RIGHT AND WRONG WAYS TO USE THE BIBLE

by J. Carter Swaim ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1953

The publication of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible has awakened new interest in the reading and interpretation of the Bible. Some Christians have been greatly disturbed by the changes made in the new translation; some have even gone so far as to accuse the translators of a deliberate attempt to undermine the Christian faith and promote communism. Against the background of this discussion Dr. Swaim's book is most timely. He is at pains to outline the many ways in which the reading of the Bible has been misused and abused. It has been quoted as an authority for all sorts of political, economic, ethical and religious views, many of them quite contradictory to one another. It has been used as a fetish, accorded magical, powers, set up as an idol. Often no account has been taken of the differences in the meaning of words in the original text, and in the various English translations, nor of the setting in which the words and phrases appear. Christian leaders often find that criticism and opposition to their ministry, or misconceptions concerning the nature of Christianity are based on a wrong use of Scripture, and buttressed by arguments beginning ""The Bible says...."" This is a book which will help a Protestant church leader to meet such situations, and to lead his people to a proper use of the Bible.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1953

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Westminster Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1953

Categories: NONFICTION