospels were authentic or not. Scholars would vote to exclude some stories and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels that were thought to be later additions. To do this, the scholars trusted their own wisdom, not the wisdom of thousands who studied the Bible long before they were born.
On the other side of the coin, some preachers I know focus on their favorite passage and their favorite interpretation of that passage, to the exclusion of other scripture. Paul declared to the elders of the Ephesus church that He "did not hesitate to preach the whole counsel of God." To preach or teach part of scripture and ignore other parts is another way of asserting our authority over God.
The versions I recently heard about have included observations from American thinkers like William Penn, John Quincy Adams, Harriett Beecher Stowe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Another version includes the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance. This makes me uncomfortable because of a passage in the book of Revelation. John, inspired by God, wrote these words: "18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." - Revelation 22:18-19. Most conservative scholars agree that John's words do not just apply to Revelation, but to the entire Bible. The Bible is not under our control; we do not get to add to it or take away from it.
I heard an old man once say, "I believe every word of the Bible, from 'Genuine Moroccan Leather' to the maps." I appreciate the sentiment, but I am pretty sure "Genuine Moroccan Leather" is not part of God's revelation.
I believe with all my soul the words of the Apostle Paul: "All scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Bible, as it stands, is sufficient to lead me in the way I should go. I need to study it so I might know the ways, the values and the truth of God.
Join me, and let's read the Bible, pray for the Spirit to guide us, and do our best to be "Doers of the Word, not hearers only."
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith is the lead pastor of Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter. Email him at claysmith@adbc.org.