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(More customer reviews)D. A. Carson's primary purpose in writing The King James Debate: A Plea for Realism is to refute those who advocate the superiority of the Greek textual tradition behind the King James Version of the Bible. As a consequence, his effort has produced a wonderful primer on textual criticism. The book is divided into two parts: Textual Question and Nontextual Questions. Carson makes every effort to treat the position of his opponents with respect although it is quite evident their position frustrates and even angers him.
The first six chapters are dedicated to surveying the different text-types and their historical traditions. He gives his readers a succinct overview of very complex issues regarding the rise of the four major textual traditions (Byzantine, Western, Alexandrian and Caesarean) and briefly discusses their strengths and weaknesses. Carson also navigates the thorny issue of how variations between these text-types developed.
Carson briefly discusses the origins of the Textus Receptus (TR) and makes the case that the TR is based upon the inferior and late Byzantine text-type. He traces the history of the TR through Erasmus's Greek Testament. He affirms that the KJV translators used the best manuscripts available to them at the time, but subsequent discoveries cast doubt upon the accuracy of the Byzantine text-type vis-à-vis the other traditions. In Chapter 7, Carson methodically summarizes the reasons why the TR is an inferior textual tradition.
Part Two deals with what Carson calls "Nontextual Issues." In actuality, this major division addresses Carson's thoughts on translating scripture. He deals with seven popular arguments some uses to support the superiority of the KJV translation over other modern English translations. Carson respects those who have a deep personal and emotional commitment to the KJV but has harsh words for those who use historically and scholarly fallacious methods to claim KJV superiority over other modern translations. He points out that the KJV is quickly falling out of favor because the Elizabethan English is obscure, confusing and sometime incomprehensible.
Carson includes a lengthy appendix presenting a critique of the book "The Identity of the New Testament Text" by Wilbur N. Pickering. Pickering's thesis is that eclecticism is not a method to be trusted. Pickering objects to the concept of text-typing and supports the majority reading approach to determining the most accurate text. Carson refutes Pickering on eight points. Many of these points refer back to his 14 theses in chapter seven.
D. A. Carson's point-by-point analysis and refutation of the "King James-only" element in American Christianity should be required reading as an introduction to textual criticism. The book is also helpful for anyone entering the pastoral ministry. Carson thoroughly and forcefully presents both sides of the issue with more respect than his interlocutors provide him.
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